If you really want to see the magic of Ireland, you should take a trip out to some of the many islands speckled across our coastline.
Some are treasure troves of adventure, some are the best places to spot puffins, some are dotted with trendy cafés, and some are so rugged and wild that only the remains of a community that once inhabited them are left.
Whatever you’re into, make it your mission to explore at least one island around the Emerald Isle before the summer is up.
Here are some of my favourites:
Achill, Co Mayo
Achill has it all. From the highest sea cliffs in Ireland to one of the top-rated beaches in the world, Keem Bay. Come rain or shine, you’ll find something to do here from kitesurfing on Keel Lake with Life is Pure Magic, to enjoying a coffee while perusing the best of Irish craft at the Beehive Cafe.
One of my favourite ways to get to Achill is via the Great Western Greenway, which spans 49km, and leads out to Westport (if you’re going that far, I recommend renting an electric bike).
Garnish Island, Co Cork
Did you know that there is a secret tropical island off the coast of West Cork? It’s called Garinish Island and you can get there by boat from Glengarriff. The boat journey there is amazing, you’ll see seals, sea eagles and various other wildlife along the way.
Garnish Island truly is a magical place, and this time of year it’s bursting with colour. Once you get to the island, you can walk around the grounds and gardens, taking in the stunning botanicals and landscapes from this romantic setting.
Boat tickets cost €12.50pp and access to the island is €5pp. For more information, visit www.garinishisland.ie.
Iniskea Islands, Co Mayo
The Inishkea Islands (Oileáin Inis Cé) are located off the coast of the Belmullet Peninsula in Co Mayo. It was once home to a Gaeltacht community, however, they have been uninhabited since the 1930s. Now the only locals you’ll see on these islands are flocks of sheep.
You can access the islands through local boat tours like Blacksod Sea Safari. Along the way (especially this time of year), you may spot some incredible sea life like basking sharks, grey seals, sperm whales and barnacle geese. On the islands, you’ll see the remains of stone cottages and monastic life from the 1800s.
Saltee Islands, Co. Wexford
It’s puffin season right now, and if you’re interested in spotting these unique-looking birds, one of the best places in the country to do so is the Saltee Islands, just off the coast of Wexford.
The Saltee Ferry operates daily from Kilmore Quay. This scenic journey provides a chance to witness diverse wildlife, with puffins being the highlight.
The Saltees are among the ancient islands of Europe, based on Precambrian bedrock that is between 600 and 2,000 million years old.
Inisbofin, Co Galway
Inisbofin is an enchanted island off the coast of Connemara. If you’re into history and folklore, this is the one for you. The name “Inishbofin” is derived from the Irish “Inis Bó Finne”, meaning the “Island of the White Cow”.
It is a truly spectacular place with sweeping vistas and breathtaking landscapes.
Valentia Island, Co Kerry
Valentia Island is accessible by bridge or boat and is located in County Kerry. It’s an idyllic fishing village with a few restaurants, a hotel and bar. We visited last year in the campervan and spent most of our time walking and taking in the natural landscapes.
Whilst on Valentia Island, I recommend checking out the Valentia Trackway – one of the oldest and longest tetrapod trackways on Earth. They are the oldest evidence of a walking animal, so well worth checking out.
Clare Island, Co Mayo
Travel to County Mayo and take the boat from Roonagh Pier to picture-perfect Clare Island. En route, you’ll spot the castle of Ireland’s Pirate Queen, Granuaile. Bring your walking books and set out on the waymarked looped trails, and be sure to look out for the Napoleonic signal tower, which was built in 1806.
Skelligs, Co Kerry
One of the most iconic locations of the Wild Atlantic Way has to be Skellig Michael. A millennium ago, the island was inhabited by monks; since then, it has appeared in Star Wars and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Skellig Michael is a place that has an against-all-odds tale of endurance, survival and architectural artistry.
You can access the Skelligs by boat with Skellig Islands Tours from Portmagee Marina. The landing tours – which allow you to walk on the island – are extremely popular and book up pretty quickly, so try to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Book your visit with Skellig Islands Tours.
Dalkey Island, Co Dublin
Dalkey Island is an uninhabited island 3km south of Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The best way to visit is by kayak with Kayaking.ie, who run daily tours. Starting at Dalkey harbour, you’ll paddle your way across the Irish Sea, spotting local seals along the way who love to swim alongside the kayaks.
Once you make it to Dalkey Island, you’ll be able to pull up your kayak onto the beach and walk freely around. On the island, you’ll see St. Begnet’s Church, thought to have originated as a timber structure in the 9th or 10th century and a Martello Tower.
Tory Island, Co Donegal
This magical island is located at the northernmost point of Donegal. Here you’ll find a thriving Gaeltacht culture, made up of talented musicians, storytellers and artists. If you’re into history, there are also Iron Age fords and medieval round towers.
Arranmore, Co Donegal
The largest of County Donegal’s Islands, Árainn Mhór is a rugged place with golden sandy beaches, stunning cliffs and sea caves.
The crystal clear waters surrounding Arranmore are great for sea angling. Boats for sea angling can be hired on the island, where you’ll find cod, ling, conger eel, pollock, wrasse, skate, turbot and plaice.
Sherkin, Co Cork
Located in West Cork, just 2km from Baltimore, Sherkin Island is home to the Dunalong Castle and the ruins of a 15th-century Franciscan abbey.
Stroll along banks of red fuchsia and old stone walls, or along the three sandy beaches where you’ll spot seals, dolphins and porpoises, which gave the island its name.
Dursey Island, Co Cork
Dursey is one of the few inhabited islands that lie off the southwest coast of Ireland, and you can visit it by travelling on Ireland’s only cable car.
Dolphins and whales are regular visitors to the rich waters that surround Dursey. There are no shops, pubs or restaurants, so be sure to bring a picnic along with you.
Blaskets
The Blasket Islands, off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula, have such magic to them. The island was previously the home of literary icon Peig Sayers. Her home is now an Airbnb, which you can book into.
Ferries to the island operate on a seasonal basis from Dunquin Pier, Dingle Marina and Ventry Pier. When back on the mainland, check out the Blasket Island Centre for great insight into the lives of the islanders who once called the Blaskets home.
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are probably Ireland’s most well-known islands. Made up of Inis Mór, Inis Oirr and Inis Meáin, you can visit either using Doolin Ferry Co from Doolin Harbour.
I particularly love renting bikes and cycling around Inis Oirr – there’s nothing quite like it on a sunny day. Inis Mór is the largest of the three and has more pubs and restaurants, a seal colony, the iconic Dún Aonghasa and Poll na bPéist. Inis Meáin is great for those who love a slower pace.
