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Islands of adventure
What makes Ireland’s islands special? Is it their remote location? Is it the richness of their traditions, which flourish and thrive? Is it their wild beauty, their luminous landscapes, their white, sandy beaches? Truth be told, it’s all of the above. An island visit offers something special: a glimpse into a different life, a chance to hike incredible walking routes, to taste super-fresh seafood and to meet some of the friendliest people around.
You never know what you’ll find on an island. Wallabies roam wild on Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin; a prison-turned award-winning visitor attraction dominates County Cork’s Spike Island and on County Kerry's Skellig Michael, the real life setting of Luke Skywalker’s Jedi retreat in Star Wars, you'll find a 6th century monastic settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ireland's islands
L-R: Skellig Michael, County Kerry; White Island, County Fermanagh; Dalkey Island, County Dublin; Rathlin Island, County Antrim
The Aran Islands
Famed for their landscapes, jumpers, old stone walls and lovely locals, the Aran Islands are a must-see spot on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Deserted islands
For a taste of times gone by, visit County Kerry’s Blasket Islands. Before they were finally evacuated in 1953, the six Blaskets were home to a traditional Irish-speaking community. Today, tours of the deserted village on Great Blasket visit the humble stone cottages left behind, explore the history of island life and the reality of total reliance on the sea as a source of food and livelihood.
Great Blasket Island, County Kerry
Rathlin Island, County Antrim
Rathlin Island
Jump on a ferry at Ballycastle and explore the wild, rugged island of Rathlin with its bird colony, walking routes and upside-down lighthouse.
Walk through history
In Northern Ireland, you can step back in time amid ancient monastic ruins on Devenish Island. Situated in Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, this is where Saint Molaise established his church in the 6th century. And that's not all, Lough Erne is home to a grand total of 154 islands! One of the most intriguing isles is Boa Island, home to the mysterious Janus figure, a 2,000-year-old two-faced stone carving created by the Celts.
Garnish Island, County Cork
Nature and history collide
Further south, discover Garnish Island, a dreamy isle off the coast of County Cork covered in world-renowned gardens laced with stunning walking trails.
For a taste of the wilderness in Dublin, take a train to Dalkey village and hop on a short boat trip to Dalkey Island. Visit the ruins of St Begnet’s church and the Martello tower, keep watch for wild rabbits and goats, and enjoy a picnic as seals bask on the rocks beneath you. The perfect island experience!
Ireland's islands
Don't miss these things to see and do
Dún Aonghasa
Visit one of the most iconic stone forts in Ireland, the spectacular Dún Aonghasa, perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands.
Galway
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Aran Islands Hotel
The Aran Island Hotel is located off the West Coast of Ireland on Inis Mor, Aran Island. All bedrooms are spacious and beautifully appointed with a wide range of facilities. The ideal base to explore the unique spirit and traditions of Aran.
Galway
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Toraigh (Tory Island)
Lying 12km off north Donegal, Toraigh (Tory Island) is the most remote of Ireland’s inhabited islands, with enduring local traditions, unique historical sites and rare bird life.
Donegal
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Blasket Islands Eco Marine Tours
Leaving from Ventry Harbour, County Kerry, Blasket Islands Eco Marine Tours explore the remote islands of the archipelago and their abundant wildlife including dolphins, basking sharks, whales, seals, puffins and many more.
Kerry
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RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre
Just six miles off County Antrim's north coast with must see views of Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony and a chance to explore Rathlin's unique 'upside down' lighthouse part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland Trail.
Rathlin Island
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The Skellig Experience
This heritage centre tells the story of the Skellig Rocks. Learn about the monks who lived on these desolate rocks, the seabirds, the nearby lighthouses and the marine life of the Skelligs.
Kerry
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Island Cottage Cookery School
Island Cottage Cookery School is located on Heir Island, a unique island that lies southwest of County Cork. They provide a range of cookery courses and also provide accommodation.
Cork
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Kayaking.ie
Kayaking.ie offer tours and trips for all age and ability levels in beautiful places full of wildlife. Kayak with the seals at Dalkey Island (20 mins from Dublin) or experience the hidden world of Dublin’s Strawberry Beds from the famous River Liffey.
Dublin
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Saltee Islands
The Saltee Islands are situated approximately 5km off the coast of Kilmore Quay County Wexford. The larger island, Great Saltee, is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland and is very popular with both day-trippers and birdwatchers alike.
Wexford
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Bull Island
Bull Island is a low lying island in the northern part of Dublin Bay, County Dublin. It contains a range of natural habitats including sand dunes and salt marshes. The island is popular for walking and birdwatching.
Dublin
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