Known as the Emerald Isle itself, Ireland has no shortage of islands located just offshore. While the Irish islands are devoid of palm trees and tropical temperatures, they have a special kind of rugged beauty that makes for a unique day trip from the mainland. Here’s how to explore some of Ireland’s best islands, whether you’re looking for a tourist-free paradise for hiking and wildlife watching, or just want to sit down for a few pints at a seaside pub.
Aran Islands
This small archipelago of three rocky islands is located at the mouth of Galway Bay, on the west coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands are best known for the prehistoric ruins found there, including the remains of ancient fortresses such as Dún Chonchúir on Inishmaan (the largest island in the chain). The archaeological sites here are some of the oldest in Ireland, but there is also a 14th century castle and great natural beauty. Around 1,200 people live in the Aran Islands and the area is the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region. I want to visit? Ferries leave from Rossaveal, Doolin and the port of Galway.
The skelligs
The Skelligs are two uninhabited islands on the Iveragh Peninsula in southwestern County Kerry. Found about eight miles out to sea, the isolated site has an incredibly well-preserved early Christian monastery that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins are located in Great Skellig, also known as Skellig Michael ( Sceilig Mhichíl in Irish). The smallest island, Little Skellig, is closed to the public, but it is possible to visit the monastery at Great Skellig by booking a boat tour from Portmagee between May and October. The monastery was built in the 6th century and finally abandoned in the 12th century , however it has achieved more recent fame in modern Star Wars movies that filmed the ruins of Skellig for The Force Awakens. and The Last Jedi .
Blasket Islands
Considered the westernmost point in Europe, the Blasket Islands lie off the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. The islands are uninhabited, but were once home to an Irish-speaking population. The last 22 residents were evacuated from the island by the Irish government in 1953 due to harsh living conditions. Although no one lives there now, it is still possible to visit Great Blasket, the largest of the six islands, all visible from the mainland. The Wild Island is an excellent day trip for hiking and beach walks, as well as bird and whale watching. Ferries leave from Dingle Town or Dunquin Harbor during the spring, summer and fall.
Adorn the island (or Ilnacullin)
Located in Glengarriff Harbor on Bantry Bay in County Cork, Garnish is a small protected island that was once privately owned. Sometimes known as Ilnacullin, Garnish Island is famous for its beautiful gardens. The island was owned by John Annan Bryce, Member of Parliament for Belfast. After buying Garish in 1910, the British politician worked with garden designer Harold Peto to create Edwardian gardens in the Irish island paradise. Bryce’s son donated the well-kept island to the Irish people in 1953. You can explore the extensive gardens by taking the ferry that leaves Garnish Island from Glengarriff from March to October.
Isla Achill
Achill is the largest island off the coast of Ireland and one of the easiest to visit because it is linked to the mainland by the Michael Davitt Bridge. The bridge connects the villages of Achill Sound and Polranny in County Mayo. Achill Island has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age (around 4,000 BC) and still has a population of around 2,700 people. One of the most popular attractions on the island is Carrickkildavnet Castle, a fortified tower from the 15th century. century that was once owned by the O’Malley power family. In addition to towns and ruins, the island is known for its rugged, natural beauty and has five blue flag beaches. The Croaghaun Cliffs on the western side of the island are some of the highest in Europe, and Slievemore Mountain offers panoramic sea views.
Isla Rathlin
Rathlin Island is the only inhabited island in Northern Ireland and it happens to be the northernmost island as well. The L-shaped island is only six miles long and one mile wide, which is more than enough space for the 150 residents who call Rathlin home. A ferry leaves from Ballycastle in County Antrim to take all those six mile excursions through the Straits of Moyle to explore the island. Rathlin is a popular spot for seabirds and one of the best places in Ireland to check out the puffin colonies between April and July.
Innisfree Island
Most of Ireland’s best islands are in the sea, but Innisfree Island is a small island on Lough Gill in County Sligo. The small island was immortalized by the writer WB Yeats, who became poetic about the island in his poem “The Island of the Innisfree Lake.” While it is not possible to walk the length of the uninhabited island, it is possible to take a boat tour of the waters and around the shores to imagine the lonely life Yeats dreamed of when he wrote: ‘ I will get up and go now, and I will go to Innisfree, and there I will build a little hut, of mud and beards; There I will have nine rows of beans, a hive for the honey bee, and I will live alone in the clearing of bees. “ Tours depart from Parke Castle.
Isla Sherkin
Sherkin Island (also known by its Irish name Inis Arcain) can be found in Roaringwater Bay in County Cork. The South Island has become something of an artists’ colony and many of its residents create and sell everything from fine arts to local handicrafts. The island is best viewed on foot and one of the main destinations is the Franciscan Abbey, near the pier that dates back to 1460. To explore the less populated areas, rent a bike during the summer months and head out to Silver Strand beach. Sherkin Island can be reached in about 10 minutes by ferry from Baltimore’s fishing port in southwest Cork.
Isla Coney
There are no carnival rides or hot dog stands on Coney Island, Ireland, in County Sligo, but reaching the small offshore outpost is an adventure in itself. At low tide, the island is accessible by car or horseback when the Cummeen Strand is exposed. However, when the tide is high, you will have to pay for a water taxi from the pier at Rosses Point to make the crossing. Local legend has it that a ship captain sailing between Sligo and America nicknamed New York’s Coney Island after his native island because both were full of wild rabbits. There is still plenty of open space on Coney Island that is perfect for picnics, or you can stop for a beer at the island’s individual pub before heading back to Sligo before the tide.
Isla Arranmore
Located three miles off the coast of County Donegal, Arranmore is a popular maritime destination in Ulster. The clear Atlantic waters around the island are great for fishing and diving, but Arranmore also has a lake for freshwater fishing. The island is located in a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area) and of the 511 people living in Arranmore in 2011, more than half were native Irish speakers. During the summer, students flock to the island for intensive Irish language courses. Arranmore is most popular from June to August, but the ferry from Burtonport runs year-round. The journey is short but scenic, passing several smaller but uninhabited Irish islands before reaching Arranmore.
Clare Island
Sitting off the coast of County Mayo in Clew Bay, Clare Island is the birthplace of Grace O’Malley, the famous pirate queen of Ireland. When not attacking ships at sea, Grace was at her home in Granuaile Castle, a fortified tower that can be visited today. The fearsome O’Malley clan ruled the area in the Middle Ages and founded an abbey on the island where their family’s grave is also located. The other main sight on Clare Island, which has a small full-time population, is the historic lighthouse that has been turned into a B&B. Ferries leave from Roonagh Pier near the town of Louisburgh in Clew Bay.
Inishturk
Southwest of Clare Island, Inishturk lies nine miles off the coast of County Mayo. The first settlers probably arrived on this Atlantic island in 4,000 BC and several beehive hut sites have been discovered dating back to 1500 BC. The island has beautiful cliff walks and a unique community center that doubles as a pub and library. Inishturk is also believed to have the smallest primary school in Ireland, where only three students enrolled in 2016. A daily ferry departs from Roonagh Pier, and private boats can be hired for fishing expeditions if you hope to spend more time on the water .
