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Location access
- View offers and deals nearby you
- Get travel inspiration based on your location
- Local weather warnings and useful travel information
Notifications
Travel times
Tell us when you are going to be travelling Ireland, and we will show you tailored recommendations for the duration of your trip.
- Tips for events happening during your stay
- Helpful travel reminders and updates
Reset your Board
This will remove all the items you have previously liked from your board. Please note, you can’t undo this action.
Island-hopping around Ireland is a lot of fun. We’re talking fresh ferry rides with sea spray on your face, remote beaches all to yourself, a pint of Guinness in the sun outside a quaint pub, coastal cycles, puffin-watching, off-the-beaten-track mischief and craic! From the Causeway Coastal Route to County Dublin, we’ve rounded up ruggedly big, charmingly small and lesser-spotted island gems for you to explore.
So, hop aboard. Sailing conditions are pristine. Take that watch off as you’re heading for island time, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life recedes from view. Next stop: a cute little harbour on a beguilingly peaceful-looking offshore oasis where unforgettable experiences await. You’re an islander now – feels nice, right?
... there are few places in the world that can match the beauty of Ireland’s islands.
Lonely Planet
Skellig Michael, County Kerry
10 unmissable island experiences
Add these bucket list essentials to your island-hopping itinerary!
Causeway Coast
Rathlin Island is by far the largest island off the coast of Northern Ireland, making it a good starting point in the region. Access to the island is via Rathlin Ferry which runs several times daily. Key sights to see are the Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre which is home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony, and Rathlin West Light, the ONLY upside-down lighthouse on the island of Ireland! It has to be seen to be believed. Great walking trails criss-cross the island offering clifftop strolls and wanders through unspoiled heath land.
Elsewhere in Northern Ireland, day trips and overnight stays are available to the Copeland Islands off the coast of County Down via the Copeland Bird Observatory. This quiet retreat is an ideal place to relax and unwind in nature.
Dún Aonghasa, Inis Mór, Aran Islands, County Galway
Ireland’s islands quiz
From an upside-down lighthouse to a clifftop fort, test your knowledge of these wave-lashed havens.
East coast
Even in bustling Dublin, island adventures are close by. In Dublin Bay, spot local wildlife amid sand dunes and salt marshes on North Bull Island. Further north, scenic boat trips are available around Ireland’s Eye and postcard-perfect Howth. For day trips and overnight stays, go to Lambay Island, the largest island off the east coast which is amazingly home to a colony of wallabies! On Dublin’s south side, Dalkey Island is a popular kayaking spot. Keep an eye out for inquisitive seals and dolphins as you paddle along.
Further south along the east coast is County Wexford’s Saltee Islands. Although both islands – the Great and Little Saltee – are privately owned, day-trippers are welcome on the larger island which is one of Ireland’s premier bird sanctuaries. Gannets, gulls, guillemots, razorbills and colourful puffins are flock to the craggy sea cliffs here.
Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo
Wild Atlantic Way
Choices abound when it comes to islands on the Wild Atlantic Way. Up in County Donegal, Tory Island is the most remote inhabited island in Ireland, lying some 12km offshore from the mainland. Take the Tory Ferry over for breathtaking scenery and tales of giants who forged the landscape. Down the coast in County Mayo, ever-popular Achill Island is buzzing thanks to its starring role in The Banshees of Inisherin. Nearby Clare Island is a quieter retreat.
County Galway’s Aran Islands are one of our most famous groups of islands, thanks to their winning mix of rich culture, sandy beaches and ancient landmarks. Further south, County Kerry’s Blasket Islands are another popular destination. Venture to the Great Blasket Island from Dingle to immerse yourself in rolling green fields, jagged sea cliffs and local wildlife – without another soul in sight! As for Skellig Michael, visit to see why this otherworldly pyramid-like rock was so at home on the big screen in Star Wars.
In County Cork, don’t miss Ireland’s only cable car trip which goes from the mainland to Dursey Island as the Atlantic Ocean rages below. To sample island life for a few days, try Cape Clear Island which has cute self-catering cottages, friendly B&Bs and glamping sites.
Devenish Island, Lower Lough Erne, County Fermanagh
5 inland island gems
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