Irish islands you need to visit

[jw5]

If you're a fan of nature and the slower-paced life, perhaps you should consider adding Ireland's islands to your travel bucket list. Apart from the jaw-dropping, raw, and rocky coastline, the islands themselves are home to rare wildlife, with many also containing ruins that offer a window into the past. It's not difficult to imagine the myth of ancient Irish folklore as you explore these landscapes. What's more, the western location of these islands make them the perfect place to get a front row seat to some of the most stunning sunsets you'll witness!

 

[jw5]

Valentia Island, Co. Kerry​

One of Ireland's most westerly points, Valentia sits at the edge of Europe. Here you can learn about the island's lighthouse history, and take in the ocean views from the balcony.​

 

[jw5]

Valentia Island, Co. Kerry​

The island has a rich history, being the place where the first transatlantic telegraph cable was laid over 150 years ago, connecting Europe with Newfoundland in Canada.​

 

[jw5]

Inishturk, Co. Mayo​

Just 9 miles (14.5 km) from the coast of County Mayo, the steep hills of Inishturk rise boldly from the wild Atlantic Ocean.​

 

[jw5]

Inishturk, Co. Mayo​

A small but beautiful island, you can enjoy hiking past the cliffs and scenic coastline before settling in to one of the pubs for a cold pint afterwards.​

 

[jw5]

Garnish Island, Co. Cork​

Located in Bantry Bay, Co. Cork, Garnish Island is renowned for its colorful plant life, that changes according to the season.​

 

[jw5]

Garnish Island, Co. Cork​

This quaint hideaway boasts Martello towers from the Napoleonic era and walled gardens, as well as offering a tranquil setting to enjoy the Atlantic scenery.​

 

[jw5]

Sherkin Island, Co. Cork​

The most accessible island in Ireland, Sherkin Island is a short 10-minute ferry ride from the harbor in Baltimore, Co. Cork.​

 

[jw5]

Sherkin Island, Co. Cork​

A megalithic tomb (the Wedge Tomb) is a nod to ancient settlement on the island, while the Franciscan Friary (pictured) was established by the ruling O'Driscoll clan in 1460.​

 

[jw5]

Bere Island, Co. Cork​

A stronghold of Irish Gaelic chieftans until they lost their power in 1602, Bere Island in Co. Cork lies between Berehaven Harbour and Bantry Bay.​

 

[jw5]

Bere Island, Co. Cork​

Two ferries carry passenger cars to the island, one between Castletownbere and the west of the island, while the other serves Pontoon and Rerrin village.​

 

[jw5]

Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry​

Named after archangel Michael, Skellig Micheal (Great Skellig) lies to the west of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland.​

 

[jw5]

Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry​

One of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland, the summit of this island monastery towers over the sea and was once a place of refuge for monks during the time of the restrictive Cromwellian Penal Laws in Ireland, when it was illegal to practice Catholicism.​

 

[jw5]

Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry​

Puffins nest on Skellig Michael, which is home to a breeding colony from May to August. Each year thousands of puffins descend here, to raise their young.​