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On a Clear Day You can Visit Cape Clear
Even if it’s not a clear day, a visit to this southernmost island of Ireland is a great getaway. The island of Cape Clear, also known as Clear Island, is a small island southwest of County Cork with a population of about 100 people. The inhabitants speak Irish and English so it will give you the opportunity to experience the native culture and language. The island is accessible by ferry or by private boat.

Stop at Nearby Sherkin Island
Sherkin Island also lies southwest of County Cork, near the southern tip of Ireland. It is a small island in Roaringwater Bay that is only about 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. It is a quaint place with a population of approximately 100 people. A visit to Sherkin Island will provide you with the chance to interact with the local people and take in Ireland at its finest.

Go North to Tory Island
Known in the Irish language as Oilean Thoraigh, Tory Island is a small island off the northwest coast of County Donegal, near the northern tip of Ireland. Most of the 130 or so people that call Tory Island home speak Irish as their first language, but can understand and communicate in English. You can reach Tory Island via a ferry which runs daily from April to October and five times a week the rest of the year.

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Keep Your Eye on Ireland’s Eye
Formerly part of the City of Dublin, this small uninhabited island lies just offshore in County Dublin. It is located directly north of Howth Harbor, a small peninsula on the north side of Dublin Bay. A stroll around the island will reveal its history in a Martello Tower and an 8th century church. There are also natural attractions to explore, such as ‘the stack,’ a huge free-standing rock on the northeastern corner of the island.

You Must See Beautiful Garnish Island
Garnish Island is a local name for a 37-acre island in Bantry Bay, in the southwestern part of Ireland. It is also called Ilnacullin, which means ‘isle of holly.’ The island is famous for its beautiful gardens and is a popular attraction for horticulturists from around the world. It has also been featured on numerous television shows highlighting the beautiful trees and shrubs.

Visit the West Coast and See Achill Island
The largest island in Ireland, Achill Island is located on the west coast, in the northwestern part of Ireland, County Mayo. Due to its size and location, Achill Island has the distinction of being accessible by means of a bridge from the mainland. It has a population in excess of 2,700 people. Achill Island is a quaint place with a number of small villages to explore. The island, which is comprised of 87% peat bog, has a history dating back to 3000 B.C.

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Go Southwest to Bere Island
Bere Island, also known as Bear Island, has a history going back more than 2,000 years. It is a small island in Bantry Bay, west of County Cork, in southwest Ireland. The population of Bere Island exceeds 200 people. It can be reached by ferries that carry foot passengers and light vehicles.

See Dursey Island While You’re Nearby
Not far away is a small island that has only about a dozen wintertime residents. Dursey Island is the westernmost island off the southwestern tip of the Beara Peninsula, in County Cork. It is connected to the mainland of Ireland by the country’s only cable car. Riding the cable care is one of the prime attractions for visiting Dursey Island.

Visit the Popular Inis Mor Island
Inis Mor Island is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations and is a must see for any visit to Ireland. It has a tremendously rich history and resembles an outdoor museum. It is the largest of the Aran Islands off the western coast of Ireland and boasts more than 50 monuments of Christian, pre-Christian, and Celtic heritage.

See Nearby Inis Oirr Island
Since you’re in the area anyway, you may as well travel a bit south in the Aran Islands and see the nearby Inis Oirr Island. Inis Oirr is the smallest of the Aran Islands and closest to the mainland. It has a rich history and also boasts a beautiful beach, rare plants and flowers, and incredible scenery.

Guest post from Tracy Sheldon. Tracy writes about boat insurance for BoatInsurance.org.

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Venice

Venice is one of the most romantic and idyllic cities on earth and incredibly crowded in the summer months thanks to its beauty. It’s a great place to start your journey into this beautiful country and one of the most idyllic places in the world. The architecture is sublime and the Grand Canal is everything you expect it to be and more. Wandering around the streets is a great pastime and you should visit the Ducal Palace, the Treasury and the waterways – just bear in mind everything is expensive. From Venice you can jump on the train at Sant Lucia and head towards Florence. The journey takes you through the heart of northern Italy through the beautiful agricultural landscapes and past small towns and villages basking in the warm suns.

Florence

As a stop on the way to Rome Florence is an incredible city and stunningly beautiful; the spirit of the renaissance is still much in evidence here and the sheer beauty of the city is incredible. Stroll to the Duomo and Uffizi before wandering the streets and admiring the architecture. From the Santa Maria Novella train station you can begin the short journey to Rome across some of Italy’s most beautiful hills.

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Rome

Rome is the perfect place to holiday and definitely will set the scene for your journey across the country. Rome has the most famous monuments of Italy and lives up to its well-deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Within Rome you need to explore the Colosseum, the stunning Trevi fountain and the vast ruins of temples and Roman villas. The city is stunningly beautiful and has a great atmosphere. But of course the biggest draw is the separate state – Vatican City. The Vatican is the world’s smallest state and incredibly luxurious and beautiful. The Sistine chapel is a must stop and the paintings are incredible. From Rome Termini Central Station we head south across the Lush Mediterranean landscapes to Naples and Sicily.

Naples and Sicily

Heading south brings us to the end of our journey and the perfect destination for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. The bay of Naples is beautiful and nearby you can explore Pompei and some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. Naples itself is a vibrant colourful city with a distinct atmosphere and fantastic architecture. Sicily in turn has a completely unique identity with beautiful Mediterranean beaches and an abundance of culture and beauty. Villas in Sicily make a great place to unwind and enjoy the local culture and there are some great resorts and hotels as well. Finally you can fly home from Naples or take the train along the coast back to Rome.

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In the shadow of Ischia and Capri is small, only 2.5 km long and fewer tourists visited island of Procida. However Chiaiolella offers good swimming and, like Ischia, also cheap accommodation. In a neglected town of Procida is the main ferry port, Marina Grande.

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