If you decide to explore theisland of Inisheer in the Aran Islands archipelago, so don’t miss the island’s impressive shipwrecked vessel! Known as the MV Plassy, it’s easy to spot its imposing size and rusty hull on the rocks! The boat is said to have landed here, on Finnis Rock in the south-east of the island, on March 8, 1960… and hasn’t moved since!
The MV Plassy – © Lothar
One of the most emblematic attractions on Inisheer Island, the MV Plassy attracts thousands of visitors every year to admire the dark, desolate charm of this rusty hull, which continues to deteriorate under the weak Irish sun!
A real curiosity on the island, the boat has become a symbol of Inisheer, and has been part of the landscape for several decades now!
Built in Yorkshire in 1941, at the height of the Second World War, the MV Plassy was first and foremost an anti-submarine warfare vessel belonging to the British Royal Navy. At the time, she was 50 metres long and could carry nearly 585 tons!
In 1946, the ship was acquired by the Limerick Steamship Company Limited for use as a commercial transport vessel. Its mission was to go back and forth between the various Irish ports on the west coast, linking the port towns of Galway, Fenit, Westport, Sligo, Ballina and Limerick with European ports such as Liverpool, Antwerp and Rotterdam.
But the shipwreck came in March 1960, when the MV Plassy left Fenit at night, in appalling weather conditions. The swell was dangerous, with waves reaching several meters. The south-easterly wind was particularly violent, with gusts of force 9 and 10… and the incessant rain prevented all visibility.
It was then that the boat ran hard aground on Finnis Rock, a rocky strip to the south-east of Inisheer, particularly difficult to see at night (and even more so in the middle of a storm).
The scene is said to have occurred at around 5 a.m.: a crew member was thrown from the galley ceiling while making himself a cup of tea. From then on, water rushed into the Plassy’s hull.
The crew attempt an emergency evacuation in a lifeboat, but weather conditions prevent them from leaving the ship.
Fortunately, an Inisheer resident witnessed the scene and alerted a rescue team. After 3 hours of effort, the crew made it ashore, safe and sound.
Since that day, the boat has remained in place, and has become a major tourist attraction!
If you ever feel like getting close to the wreck, there are a few rules to follow.
To begin with, the boat is derelict, and can present a real danger due to its dilapidated condition. It has to be said that the MV Plassy is constantly deteriorating with the storms, the wind and the repeated assaults of the ocean. Storm Christine in 2014 even moved the building a little higher up Finnis Rock, to rest on a pebble beach…. The hull has been severely deformed, making the whole unit even more fragile!
So remember not to climb inside: everything could collapse, and the surrounding rust could severely injure you!
This brings us to tip No. 2: the wreck has been scattering pieces of the hull and other components of the boat all over Finnis Rock. So watch your step: the area around the wreck is teeming with engine parts, pulleys and rusty metal parts. Clearly not the place to go barefoot!
With these tips in mind, don’t hesitate to take your time and admire the wreck. The MV Plassy has a special charm all of its own. Its rusty hull contrasts sharply with the surroundings. The boat seems to be both an intruder and part of the rocky beach…
A surprising view, steeped in history!
Without getting too close, you can make out the boat’s former layout. Its holds, galley, bedrooms and cockpit are easily recognizable.
The boat has an indescribable charm: a must-see!
Adresse :
GPS :
Tour duration :
Rates : 
Opening hours :
4.25/5 (16 votes)
3.82/5 (22 votes)
