The legend of "Bier Lochlannach" from Inishturk revolves around Danish pirates who once hid at Portdoon, guarding the recipe for a prized, potent drink made from heather-bloom. When Irish forces overran the pirate stronghold, they promised to spare the life of a pirate and his son if they shared the secret recipe. The pirate, however, demanded his son’s death to prevent any chance of betrayal and, after this grim request was fulfilled, he fled, hurling himself off a cliff and taking the secret to his grave. Though the loss of this legendary brew lingers, Inishturk offers more than just folklore.
Portdoon is not just a place of legend, but also a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.