[1] Since (at least) the seventh century, Ardoiléan had been the site of an early monastery or hermitage, reputedly founded by St Féchín of Fore (d. 665).

Above the south landing-place, near the remains of the monastery, there is a Christian cross-slab dating perhaps to the seventh century.

[2] Between 1969 and 1998, the island was in the possession of Irish poet Richard Murphy, then a resident of Inishbofin.

In personal memoirs published by Granta in The Kick (2002), Murphy remembers the opportunity when the previous owner considered selling the island: "I got excited at the thought of buying this inaccessible holy island, restoring the beehive cells and oratory of its derelict hermitage and preserving the place from destruction either by tourists or by sheep.

"[3] In February 2019, the island was put up for sale for €1.25 million by Spencer Auctioneers.