Ireland is a small country on the edge of Western Europe before the vast Atlantic Ocean meets America. What you probably don’t know is Ireland itself is surrounded by 80 small islands off its coasts, of which 20 are inhabited. With ferry services linking the mainland to these destinations, it will enhance your holiday to venture to these islands. Some with colourful histories, tragic pasts and even one dubbed the “Irish Alcatraz”, read our blog as we bring you the 7 must-visit islands of Ireland.
The Blasket Islands are a collection of small remote islands located off the Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry. The last residents left the islands in the 1950’s and moved to the mainland. Today, the islands remain uninhabited and taking a day trip here is definitely a sombre experience but gives a good idea of how isolating Island living was for folks long ago. Most residents would have lived in traditional thatch cottages and survived without electricity. Those wanting to really get a feel for old Ireland can pay a trip to Dunquin back on the mainland where The Blasket Centre displays information and exhibitions on the islands and offers a stunning clifftop viewing point.
If you have a “gra” or love for gardening, then a trip to Garnish Ireland is a must-do on your list. Known as “the island of holly” and arguably the prettiest island of all, Garnish is famous for its beautiful exotic gardens. It was the brainchild of a Scottish gardener who got to work on Garnish in the 1920’sand set about creating an Italianate Garden with exotic plants.
There is also an ancient Martello Tower on the island. Martello Towers are ancient Towers which the British used as lookout points. The one on Garnish Island was built whilst Ireland was under British rule and the tower would have served useful as Garnish Island is located off the southerly tip of Ireland and the tower would have spotted potential French invaders.
The island is served by a ferry service from Glengarriff, a village in the Beara Peninsula of Cork.
Spike Island, dubbed “The Irish Alcatraz” was once the world’s largest prison. Located off the coast of Cork, when Spike Island operated as a prison for convicts, it was said to have been 10 times the size of Alcatraz. It held up to 2,300 prisoners by the 19th century and conditions were notoriously harsh with poor sanitation and malnutrition meaning up to 1,000 prisoners died on the Island.
It was later used by the Army and Navy but surprisingly returned to being a civilian prison in the 1980’s, eventually closing in 2004. The island is steeped in history, and so it was no surprise that in 2016, it opened to the viewing public as an award-winning Tourist Attraction. Tours operate daily from the heritage town of Cobh, and if you are brave enough to try a Spike Island After Dark Tour, don’t be surprised to experience a paranormal element as the island is home to many a tortured soul.
On a clear day if you gaze over the Iveragh Peninsula in Kerry, you’ll see boats carrying hordes of movie bluffs to a rocky outlet. At first glance, it might be difficult to understand why this isolated and bleak island is a tourist attraction, but the answer is found in a Hollywood connection. Skellig Michael, an ancient monastery site which became the surprising film location for two hugely successful Star Wars Movies. J.J. Abrahams chose the World UNESCO heritage site to film both The Force Awakens and The last Jedi. At the time, his vision was to be not overly reliant on CGI and find a filming location that had a natural rugged beauty.
The site is not for everyone, with 600 steep steps to climb before you reach the monastery at the top; it may be suited to more active climbers. The site itself is an ancient monastery which dates to the 6th century. It is also home to colonies of seabirds who nest on the island from May to July. Boat Tours of the Island operate from Portmagee Marina.
The Aran Islands are arguably the most well-known of all Ireland’s coastal islands…. the islands are inhabited, and residents are bi-lingual, speaking both native Irish and English. A feature of the islands is the unmistakable stone walls or “”famine walls” which are associated with old Ireland.
Inis Mór, which means big island, is the largest of the islands with a population of 800. With a small but thriving social life and pubs, BnBs and shops…it can be the perfect weekend stop for anyone looking to experience authentic Irish living. Look out for Dún Aonghasa which is the largest of the Prehistoric stone forts on the island. It has been called “the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe.”
Inis Meáin Island has a population of around 180 residents and is more desolate, but it is here that the famous Aran jumpers are made. The passenger ferry for all 3 Islands including Inis Oírr, departs from Rossaveel Port in Connemara – 20 miles west of Galway.
