Attractions Click on images to
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The Clan MacNeil of Barra claims
descent from Niall, a descendent of Aodh O'Neill, a king
of Northern Ireland at the beginning of the eleventh
century. Niall came to the Isle of Barra around 1094 and
is thought to be the first chief of the clan. Barra
itself is believed to take its name either from St. Fionnbharr, the founder of Cork, or from St. Barr, the
great-grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages - a famous
king of Ireland.
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Castlebay
Isle of Barra Community
Swimming Pool (20 metres by 9 metres) with
sauna, is situated next to Castlebay School. It can be
used in te rm time after 4pm and in the
 holidays
from 2pm. It is open on Sundays from 2pm - 4pm. A new
fitness suite
opened in May 2009, with top of the range equipment. The games hall may be booked
for badminton, football or basketball.
For
enquiries and bookings,
please phone 01871 810129.
www.cne-siar.gov.uk/csc/index.asp |
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Kisimul Castle sits on a rocky island just off
Castlebay and was built around 1039. Since that time,
Kisimul has been the
 stronghold
of Clan MacNeil. It is completely surrounded by water and
has never fallen to an enemy. Kisimul was abandoned in 1838
when the island was sold, and the castle's condition
deteriorated. Some of its stone was used as ballast for
fishing vessels, and some even ended up being used as paving
in Glasgow. The castle remains, along with most of the
island of Barra, were purchased by the chief of Clan MacNeil
in 1937, who in 2001 leased Kisimul to Historic Scotland for
1000 years for the annual sum of £1 and a bottle of whisky.
The boat trip from Castlebay jetty to the castle takes 5
minutes and is open Summer only and closed on Fridays. |
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Barra Heritage and Cultural Centre, (Local name
Dualchas) situated
in Castlebay, houses an excellent collection of local
photographs
and artefacts pertaining to the local history of the
Isle of Barra. There is also a restored thatched house and craft
shop. It is run by Barra and Vatersay
Historical Trust on behalf of the Barra and Vatersay Historical
Society. The artefacts include furniture, household and personal
items, and exhibits relating to the fishing industry. During the
summer there are temporary exhibitions of local history and art.
A cafe serves snacks, home-baking, teas and coffees. Tel: 01871
810413
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Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea
 stands
proudly above the village of Castle Bay. The church has been
named to look after those who travel the sea, and represents the
strong links with mariners. The church only dates back to 1886
and was designed by an architect from Oban.
The Isle of Barra is a mainly Roman Catholic
island, which is significantly different to the other islands that
tend towards the protestant Church of Scotland, and Free Church of
Scotland. This historic religious background has an effect
upon Barra's feeling of independence from the isles to the north. |
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Cille Bharra
 is
an ancient graveyard with the historic ruins of a medieval church
dedicated to St. Barr. Other chapels and
 ancient
graves all lie within what is now Eoligarry
burial ground. Some of the ruins go back probably to the 600's
and would have been dedicated to St Finbarr, but the later medieval
chapel and ruins date around 1100.
Burials include the author Compton Mackenzie, the
writer of Whiskey Galore.
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Barra Golf Club is the most westerly golf
course in the United Kingdom and was established in
1992. Situated at Cleat, near the Isle Of Barra beach Hotel and 6
miles from Castlebay, it is exceptionally attractive with stunning
views out over the Atlantic. The 9 hole course is 2396 yards and has
elevated links with natural contours. All bookings must be made in
advance, play may be restricted, for instance, at weekends, handicap
certificates may be required. For enquiries call Mairi Campell Tel:
01871 810240
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Beaches The Isle if Barra has
several stunning beaches, some of which are suitable for surfing.
Most of the most impressive beaches are on the West Atlantic side
from about the Isle of Barra Hotel upwards.
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 Vatersay is the most southerly inhabited
island of the Outer Hebrides connected by a causeway, built in 1990.
Click here to find out more
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Airport Barra has a very interesting
airport, where the runway is the beach.
Click here to find out more |
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If you need to know more information, try a search on Google!
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