The Atlantic wind whips across the deck as the ferry approaches a rugged shoreline where green fields meet the endless blue ocean.

Aran Islands: Gateway to Ancient Ireland

The Aran Islands, Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer, sit at the mouth of Galway Bay and preserve a way of life that has almost disappeared from the modern world. Stone walls crisscross the limestone landscape, creating a patchwork of tiny fields. The prehistoric fort of Dun Aonghasa on Inishmore perches dramatically on a cliff edge, dropping three hundred feet to the Atlantic. The islands are a stronghold of Irish language and culture, with traditional music sessions in the pubs and a pace of life dictated by the weather and the sea. Cycling around the islands is the best way to explore.

Skellig Michael: A World heritage Site

Skellig Michael rises dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of County Kerry. This UNESCO World heritage site was home to a monastic community from the 6th to the 12th centuries, who built beehive huts, oratories, and prayer sites on the steep rocky slopes. The site gained worldwide fame as the filming location for Luke Skywalker’s island in the Star Wars sequels. Landing on Skellig Michael involves a boat journey across often choppy seas and a climb of over six hundred stone steps. The experience is unforgettable, combining natural drama with ancient spirituality.

Achill Island: Surfing and Scenery

Achill Island, connected to County Mayo by a bridge, is Ireland’s largest offshore island. Its landscape is wild and beautiful, dominated by the slopes of Croaghaun mountain and the dramatic sea cliffs at Minaun Heights. Keem Bay is a stunning crescent of white sand flanked by green cliffs, often rated among Ireland’s best beaches. Achill is also a destination for surfers, with consistent Atlantic swells breaking along its western coast. The island has a strong artistic tradition, and the Achill Henhouse artist retreat continues that legacy. Cycle paths and walking trails crisscross the island.

Inishturk: Remote and Untouched

Inishturk, located off the coast of County Mayo, is one of the least visited inhabited Irish islands. The island has a small year-round population of around sixty people, who maintain a close-knit community. The landscape features two peaks, Croaghmore and Knock, offering panoramic views across the Atlantic to other islands and the mainland. The island’s beaches are pristine and often empty. The local pub serves fresh seafood and welcomes visitors with genuine warmth. Inishturk is perfect for travelers seeking true isolation and authentic island life without any tourist development.

Inishbofin: History and Hospitality

Inishbofin, meaning Island of the White Cow, lies off the coast of Connemara. The island has a rich history that includes a Cromwellian fort, a pirate queen’s base, and a monastic settlement. Today it is known for its beautiful beaches, colorful village, and excellent seafood restaurants. The island is small enough to explore on foot in a day, with walks leading to the lighthouse, the old signal tower, and the sandy beaches of the west coast. The community-run Inishbofin Arts Festival brings live music and culture to the island each summer.

Clare Island: The Pirate Queen’s Stronghold

Clare Island, sitting at the entrance to Clew Bay in County Mayo, was the stronghold of the legendary pirate queen Grace O’Malley in the 16th century. Her castle still stands on the island, a reminder of her power over the surrounding seas. The island offers a mix of farmland, rocky coastline, and the summit of Knockmore Mountain. The Cistercian abbey contains rare medieval wall paintings. A looped walk around the island takes you past seal colonies, seabird cliffs, and stunning views of Croagh Patrick on the mainland. The ferry from Roonagh Quay runs regularly in summer.

Valentia Island: Geology and Tranquility

Valentia Island, off the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, is connected by a bridge, making it easily accessible. The island is famous for the Tetrapod Trackway, footprints of a prehistoric creature preserved in Devonian period rock, dating back 385 million years. The Valentia Island Lighthouse offers accommodation and exhibits on maritime history. The island’s landscape is gentle and green, with quiet roads perfect for cycling. The views across to the Skelligs and the Kerry coast are breathtaking. The island also has a fascinating history of transatlantic communications, being the European terminus of the first telegraph cable.

Sherkin Island: Artists and Beaches

Sherkin Island, in Roaringwater Bay off County Cork, attracts artists, writers, and those seeking a peaceful escape. The island has a year-round population of about one hundred people, which swells in summer. The sandy beaches on the north coast are sheltered and warm. The ruins of a 15th century Franciscan friary stand near the ferry pier. The island’s maritime museum tells the story of the local fishing and seafaring traditions. Sherkin has a thriving artistic community, and several studios open to visitors. The island is car-free for most visitors, making it wonderfully quiet.

Bere Island: Military History and Wildlife

Bere Island, in Bantry Bay off County Cork, has a distinctive history shaped by its strategic position. The British Navy built fortifications on the island in the 18th and 19th centuries to protect the anchorage, and these Martello towers and gun batteries still stand. The island is now a haven for wildlife, with seals, otters, and a wide variety of seabirds. Walking trails circle the island, offering views of the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. The Bere Island heritage Centre tells the story of the island’s history, while the local pub serves excellent seafood chowder.

Inishmore: The Largest of the Aran Islands

Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, deserves its own mention beyond the group entry. The island stretches for about nine miles and offers the most extensive collection of archaeological sites in the group. Dun Aonghasa is the highlight, but there are also the Seven Churches, a monastic site, and numerous stone forts and clochans, or stone huts. The island village of Kilronan has pubs, restaurants, and shops selling the famous Aran sweaters. You can explore by bike, by horse-drawn carriage, or on foot. The Cliffs of Moher are visible on the horizon on a clear day, adding to the sense of being at the edge of Europe.

Which of Ireland’s remarkable islands calls to you for your next adventure?

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