[5] Inishmurray may be named after the early saint, Muiredach mac Echdach (fl.

Laisrén (Saint Molaise) Mac Decláin reputedly founded a monastery here in the 6th century.

[7] He was confessor of Saint Columba (Colmcille) after the Battle of Cúl Dreimhne on the mainland nearby.

[10] The site contains various ecclesiastical buildings including enclosures, a stone-roofed oratory, two churches, a clochán, a large beehive-shaped cell, a holy well and other remains including cross slabs suggesting foreign influences.

In 2018, the Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport caused controversy when it banned commercial operators from landing visitors on the island, due "to concerns for safety during embarking and disembarking".