Top Things to do in Ireland
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10 Islands in Ireland That You Shouldn't Miss
Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Restaurants in Ireland
1. Blasket Islands
2. Inishbofin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
This tiny rustic island has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years.
Reviewed By rebeccaruva - New York City, United States
Inishbofin is a beautiful island just off the coast of County Galway. There is a lovely hike around the island and the people there are simply wonderful. With picturesque beaches, views of both County Galway and the Atlantic Ocean, and stunning cliffs on the west side of the island - Inishbofin is great for a day trip or a few days stay. I stayed at the Hostel on the island with a friend, and the women who ran the place was very nice and accommodating. The hike around the island has stunning views. On the North-West side of the island there is a blowhole that is a treat to see. On the East side of the island there is a lovely walk around the beaches and fields. There are also some small tide pools on East End Beach and cool places to explore. Inishbofin is easy to get to from Galway on public transportation. If you need to get to Galway from any other major city in Ireland, you can use Bus Eireann or other bus companies for an easy trip. From Galway, you should take a CityLink bus to Cleggan, which is where you will pick up the ferry to the island. For a day trip, it would be easiest to get to the island on the morning ferry and take the last ferry out in the late afternoon. You should double check the Inishbofin ferry site for the latest schedule depending on the time of year you are going to Inishbofin. (BE WARNED, if you take the last ferry out and catch the CityLink bus into Galway, and expect to catch the last buses out of Galway (ex. Bus Eireann to Limerick or Shannon Airport) you will most likely NOT make these buses. Expect to spend the night in Galway or catch the midday ferry so you do not have any chance of missing your bus.)
3. Great Blasket Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 521 reviews
The Great Blasket Island – the most westerly point in Europe – is the largest Island of an archipelago of islands located 3 miles off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. The Great Blasket once had a thriving population of inhabitants but in January of 1954 the remaining O'Sullivan family abandoned the Island due to a child contracting meningitis and dying. Many stories and literature have been famously published since this time generating a new found interest in this special area. Since 1954 the Great Blasket Island has been derelict with only visitors coming to a from the Island. In the past few years a number of the houses have been restored and amenities such as overnight accommodation and coffee shop are provided for visitors to the island.
Reviewed By RoryG234 - Dublin, Ireland
This deserted island is stunningly beautiful but thee less.Story has it , that a poster of a tree hung on the wall of the school (which was open from 1864 to 1941) for the information of pupils who had never seen one in real life. The island's claim to fame is it's literary history ,it had remarkable literary output including Tomas Ó Criomhthain's An t-Oileanach and Muiris O' Súilleabháin's Fiche Blian ag Fás and of course Peig Sayer's autobiography Peig.
4. Little Skellig
5. Skellig Michael
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 736 reviews
Reviewed By Yonderluzt
First, you need to book this well in advance. They only allow so many visitors per day. I won't comment on the tour companies because I only have experience with one (and it was good). Some days the weather is too rough to land boats. Because the trips are booked full weeks in advance, you can't reschdue for another day. That being said, if you get a reservation, and if the weather cooperates, this is well worth the trip. There are a lot of steps, so being in decent shape helps, but I wouldn't call it trecherous by any means. There are plenty of videos that give a good idea of what to expect. Watch them and take that into consideration if you have young children or folks who particularly don't like heights, or jumping on and off a rolling deck, into consideration. IMHO the trip is well worth it.
6. Scattery Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 405 reviews
Scattery Island Tours offers a daily ferry service to Scattery Island, at the heart of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Scattery offers a unique Cultural & Heritage experience for visitors with a range of Monasitc & Heritage sites. Scattery Island is an EDEN award winner for Sustainable & Cultural Tourism. Sailings depart from Kilrush Marina in Co. Clare May to Sept. Guided Walking Tour included.
Reviewed By blackcatw13 - London, United Kingdom
Great trip would recommend wearing boots as trails muddy and slippery, also have to cross a stream to get to the lighthouse. Guides more than knowledgeable on the history
7. Inishtrahull Island
8. Abbey Island
9. Gola Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By maryellenc374 - Letterkenny, Ireland
Visited gola for the first time this year, although we live locally, we never got around to making the trip. The ferry left hourly which was great as we had young family with us and we could stay as long or as short as suited us. The ferryman was more than helpful, loading and unloading a pram with a child in it and giving us all a helping hand on and off the ferry. The island itself is lovely and anyone we met were polite and pleasant. It's a day trip I will remember for a long time!
