Plassey Shipwreck

Plassey Shipwreck
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Plassey Shipwreck photo 1
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About

The rust-orange hulk of a 1960 cargo ship, thrown ashore by Atlantic storms on Inis Oírr's rocky eastern tip and now famous as the wreck in Father Ted's opening credits.

Things to Do

See the rusting hulk up close

The MV Plassey's corroded steel hull lies on the stony eastern shore, weathered to a deep coppery orange. Walk around it, but do not climb on or into it - the plating is unsound.

See the rusting hulk up close

Walk or cycle out from the pier

Turn left at the end of the ferry pier and follow the coast road east - about 45 minutes on foot or a 10-minute cycle. Bikes, pony-and-traps and minibus tours are hired at the pier.

Walk or cycle out from the pier

Father Ted pilgrimage

The wreck appears in the opening titles of every Father Ted episode, making it one of the island's most photographed spots. Village pub Tigh Ned displays photographs of the 1960 rescue.

Atlantic viewpoints

The eastern tip gives a vantage point over Galway Bay towards the Clare coast and the Cliffs of Moher. The road out also passes Loch Mór, the island's only freshwater lake.

Make it a full island day

Pair the wreck with O'Brien's Castle, the sunken church Teampall Chaomháin, Cnoc Raithní and the white-sand beach (lifeguarded in summer). Inis Oírr is small and car-free.

Plan Your Visit

  • Hours: Open at all times - there is no gate or ticket; the wreck sits on open shoreline.
  • Admission: Free - no ticket, no gate
  • Parking: Not applicable at the wreck: Inis Oírr is car-free and crossed on foot. Leave vehicles at the mainland ferry ports (Doolin or Rossaveal).
  • Food: A small stand near the site sometimes sells refreshments and souvenirs in season, but don't rely on it. The island village has pubs, cafes and a hotel restaurant, including Tigh Ned, Ostan Inis Oirr, Teach an Tae and The Seaweed Cafe.

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