KC's Endless Adventures

When thinking about where to visit in Ireland, places like Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, and Dingle probably come to mind. But did you consider the hundreds of islands off the coast? The best islands to visit in Ireland are ideal for those who want to venture more off-the-beaten path.

If you’re searching for tranquility and authenticity, you can’t go wrong with Ireland’s islands. You can avoid the big tour buses and the seemingly endless tourists that pour out of them altogether. Or, simply mix things up by including some of these top islands to visit in Ireland on your itinerary.

Inisheer Island, County Galway

One of the best islands to visit in Ireland for tranquility, culture, and authenticity

The Aran Islands are located off the west coast of the mainland in County Galway. They’re the most well-known of Ireland’s islands, made up of Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer. Most will tell you to visit Inishmore, the largest of the three, but if you don’t want to follow the herd, consider the unparalleled charms of Inisheer.

Officially Inis Oirr, it’s my favorite of all the islands to visit in Ireland. It’s just over three square miles in size and easily be explored on foot. There’s a surprising number of sights to see. That includes an old shipwreck, a lighthouse, castle ruins, and an infamous sunken church. As you disembark the ferry, you’ll see a white sandy beach with brilliant turquoise water to your left. It looks like it was stolen from the Caribbean and it’s great spot to watch for the local dolphin, Sandy. Bike rentals are available nearby or you can take a tour of the island by pony-and-cart.

There are only a handful of pubs and eateries here. Tigh Ned’s near the ferry is a traditional family-run pub and a gathering place for local gossip. The menu is seafood-focused and traditional music sessions are hosted during the summer. Don’t leave without sampling some of the fresh fudge from the Man of Aran shack.

Inishbofin Island, County Galway

One of the best islands to visit in Ireland for a tranquil escape

If Inishbofin sounds familiar, that might be because it was in the headlines not too long ago. It offered Americans “refuge” after Donald Trump became president. But unfortunately, the legalities of moving to the country couldn’t be waived. The population is still right around 170 today.

Even if you can’t move to Inishbofin, visiting provides the chance to enjoy a serene retreat. There are several accommodation options, including ocean-view vacation homes, a couple of hotels, and a B&B. It’s a great place for activities like hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and other watersports. You’ll find picturesque beaches, cliffs, and multiple attractions. Explore the holy wells, medieval sites, and the 16th-century Cromwell’s Barracks which sits within a star-shaped fort overlooking the sea.

Be sure to sample the island fare at Murray’s Bar. Located at the Doonmore Hotel, it also hosts music sessions while providing the opportunity to mingle with the locals.

Valentia Island, County Kerry

One of the best islands to visit in Ireland for fossils, hiking, and spectacular views

Just a short detour from the famous Ring of Kerry, Valentia Island is jam-packed with natural beauty. Accessed by bridge in the small town of Portmagee, it’s one of the easiest islands to visit in Ireland. One of the top sights to see is the Tetrapod Trackway, the oldest and longest of its kind on Earth. The trace fossils date between 350 and 370 million years old. They represent the transition of life from water to land, a significant turning point in evolution.

If you’re up for a scenic walk, the 4.3-mile Bray Head Loop is a 4.3-mile route that follows the coast at the west end of the island with a steady climb to Bray Tower at the summit. From here your reward is a panoramic view of the Atlantic, The Skellig Islands, Portmagee, and Puffin Island. If sudden bad weather comes in, the roof of the structure is intact for shelter. Near the parking area is the historic site where the first Trans-Atlantic cable landed in 1866, connecting North America to the rest of the world. At the time, Valentia was considered the center of the world for communications.

Cromwell Point Lighthouse is also worth a visit with more impressive views and tours, available from May through September.

Skellig Michael, County Kerry

One of the best islands to visit in Ireland for ‘Star Wars’ fans and ancient history enthusiasts

If you’re a “Star Wars” fan, you’re probably familiar with Skellig Michael as it served as the location for Ahch-To in the recent films. The resident puffins even inspired the creatures called porgs. But it’s long been one of the most popular islands to visit in Ireland, with boat tours available during the summer. Located about eight miles off the coast from Portmagee, the island hosts an incredibly well-preserved 6th-century monastic settlement at its summit.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, boat trips are available for viewing the monuments up close, generally from late April to late September, when the weather allows. The seas can be rather treacherous in this area, which means trips are often canceled. With any luck, you’ll be able to reap the rewards of a calmer day by climbing the historic 600 steps of the Early Christian site. The boat trip takes about 45 minutes, and you’ll have 2.5 hours on the rock. The boats also stop at Little Skellig to see the world’s second largest gannet colony – some 23,000 pairs nest on every available ledge.

The Moorings in Portmagee is the perfect place to spend the night, steps from where the boat tours depart. It’s also home to an outstanding seafood restaurant and The Bridge Bar which frequently hosts live music.

Achill Island, County Mayo

One of the best islands to visit in Ireland for natural beauty and basking sharks

Just off the northwest coast is Ireland’s largest and one of its most beautiful islands: Achill. Accessed via a bridge from the mainland, it’s another of the easily accessible islands to visit in Ireland. The landscapes include five Blue Flag Beaches and spectacularly lush, emerald mountains. Dramatic cliff faces rise majestically from the Atlantic while charming whitewashed stone cottages dot the foothills that dip to the shore with its golden beaches. Keem Beach is postcard-perfect as a white crescent of sand edged by a calm, turquoise bay frequented by basking sharks.

Achill is particularly popular for hiking and biking, including the 26-mile Great Western Greenway that follows the old Westport to Achill railway line. There are hundreds of bog roads that interconnect throughout as well. Swimming, surfing, windsurfing and kayaking are all possible too.

If you’re into castles or history, the tower castle of Grace O’Malley’s (the Pirate Queen) is located in the south-east of the island, standing proudly since the 15th century, believed to have been built aroune 1429 by the O’Malley Clan.

Inishturk Island, County Mayo

One of the best islands to visit in Ireland for birdwatching and unspoiled scenery

Also in County Mayo, Inishturk, often referred to as simply “Turk” by the locals, can be reached by taking the ferry from Roonagh Pier in the village of Louisburgh in County Mayo. The approximately 50-minute ride is part of the fun with magnificent views of Achill Island, Clare Island, and the Twelve Ben Mountains in Connemara along the way.

The wild and unspoiled scenery is sure to soothe your soul. A true hidden gem, scenic walks winding through lush terrain and beautiful beaches, some of which you might enjoy all to yourself on this 2.3-square-mile island with a population of just 58. The islanders are proud of their community, and during the summer, there are music sessions, workshops, and regattas to enjoy the best of island life.

The majestic cliffs are what draw many visitors to Inishturk, with the multiple bird sanctuaries providing a paradise for birdwatchers. The views are to-die-for too and include the Buachaill Mor and Buachaill Beag sea stacks.

After a day of exploring, fuel up at the seasonal Caher View Restaurant, renowned for its sea view and fresh seafood, including lobster that can be ordered with 24 hours notice. It’s not touristy here so you won’t find any chain hotels but there are quaint inns, traditional cottages, guesthouses, and campsites for accommodation.

Lambay Island, County Dublin

One of the best islands to visit in Ireland for nature lovers, and those seeking something unique

Lambay is a unique island, just a square mile of rock and turf splashed by the waves of the Irish Sea. Caverns are dotted along the shore that serve as the home for grey seals. Nature lovers can explore its wilder areas to spot puffins, deer, seals, and even wallabies – the only wild mob of the creatures in Ireland.

The wallabies first arrived in the 1950s when the family that’s owned the island since 1904 decided to raise them. After the Dublin Zoo’s wallaby population expanded too quickly to house all of them, new wallabies arrived in the 1980s, helping the older mob survive by adding new genes to the pool. They’ve been thriving ever since with around four dozen of the animals living on the isolated island today.

Overnight stays between April and September only are limited to preserve Lambay’s unspoiled ecosystem, subject to the approval of the Lambay Estate directors.  You’ll need to book O’Connells Cottage which has a maximum capacity for six, or the White House for 12 to 16. Day trips are available as well.

Looking for more great destinations in Ireland? Check out my post on Small Towns in Ireland You Shouldn’t Miss.