From the famous Aran Islands and Skellig Michael to lesser-known gems like Heir Island and Inishmurray, Ireland’s islands offer something different.
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Dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins, sandy beaches, Irish-speaking communities, wildlife, and the opportunity to escape to a peaceful destination far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life are just some of them.
Whether you’re planning an island‑hopping adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way or seeking a peaceful coastal escape, this guide highlights 20 of the best islands in Ireland, plus practical tips on what you can find when you visit.
The Aran Islands (County Galway)
Among the most popular for overseas tourists are the three Aran Islands, which can be accessed by ferry from Galway City (April-October) or from Rossaveal in Connemara or Doolin in County Clare year-round.
You can also get to the islands courtesy of Aer Arann from Connemara Regional Airport, which is located in the town of Inverin, about 19 miles west of Galway City.
1. Inishmore
This is the largest of the islands.
Best For: History lovers, cyclists and those looking to experience traditional Irish culture.
With a population of about 840 people, Inishmore is the most visited of the Aran Islands. Like the others, the Irish language is commonly spoken here, although natives speak English, too.
There is a wealth of pre-Christian and Christian sites on the island, the most famous being Dun Aonghasa, a prehistoric hill fort that dates from 1,100 B.C.
Some of the other must-see sites include St. Benan’s Church, the smallest church in Ireland that dates from the 7th century, as well as the Seven Churches, a former place of pilgrimage.
There is a lot more to see and enjoy in Inishmore, including great food and music in Kilronan, the island’s main village.
The best way to explore is by bicycle, though pony trap tours, and jeep tours are available.
Don’t leave the island without seeing the Olympic-sized rock pool known as The Worm Hole or The Serpent’s Lair.
Watch the video below to see competitors diving into the pool at the 2017 Red Bull Diving competition.
If you’re looking for authentic Aran sweaters or other hand-crafted souvenirs from the island, stop at the Kilmurvey Craft Village.
2. Inishmaan
With a population of only 200 people, this middle island seems a lot more remote than its larger neighbor.
Best For: Solitude, archaeology, literary history.
There are two large forts to see here.
They include the prehistoric Conor’s Fort, which is the most striking of the circular stone forts that you’ll find on the Aran Islands, and Ferboy’s Fort, which dates from between the 1st and 7th centuries.
Other places of interest include Dermot and Gráinne’s grave from the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age (4,000 to 1,400 BC), which is named after the lovers, Diarmuid and Gráinne in Irish mythology.
The Irish playwright James Millington Synge once lived on the island and his cottage is now a tourist attraction.
Synge’s Chair, a gathering of stones in the form of a chair and located on the western edge of the island, is another reminder of the famous writer.
If you are thinking of visiting Inishmaan, you should book accommodation beforehand.
3. Inisheer
The smallest of the Aran islands, this is also a delightful destination if you’re looking for some tranquility.
Best For: Relaxation, beaches, easy exploring.
You can’t miss the island’s village if you take the ferry from the mainland. It is located close to the pristine sandy beach with a castle and a fort behind it.
Churches and other sites to see on Inisheer include St. Caomhan’s Church, which is named after the island’s patron saint, Caomhan, often anglicized as Kevin; O’Brien’s Castle, St. Gobnait’s Church, the Church of the Seven Daughters, and the Plassey Wreck, the remains of a cargo vessel that was wrecked off the island in 1960.
A group of islanders rescued the crew, but during a second storm, it was washed ashore. It is featured in the opening credits of Father Ted, a popular comedy series made in the late 1990s.
Walking or cycling is encouraged on Inisheer.
Many people wonder if they can hop from island to island.
Absolutely! In fact, the islanders themselves encourage tourists to visit all of the islands since each of them has its own unique character.
A regular ferry service is available to make island hopping easy. When you get to Inishmore, you can enquire about connecting ferries.
You can get to the Aran Islands by ferry on the Aran Island Ferries and The Doolin Ferry Co.
4. Arranmore (County Donegal)
This is the largest inhabited island of County Donegal, with about 469 people living there. The predominant language is Gaeilge/Irish.
Best For: Community spirit, rugged beauty.
It made headlines a few years ago when some of the island’s residents wrote an open letter to Americans and Australians, inviting them to live there.
There’s a way-marked trail around the island that will lead you to its main attractions, including Arranmore Lighthouse on the edge of the island’s dramatic cliffs and the 800 BC promontory fort at Uilinn for a glimpse into its ancient history, or take a boat trip around the island with Arranmore Charters.
A ferry service is available from Burtonport to Arranmore.
5. Bere Island (County Cork)
This is one of the West Cork islands that is located off the Beara Peninsula.
Best For: Beauty and solitude.
It has a population of about 220 people. Unlike the other islands on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, English is the primary language on Bere Island.
Notable attractions here include the Bere Island Heritage Centre, where you’ll find information on the island’s culture and heritage; its 19th-century Napoleonic Martello towers; Ardnakinna Lighthouse and a number walking trails.
6. Cape Clear Island (County Cork)
Located off the coast of County Cork, the Irish language is also practiced here daily.
Best For: Experiencing the Irish language and storytelling.
With its Mediterranean-like microclimate, Cape Clear Island is a haven for outdoor lovers. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters from a kayak or SUP (stand up paddle), or perhaps you’d like to swim or snorkel in this part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
You could also explore the nearby sea arches or paddle across the water to nearby islands.
The most popular event on the island is the annual Cape Clear Storytelling Festival to be held between Sept. 4th and 6th of this year.
You can get to the island via ferry from either Schull or Baltimore.
Enjoy Kayaking and Canoeing in the County Cork Waters
7. Clare Island (County Mayo)
This island is off the coast of County Mayo and is located in Clew Bay.
Best For: History, adventure and nature lovers.
It was the home of the 16th-century pirate queen Grace O’Malley, otherwise known as Granuaile.
About 145 people currently live on the island, which is popular with tourists.
The O’Malley or Granuaile Castle is located right off the harbor.
The lighthouse and a Napoleonic signal tower are also worth seeing, as well as Clare Island Abbey that contains a number of medieval wall paintings.
You can get a ferry to the island from Roonagh Pier near Louisburgh.
8. Coney Island (County Sligo)
Not to be confused with the popular Coney Island in New York, this County Sligo island can be accessed on foot or by car when the tide is out, or by boat (for larger groups of 12 or more only) at Rosses Point.
Best For: Unique tidal access from the mainland.
The island has only one family permanently residing there, but the population rises during the summer months.
While there, be sure to look for St. Patrick’s Well and Wishing Chair as well as its ancient stone circles and historic Napoleonic star-shaped forts.
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9. Dursey Island (County Cork)
This island lies off the coast of County Cork.
Only a few semi-permanent residents live there, mostly during the summer months.
Best For: Adventure and remoteness.
It can be accessed by a cable car, the only one in Ireland. There are no shops, pubs or restaurants on Dursey Island, so if you travel, bring food and water with you.
It is a popular tourist destination for those who want to take the journey across while admiring the sea life below, including the many dolphins and whales that are seen here.
Attractions to see on the island include the Kilmichael Church ruins, a former monastery; a signal tower on the highest point of the island, providing views of Mizen Head and the Skellig Islands; the O’Sullivan Beare Castle ruins, and a number of standing stones and famine villages.
10. Garnish Island (County Cork)
If you love gardens, you must visit Garnish Island, which is situated in Glengariff Harbor.
Best For: Garden lovers.
The island’s Italian Gardens contain an array of luscious plants, many of them thriving at various times of the year thanks to the mild effects of the Gulf Stream in this part of Ireland.
In addition to the gardens, expect to see the attraction’s Grecian Temple and Clock Tower, its Martello Tower, walled garden and plant life, as well as Bryce House, the former home of the island’s owners.
To get to Garnish Island, you can take the ferry from Glengarriff. On the way, you’ll see the area’s resident seal colony.
11. Heir Island (County Cork)
Another one of the islands worth exploring near West Cork is Heir Island,
Best for: Foodies and artists.
Heir Island boasts seven beaches. Among them is Sandy Beach (Trá Bán in Irish), a peaceful stretch of sand on the island’s eastern shore.
During the summer months, the population increases due to tourism. The island does not have a pub, but there are several B&Bs, holiday rentals, an art gallery, a sailing school, one permanent restaurant and a pop-up eatery inside the sailing school.
The island is known for its gourmet food. Artists are also attracted to this idyllic place.
A ferry service is available from Cunnamore Pier. The journey takes only a few minutes.
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12. Inishbofin Island (County Galway)
This small island lies about 5 miles (8 km) off the coast of Connemara and is a popular tourist destination.
Best For: Wildlife and conservation.
Much of the island is a Special Area of Conservation, with an abundance of crakes and seals.
There are no trees on the island since all of them were cut down and used as fuel over the years. You’ll see the ruins of an old monastery there, founded by Saint Colman.
You can get to Inisbofin via ferry from Cleggan.
15. Skellig Michael (County Kerry)
Many people associate this popular island off the southwest coast of Ireland with the Star Wars series of films.
Best For: UNESCO heritage and Star Wars fans.
But it is much more notable as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The island is best known for its early Christian monastic settlement that was once home to a group of monks who lived there between the 6th and 12th centuries.
Be prepared to climb 600 stone steps to the top of this jagged island, where you’ll discover remarkable dry-stone beehive huts that have withstood centuries of harsh North Atlantic weather.
The island is a haven for wildlife, including puffins that nest along its cliffs during the summer months.
A variety of providers offer boat trips to the island. You’ll find their names in this updated article.
16. Rathlin Island (County Antrim)
Located off the coast of Country Antrim in Northern Ireland, this is a wild, rugged island that contains an Iron Age fort, a number of standing stones, a castle, a tower house, a seal colony, and more.
Best For: Wildlife and rugged landscapes.
Rathlin Island is the only inhabited island off Northern Ireland’s coast, with a population of about 150 people year-round.
The island is one of 43 Special Areas of Conservation in the Six Counties, being home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots and more.
If you’re a bird watcher, Rathlin Island won’t disappoint.
The main attraction on Rathlin Island is the Rathlin West Light Seabird Center, which is part of Rathlin’s unusual upside-down lighthouse.
Completed in 1919, the lighthouse lamp was placed at the bottom so that it could better penetrate the dense low fog that frequently surrounds the island.
Rathlin Castle also attracts the curious visitor. It was constructed in the 13th century by John de Courcy, subsequently passing into the hands of several families in the area.
In 1575, English forces attacked the castle, which led to the island’s greatest tragedy, the Rathlin Island Massacre. It sits on top of a cliff, with views of Kintyre and Islay in Scotland on the horizon.
In addition, there are numerous walks you can take on the island. You can get to Rathlin Island via ferry.
17. Tory Island (County Donegal)
Located off the coast of County Donegal, this is Ireland’s most remote island,with a population of about 130 people.
Best For: History lovers and those seeking solitude.
Interesting sites include a round tower that once protected monks from Viking raids, the ruins of a sixth-century monastery, and a Tau Cross that suggests a connection to Egypt’s Coptic Christians.
You can get to Tory Island from Magheroarty Pier on the “Queen of Aran” passenger boat, owned by the Arranmore Ferry. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
Download the Tory Ferry app to check on the ferry schedule.
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18. Achill Island (County Mayo)
This island, which is part of County Mayo, is the largest of Ireland’s islands.
Best For: Beaches and dramatic scenery.
It has become a popular tourist destination because of its pristine beaches and overall beauty and more recently because of its inclusion in the Oscar-nominated movie “The Banshees of Inisherin.”
Be sure to check out the Banshees of Inisherin Locations Trail to learn about the locations used in the movie, including Colm Doherty’s house, Corrymore Lake and Mrs. Mc Cormick’s cottage.
For the outdoor enthusiast, Achill Island is heaven.
Make your way via car or on foot to Minaun Heights and enjoy some of the best views on the island.
Achill Island holds the distinction of having the highest cliffs in Ireland.
The Croaghaun Cliffs stand at an impressive 688 meters (2,257 feet). The hike to the cliffs might be challenging but worth it at the top.
The Deserted Village on Slievemore Mountain, the second-highest peak on the island, is another area of interest. It contains between 80 and 100 stone cottages located over a mile-long stretch of road.
The first Ordnance survey of Achill Island in 1838 showed the village to be occupied, but less than 20 years later following Ireland’s Great Famine, it was deserted.
19. Inch Island (County Donegal)
Inch Island is a small island within Lough Swilly that is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Best For: Wildlife lovers.
Known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, the island is home to a population of migratory birds and wintering waterfowl as well as swans who make it home during the autumn months.
It is also the home of Inch Castle built in 1454.
20. Valentia Island (County Kerry)
Off the coast of County Kerry, this is Ireland’s most westerly point.
It is situated off the Iveragh Peninsula and can be accessed by driving across the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge.
Best For: Geological history and Atlantic views.
The permanent population of the island is over 650 people.
The island is known as the first telecommunications link between Europe and North America.
An immersive exhibition at the Valentia Cable Station visitor center explains the story of how the first transatlantic telegraph cable was laid.
Try sending your own Morse code message and explore how modern underwater communication systems have evolved since then.
Be sure, also, to see the Tetrapod Trackway, which are imprints on the island’s rocks that show the presence of four-legged amphibians there around 350 million years ago.
Have you visited any of the islands mentioned above? Let me know in the comments below.
