Journey beyond and discover the magic of Ireland’s offshore islands
Remote, unspoilt, ruggedly beautiful, Ireland’s offshore islands offer the chance to slow down and embrace authentic connection.
Keem Bay, Achill Island, Co Mayo
Ireland’s islands dot its jagged shoreline, none lying far from the mainland, yet all a world apart and each with a unique story to tell. The islands are bastions of tradition – places where it’s easy to connect deeply with people and authentic Irish experiences.
If you’re travelling along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way or exploring the dramatic Causeway Coast, why not hop over to one of these timeless places and experience life at a different pace.
The Aran Islands, Co. Galway
The magical Aran Islands lie off the west coast of Ireland in Atlantic waters that have shaped not just their landscape but also their traditions. Their Irish-speaking communities are keepers of Irish heritage and their wild landscapes are the stuff of poetry and art. Each of the three islands has a unique character:
1.Inis Mór – Aran Islands, Co. Galway
The largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór (‘mór’ means ‘big’ in Irish), is crisscrossed by drystone walls and edged by soaring cliffs. Walk or cycle its quiet roads and you will come across many ancient sites like Dún Aonghasa, a 3,500-year-old stone fort, and Na Seacht dTeampaíll, an early Christian place of pilgrimage. The island’s sheltered coves allow for sea swimming in calm weather and some are home to seal colonies. Traditional music is part of daily life and you’ll hear it in restaurants and lively pubs across the island.
Inis Mór, Aran Islands, County Galway
2. Inis Meáin – Aran Islands, Co. Galway
Inis Meáin is the most traditional of the Aran Islands where community life centres on fishing, craft and Gaelic games. It’s the perfect place to escape into silence and leave the bustle of modern life behind as you explore its spare and exposed edge-of-the-world landscape. The island is also the birthplace of the famous Aran jumper and you can visit Inis Meáin Knitting Company to see and learn more about the distinctive knits.
3. Inis Oírr – Aran Islands, Co. Galway
Just 3km long and 2km wide, Inis Oírr is easy to explore at a relaxed pace. Discover the ruins of its 16th-century castle and 6th-century sunken church, visit the lighthouse and atmospheric shipwreck. Along the way, stop for tea and homemade cake at Teach an Tae or taste the finest locally caught seafood at Tigh Ned. Fans of flora will also delight in the botanical wonders of the area.
Rathlin Ferry, Church Bay, Rathlin. Co Antrim
The island of Ireland’s most northerly island offers pristine night skies where the aurora dances and a fascinating history is revealed in monuments dating back to the Iron Age. It’s also a major wildlife destination, with important seabird colonies including the puffins that nest on cliffs near the quirky upside-down lighthouse. Rathlin’s walking routes offer panoramic sea views and glimpses of seals and dolphins, while offshore its waters are popular with divers keen to visit the many shipwrecks lying on the seabed.
Great Blasket Island – Co. Kerry
Uninhabited, the Great Blasket Island is remote and wild, defined by steep hills and the abandoned houses of its once thriving community. The island is significant in Ireland’s heritage with the literature of the community telling a unique story of the hardships and rewards of island life. This can be explored at the Blasket Centre, a fascinating heritage and cultural museum on the Dingle Peninsula, before taking a trip to the island to walk in the footsteps of the islanders.
Ireland’s largest island offers lauded beaches, dramatic mountain scenery and a rich history visible in the remains of its monastery, pirate castle and deserted Famine-era village. With white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Achill is a popular destination for watersports. It also draws walkers, cyclists and those keen to explore its heritage or see the luminous landscapes that featured in the hit movie, The Banshees of Inisherin.
Clare Island, Clew bay, Co Mayo
Located at the entrance to Clew Bay, Clare Island’s dramatic mountain-to-sea landscape makes it an adventure playground for those seeking the adrenaline rush of rock-climbing, canyoning or abseiling, or the meditative experience of hiking the rugged coast and green inland ways. Numerous ancient monuments dot the landscape attesting to its rich history. For a chance to connect with the locals, you can learn traditional crafts like handweaving or join a retreat on an organic farm.
A compact island, Inishbofin is a treat for walkers, with looped trails that pass magnificent sea formations and ancient ruins. Guided walks give an insight into the history and culture of the island while the annual walking festival offers a longer immersion in the landscape. Inishbofin also has a flourishing craft scene and workshops are available during the summer. A strong traditional music culture on the island means that evenings often centre around lively sessions.
Remote and culturally distinctive, Tory is a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) island with strong traditions around language, music and community customs. It is famous for having a ‘king’, a ceremonial position that dates from the sixth century, who welcomes visitors on behalf of the islanders. Tory is an island of great beauty, rich in history, archaeology and mythology and all this can be explored on the scenic Tory Island Loop walk. For an immersive island experience, stay the night and enjoy a trad session that stretches into the early hours or a fun evening of céilí dancing.
Peaceful Dursey is sparsely populated and can only be reached by cable car meaning that your trip there begins on a high. It’s a place to be explored on foot, following routes across open land with sweeping sea views. Dolphins and whales are regular visitors to the waters around the island and seals are frequently spotted. The annual summer festival gives visitors the chance to hear local musicians and storytellers and sink into the island vibe.