Must-See Islands in Ireland: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Aran Islands

This small archipelago of three rocky islands lies at the mouth of Galway Bay off the west coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands are renowned for the prehistoric ruins found there, including the remains of ancient forts like Dún Chonchúir on Inishmaan (the largest island in the chain). The archaeological sites here are among the oldest in Ireland, featuring a 14th-century castle alongside stunning natural beauty. Approximately 1,200 people reside on the Aran Islands, which is positioned in a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region. To access these islands, ferries depart from Rossaveal, Doolin, and Galway Harbor.

The Skelligs

The Skelligs consist of two uninhabited islands off the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest County Kerry. Located about eight miles offshore, the isolated location features a remarkably well-preserved early Christian monastery, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins are situated on Great Skellig, also referred to as Skellig Michael (Sceilig Mhichíl in Irish). The smaller island, Little Skellig, is not open to the public; however, visitors can explore the monastery on Great Skellig by taking a boat tour from Portmagee, available from May to October. The monastery has a history dating back to the 6^th century, becoming abandoned in the 12^th century. It gained modern fame as the filming location for the Star Wars movies, appearing in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

Blasket Islands

Regarded as the westernmost point of Europe, the Blasket Islands are located off the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. While currently uninhabited, these islands were once the home of an Irish-speaking community. The last 22 residents were relocated by the Irish government in 1953 due to challenging living conditions. Although it is uninhabited today, visitors can still venture to Great Blasket, the largest of the six islands visible from the mainland. The wild island is an exceptional venue for day trips featuring hikes, beach walks, and opportunities for bird and whale watching. Ferries operate from Dingle town or Dunquin Harbor during spring, summer, and autumn.

Garnish Island (or Ilnacullin)

Situated in Glengarriff Harbor in Bantry Bay, County Cork, Garnish Island is a small, sheltered island originally privately owned. Known also as Ilnacullin, Garnish is celebrated for its meticulously landscaped gardens. After acquiring the island in 1910, John Annan Bryce, a member of Parliament from Belfast, collaborated with garden designer Harold Peto to create the island’s beautiful Edwardian gardens. Bryce’s son later transferred ownership of the island to the Irish people in 1953. Visitors can access the extensive gardens by taking a ferry from Glengarriff, which runs from March to October.

Achill Island

Achill Island stands out as the largest island off the coast of Ireland and is particularly accessible, connected to the mainland via the Michael Davitt Bridge, which links Achill Sound and Polranny in County Mayo. Inhabited since the Neolithic Age (around 4,000 BC), Achill Island boasts a current population of about 2,700. A key attraction is Carrickkildavnet Castle, a fortified tower house from the 15^th century, formerly owned by the O’Malley family. In addition to scenic villages and ruins, the island is celebrated for its striking natural beauty, featuring five Blue Flag beaches. The cliffs of Croaghaun on the island’s western side are among the highest in Europe, while Slievemore Mountain offers panoramic views of the sea.

Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island is the only inhabited island off the coast of Northern Ireland and is positioned as the northernmost island as well. The L-shaped isle extends just six miles long and one mile wide, providing ample space for its 150 residents. Ferries depart from Ballycastle in County Antrim, transporting daytrippers six miles across the Straits of Moyle to explore the island. Rathlin is recognized as a popular destination for seabirds and is one of the finest spots in Ireland to observe puffin colonies between April and July.

Isle of Innisfree

While many of the best islands in Ireland are found in the sea, the Isle of Innisfree is a small island located on Lough Gill in County Sligo. The island was immortalized in the poetry of WB Yeats, who wrote nostalgically about it in his work “The Lake Isle of Innisfree.” Although it is inaccessible for walking, visitors can take a boat tour around its shores to appreciate the solitude Yeats envisioned when he wrote: “I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made; Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee, And live alone in the bee-loud glade.” Boat tours are available from Parke’s Castle.

Sherkin Island

Sherkin Island, known in Irish as Inis Arcain, is nestled in Roaringwater Bay, County Cork. The island has evolved into a vibrant artist colony, with many local artisans creating and selling diverse forms of art and handicrafts. The most enjoyable way to explore the island is on foot; a notable attraction is the Franciscan Abbey near the pier, established in 1460. Biking is also an option during summer to reach Silver Strand beach. Ferries from the fishing port of Baltimore in southwest Cork connect visitors to the island in just about 10 minutes.

Coney Island

Ireland’s Coney Island, located in County Sligo, offers a unique experience, distinct from its New York namesake. At low tide, access is permissible by car or horseback when Cummeen Strand is exposed, but during high tide, travelers must arrange for a water taxi from Rosses Point. Local folklore suggests that a sea captain once named New York’s Coney Island after his hometown island due to their shared abundance of wild rabbits. There’s ample open space for picnics on Coney Island, or visitors can enjoy a pint at the island’s sole pub before heading back to Sligo.

Arranmore Island

Located three miles off the coast of County Donegal, Arranmore Island is a well-known marine resort in Ulster, famous for its crystal-clear Atlantic waters that are ideal for fishing and diving. The island also features a lake perfect for freshwater fishing. Arranmore is situated in a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area), where, in 2011, over half of the 511 residents were native Irish speakers. Every summer, students visit the island to participate in intensive Irish language courses. While it becomes particularly popular from June to August, the ferry from Burtonport operates throughout the year, offering a short yet scenic journey past several smaller, uninhabited islands before arriving in Arranmore.

Clare Island

Situated off the coast of County Mayo in Clew Bay, Clare Island is historically significant as the birthplace of Grace O’Malley, the legendary Irish pirate queen. When not at sea, Grace resided at Granuaile’s Castle, a fortified tower house open for visits today. The O’Malley clan ruled this area during the Middle Ages and built an Abbey on the island, where their family tomb is located. Clare Island also features a historic lighthouse that has been converted into a B&B. Ferries operate from Roonagh Pier near Louisburgh on Clew Bay.

Inishturk

Located southwest of Clare Island, Inishturk is situated nine miles offshore from County Mayo. Early settlers likely arrived around 4,000 BC, and several Beehive hut sites dating back to 1500 BC have been discovered. The island features stunning cliff walks and a single community center that serves as both a pub and a library. Notably, Inishturk is thought to have Ireland’s smallest elementary school, with only three students enrolled in 2016. A daily ferry departs from Roonagh Pier, with options for hiring private boats for fishing excursions to extend your time on the water.