During lockdown, we walked the raised beaches that encircle the island, telling Lismore’s story as we walked. The site is now more than raised beaches, but that was the start.
The island is said to have been called Lios Mòr by St Moluag, who landed at Port Moluag from Ireland in the sixth century CE, to establish what was later to become the epicentre of the Christian church in Argyll. It is also said that Lios Mòr means the great garden. It certainly means the great something, enclosure maybe. Garden suits fine, as the fertility is rampant.
Lismore is uniquely limestone and, before it was grazed by sheep, it was one of the granaries of the West Highlands. It is rich in many ways, but the greatest richness is the people. Our small community is energetic, creative and resourceful; enterprises spring up and have always done so. The box opposite will connect you to everything going on here. By simply clicking on anything in this list you are discovering what today’s island is about.
To offer just one example: in 1994 four amazing Liosaich (people from Lismore) began to rescue the Gaelic language and culture and create the Comann Eachdraidh Lios Mòr. The result of their vision is a thriving heritage centre, Ionad Naomh Moluag, with a reconstructed cottar’s cottage, a museum, a library, a cafe and a shop. A must visit.
When I moved to Lismore in 1990 I used to see people coming off the ferry, wondering where to start. That gave rise to Explore Appin and Lismore, paper guides with heritage, still available in the Museum shop. Walk Lismore continues this way of seeing the island. In addition, these days when you arrive at either ferry you can hire bikes, buy cakes, have a swim, go on a tour with Explore Lismore, or simply walk.
As you explore Lismore remember that Liosaich, from time immemorial, have created a unique place. Yet to be sustainable, we need visitors: you.
So don’t just walk Lismore, but eat Lismore, shop Lismore, bike Lismore, and explore the myriad treats visit Lismore offers.
