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Attractions on the Isle of Barra

 
 
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Attractions    Click on images to enlarge and mouse over the image for a description

  
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.
       
 
 
 

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 term time after 4pm and in the Swimming pool and leisure centreholidays 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

 

Kisimul Castle sits on a rocky island just off Castlebay and was built around 1039. Since that time, Kisimul has been the Kisimul Castle in Castlebay on Barrastronghold 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.

 
 

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

More images and info

 
 

Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church of Our Lady Star of the Seastands 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.

 
 

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.

 

Barra Golf Club is the most westerly golf course in the United Kingdom and was established inIsle of Barra Golf Course 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

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. 

Vatersay is the most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides connected by a causeway, built in 1990.   Click here to find out more

 

 

 

Airport  Barra has a very interesting airport, where the runway is the beach.  Click here to find out more

 

 

 

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