Krishna Island History

The Rich History of Krishna Island (formerly Inis Rath Island) has a fascinating history.

According to local Northern Irish historical references, there is some evidence that about 2,000 years ago, there was indeed a “rath”—a fortified homestead of an extended family headed by a chieftain—on the “Inis,” or island. This rath offered extra protection from wolves and other aggressors, such as cattle-raiders.

In the mid-19th century, the island was part of the lands of the earl Lord Erne. Erne gifted it to his son-in-law Sir Henry Cavendish Butler, who built the existing house during the Victorian era. Used into the early 20th century as a summer house for the local gentry, it remained in the Cavendish Butler family for 100 years before being sold in the 1950s and then going though constant changes of ownership for the next 30 years.

Finally in 1982, at the height of the Northern Irish Troubles, property prices slumped in the area and ISKCON devotees purchased the island, seeing its potential as a spiritual center and retreat. The almost  life sized deities of Radha Govinda were installed in 1986.

Indeed, today the island, home to Radha Govinda is now called Krishna Island, which draws many visitors and tourists with its regular varied programs, which provide financial support as well as giving newcomers an introduction to Krishna conscious philosophy and lifestyle.