Show summary Hide summary
Ireland’s coastline is dotted with islands that offer dramatic cliffs, seabird colonies, preserved history and quiet fishing villages. Whether you want wildlife encounters, coastal walks or a taste of island life, there is a short ferry or boat trip from many points around the country.
Islands to plan for this summer
Achill, Co Mayo combines high sea cliffs with one of Ireland’s most celebrated beaches, Keem Bay. The island suits surfers, kitesurfers and walkers alike; you can also stop for coffee and crafts at local cafés. Many visitors reach Achill via the Great Western Greenway, a 49 km route that ends in Westport — an electric bike makes the ride easier for longer days out.
Garnish (Garinish) Island, Co Cork sits just off Glengarriff and is reached by a short boat trip. The crossing often reveals seals and sea eagles, and the island’s cultivated gardens are brilliant in summer. Boat tickets are listed at €12.50 per person and island access at €5; more details are available on the island’s website.
Funeral plans announced after Dublin gig death of Westlife fan
Search under way after air ambulance loses radar contact
Inishkea Islands, Co Mayo lie off the Belmullet Peninsula. Once a Gaeltacht community, they have been uninhabited since the 1930s and now show ruined cottages and traces of 19th-century monastic life. Local operators such as Blacksod Sea Safari run excursions that can include sightings of basking sharks, grey seals, sperm whales and barnacle geese.
Saltee Islands, Co Wexford are among the best places in Ireland to see puffins during the nesting season. The Saltee Ferry runs from Kilmore Quay and the islands stand on very old Precambrian bedrock, making them geologically as well as ornithologically interesting.
Inisbofin, Co Galway — whose Irish name means “Island of the White Cow” — is famed for its sweeping Connemara views and layered history. The island’s landscape and ruins reward walkers and anyone interested in local folklore.
Valentia Island, Co Kerry is reachable by bridge or boat and functions as a small fishing village with eateries and a hotel. A highlight for visitors is the Valentia Trackway, one of the oldest known tetrapod trackways and an important piece of palaeontological history.
Clare Island, Co Mayo is accessed from Roonagh Pier. On the crossing you can see the castle associated with the sixteenth-century sea captain Gráinne Ní Mháille (Grace O’Malley). The island has waymarked looped trails and a Napoleonic signal tower erected in 1806.
Skellig Michael, Co Kerry is one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most famous stops. A monastic settlement from around a thousand years ago, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has also appeared in major films. Landings are operated by Skellig Islands Tours from Portmagee Marina; landing trips are very popular and should be booked well in advance.
Dalkey Island, Co Dublin lies a few kilometres south of Dún Laoghaire and is most easily reached by kayak trips from Dalkey harbour. Seal sightings are common. Onshore you can visit the remains of St. Begnet’s Church and a Martello tower.
Tory Island, Co Donegal sits at Donegal’s northern edge and maintains a strong Gaeltacht culture of music, storytelling and art. The island also contains archaeological features ranging from Iron Age fords to medieval round towers.
Arranmore (Árainn Mhór), Co Donegal is Donegal’s largest island, known for sandy bays, cliffs and sea caves. The surrounding waters are prized for sea angling; boat hire on the island offers opportunities to target species such as cod, pollock and skate.
Sherkin, Co Cork is a small West Cork island about 2 km from Baltimore. Points of interest include Dunalong Castle and the ruins of a 15th-century Franciscan abbey. Walks along stone walls and beaches commonly bring seal and dolphin sightings.
Dursey Island, Co Cork is one of a few inhabited southwest islands and is notable for Ireland’s only cable car link to the mainland. The waters around Dursey attract dolphins and whales; visitors should note there are no shops or pubs on the island, so plan accordingly.
Blasket Islands, off the Dingle Peninsula preserve a strong literary and cultural legacy, once home to Peig Sayers. Ferries run seasonally from Dunquin Pier, Dingle Marina and Ventry Pier. The Blasket Island Centre on the mainland offers context about island life and history.
Aran Islands — Inis Mór, Inis Oirr and Inis Meáin — are among Ireland’s best-known islands. Doolin Ferry Company operates services from Doolin Harbour. Inis Oirr is popular for cycling, Inis Mór has the largest visitor infrastructure and notable sites such as Dún Aonghasa, and Inis Meáin offers a quieter pace.
Practical note
Many trips depend on weather and seasonal timetables, and certain landings (for example Skellig Michael) have limited capacity. Check operator schedules and book in advance where possible.
