Six islands to add to your must-visit list
Monastic lake islands surrounded by glassy waters, wild Atlantic outposts and wildlife havens — Ireland has your next island escape covered. Ireland’s islands offer a chance to connect with authentic traditional culture, enjoy rugged landscapes and stunning beaches, and see ancient sites in spectacular locations. With so many to choose from, here are six islands to get you started.
Just four kilometers off Dublin’s coast is Lambay Island, where you’ll find seals, deer, puffins and, strangely enough, wallabies! Rupert Baring (an island inhabitant) raised wallabies here in 1980, and after more arrived from Dublin Zoo, the population took off. Take the Nature Walking Tour with guide Eamon McGrattan, who provides expert commentary as you sail to the island, wander the wilds, and finish with a swim at Lambay’s private beach.
Forget the boat, it’s a cable car that takes you to Dursey Island in County Cork. The cable car here has been in operation since 1969 and carries passengers across the Atlantic Ocean to an island with a population of three. Dursey is just 250 meters from the mainland but is a world apart, with great walking trails such as the Dursey Island Loop Trail, wildlife, and beautiful landscapes.
There’s no talk of islands without mentioning the Fermanagh Lakelands, home to more than 154 islands! With its 6th-century monastic site, Devenish Island is the most well-known island in Lough Erne. Explore what remains of 12th-, 13th– and 15th-century buildings on this island that was once a place of worship. To reach the island, hop aboard a water taxi, or hire a boat and explore more of Lough Erne yourself.
On the Wild Atlantic Way, the island of Inis Mór lies off the coast of County Galway and is reachable by ferry from Doolin, County Clare. Hired bikes will get you to all of the island’s top attractions, such as the ancient clifftop fort of Dún Aonghasa, the seal colony, Kilmurvey Craft Village, and Kilmurvey Blue Flag Beach.
Nature enthusiasts should set sail on the ferry from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island. This landscape of cliffs, lakes and fields makes the perfect home for Northern Ireland’s largest colony of seabirds. Make your way to the island’s main viewing platform at the RSPB West Light Seabird Centre (by Ireland’s only upside-down lighthouse) and look out for puffins, razorbills and guillemots.
The final island of the six is haunted by the ghost of Lady McGreevy, who once lived in McDermott’s Castle on Castle Island, County Roscommon. Castle Island is not only a photographer’s favorite but also popular with historians, as the castle underwent a siege in 1235 and was ultimately surrendered. Hop aboard the Trinity M.V. and learn of the legends and history of the lough and castle or hire a rowing boat and explore the island’s surroundings for yourself. Castle Island is private, so you must admire it from afar. It’s best to keep your distance from the ghost, anyway…
Discover more island adventures on the island of Ireland!
