Toraigh

Archaeological remains tell us that people lived on the island as far back as the Iron Age. It was home to Balor na Súile Nimhe (Balor of the Evil Eye), according to tradition, and it is closely associated with the story of Colm Cille. He is reputed to have established a monastery on the island in the 6th century and, today, a bell tower and Christian relics from the early Middle Ages still exist on Toraigh.

Modern Toraigh is a strong Gaeltacht community, noted for its storytelling and singing traditions. Fishing and the Atlantic ocean are central to island life while tourism and the arts are also important to the community.

Oideas Gael has offered a unique cultural course for advanced speakers of Irish on the island since 2015. All Oideas Gael courses are in Gleann Cholm Cille except when indicated otherwise in the course calendar.