{"id":8735,"date":"2025-06-20T12:22:21","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T11:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.campingireland.ie\/?p=8735"},"modified":"2025-07-02T12:07:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T11:07:40","slug":"go-island-hopping-around-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.campingireland.ie\/de\/go-island-hopping-around-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"Go Island hopping around Ireland"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s another side to Ireland that often gets overlooked \u2014 its islands.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Scattered around the coast of Ireland are dozens of tiny, wild, and wonderful islands, each with its own vibe. Whether you’re into hiking, history, wildlife, or just getting away from it all, there\u2019s an island with your name on it.<\/p>\n

Ireland\u2019s islands are wild, welcoming, and full of surprises. Whether you\u2019re climbing ancient ruins, cycling by the sea, or just enjoying the silence (and maybe a sneaky pint), an Island visit is a must.<\/p>\n

Hop on a boat, drive across a dramatic bridge or jump in a cable car to explore some of the 80 magical islands of Ireland.<\/p>\n

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The Islands of the North West<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Tory Island, Donegal<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Lying 12km off north Donegal, Toraigh (Tory Island)<\/strong> is the most remote of Ireland\u2019s inhabited islands, with enduring local traditions, unique historical sites and rare bird life.\u00a0 The island’s remoteness has led to the preservation of the traditions and way of life of its residents. Their music, dance, song and stories are living expressions of an ancient Gaelic culture. The island also boasts an abundance of rare bird life and wild flower species as well as a rich submarine landscape that can be explored through the local dive centre.<\/p>\n

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Sligo is home to Coney Island<\/strong> (not to be confused with the New York Coney Island).\u00a0\u00a0 It is accessible by boat from the pier at Rosses Point, or you can make your way over across Cummeen Strand at low tide.\u00a0 It is so named because of the vast quantity of rabbits which can be spotted there at any time.\u00a0 There is a fabulous secluded beach to the rear of the Island \u2013 Carty\u2019s Strand.\u00a0 If you do cross via Cummeen Strand be sure to check the tidal times as you don\u2019t want to get stranded on the Island when the tide comes in!<\/p>\n

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Spend a few days in Sligo<\/a><\/strong> or Donegal<\/a><\/strong> and take a day trip to these Islands.<\/p>\n

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Aran Islands \u2013 Where Time Slows Down<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Inis M\u00f3r, Aran Islands<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The Aran Islands (Inis M\u00f3r, Inis Me\u00e1in, and Inis O\u00edrr<\/strong>) are off the coast of Galway and feel like stepping into a different world. Stone walls, thatched cottages, and people ag caint as Gaeilge<\/em>. Rent a bike and cruise past sheep, sea cliffs, and ancient ruins. Inis M\u00f3r is the biggest and most popular, but Inis O\u00edrr is the cutest (and has a shipwreck!).\u00a0 You can even pitch up for a few nights on Inis M\u00f3r<\/a><\/strong> or spend a few nights in a glamping pod.\u00a0 Cycling is a fantastic way to see the Islands and bike hire is available.\u00a0 You can also take a horse and cart tour which is a big hit with the smaller folk.<\/p>\n

There are a number of options on travelling to the Island.\u00a0 You can take a ferry from Rossaveal (Galway) \u2013 40 minutes or from Galway City which takes 90 minutes.\u00a0 Alternatively you can travel from Doolin (Clare) to the Islands.\u00a0 The ferry is a picturesque 40 minutes crossing with spectacular views of the Cliffs of Moher. To see the stunning coastal views by air you can take a short flight which departs from Connemara Airport in Inverin, a 40 minute spin from Galway City, and you can choose which island you want to visit when you book.<\/p>\n

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Achill Island \u2013 Big Views, Bigger Vibes<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Achill<\/strong>, in County Mayo, is technically connected to the mainland by a bridge.\u00a0 \u00a0It is Ireland’s largest offshore island and can be reached by car from Mayo’s Corraun Peninsula.\u00a0 Achill Island is home to a number of picture-postcard beaches, some of Europe’s highest cliffs and large tracts of blanket bog sweeping over the island’s two peaks and down to the shore.\u00a0 It\u2019s a great spot for surfers, hikers, or anyone who just wants to chill with a view. Once on the island there is the spectacular Atlantic Drive which takes one along a 40km drive that includes the best of the island’s scenery.\u00a0 The Great Western Greenway, a 42km track suitable for cycling or walking, runs from Westport to Achill.\u00a0 There are 5 picturesque beaches on Achill, including Keem Beach located in a horseshoe bay on the Island.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spend a few days on Achill<\/a><\/strong> and tour round.\u00a0 Pitch up on the Island or in one of the many other sites in Galway<\/a><\/strong> and Mayo<\/a><\/strong> all within easy reach of Achill or for travelling to the Aran Islands..<\/p>\n

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The Kerry Islands<\/strong><\/p>\n

We couldn\u2019t just mention one island in Kerry as there are 3 which are well worth visiting.<\/p>\n

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Skellig Islands Kerry<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Skellig Michael \u2013 A Monastic Marvel<\/strong><\/p>\n

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Skellig Michael is a rocky island that rises sharply from the sea along the Kerry coast. Accessible only by boat, it was home to monks in the 6th century and more recently became famous as a Star Wars filming location. The steep climb to the ancient beehive huts is rewarded with breathtaking views and a haunting sense of history.\u00a0 The boat ride over can be a bit of a rollercoaster but well worth it.\u00a0 Please note:<\/strong> Trips depend on weather and operate only from late spring to early autumn. Book well in advance.<\/p>\n

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Valentia Island, Cromwell Point Lighthouse<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Valentia Island \u2013 one of the largest Islands off the southcoast<\/strong><\/p>\n

Valentia is connected to the mainland by bridge from Portmagee.\u00a0 Alternatively you can take the car ferry from Renard Point, Cahersiveen to Knightstown (operates seasonally).\u00a0 The western part of the island is dominated by the barren, dramatic cliffs of Bray Head which command spectacular views of the Kerry coastline. An important quarry on the northern part of the island which opened in 1816 still flourishes today. The famous Valentia Slate has been used in many prominent buildings including the British House of Commons in London.\u00a0 You can also pitch up a stay on Valentia Island<\/a> <\/strong>in the caravan & camping site on the Island.<\/p>\n

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Blasket Islands Kerry<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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An Blascaod M\u00f3r \u2013 the Blasket Islands<\/strong><\/p>\n

Located roughly 2km beyond the most westerly point of the Dingle Peninsula, the Blasket Islands are comprised of sandstone humps, incredible cliffs and surrounding reefs. Sail across the Blasket Sound and explore the now deserted villages on the stunning Blasket Islands off the coast of County Kerry.\u00a0 Passenger ferries operate on a seasonal basis from Dunquin Pier, Dingle Marina and Ventry Pier<\/p>\n

Pitch up at one of the many top quality caravan & camping sites throughout Kerry<\/a><\/strong> and take a trip to the Islands.<\/p>\n

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Go Island hopping in Cork<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Cable Car to Dursey Island<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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There are 7 inhabited Islands along the West Cork coastline and the perfect location to go Island hopping.\u00a0 Each island is quite different in character from the next – <\/span>Heir,\u00a0Bere,\u00a0Sherkin,\u00a0Cape Clear,\u00a0Whiddy,\u00a0Dursey,\u00a0Long\u00a0and\u00a0Garnish\u00a0islands.<\/strong>\u00a0 Each Island is a walkers paradise and you could spend days exploring.\u00a0 The Islands are accessible by boat from the mainland or for a more dramatic entrance why not take Ireland\u2019s only cable car to <\/span>Dursey Island<\/strong>!\u00a0 For garden lovers a trip to <\/span>Garnish<\/strong> Island<\/strong> is a must.\u00a0 There are regular ferries from Glengarriff and don\u2019t forget to watch out for the seals lazing on the rocks or swimming alongside the boat.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Spike Island, Cork Harbour<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Spike Island<\/strong> sits in Cork Harbour and whilst now not inhabited it was home for many years to a prison.\u00a0 Today you can visit the Island and tour the now empty prison viewing the cells and deep tunnels.\u00a0 This is one Island you will be glad you are not over-nighting in!<\/p>\n

Cork<\/a><\/strong> has a number of top caravan & camping sites and would be a great place to pitch up for a few nights and Island hop along the west coast.<\/p>\n

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The Sunny South East<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Saltees, Wexford<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The Saltee Islands<\/strong> are situated approximately 5km off the coast of Kilmore Quay County Wexford. The islands consist of Great and Little Saltee with Great Saltee home to the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland.\u00a0 The Islands are very popular with both day-trippers and birdwatchers alike.\u00a0 Day visitors are allowed on Great Saltee between 11:00am and 4:30pm. Arranged trips from Kilmore Quay are approved within these hours.<\/p>\n

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Ireland\u2019s Ancient East<\/a> <\/strong>is a great location to pitch up for a few nights.\u00a0 Book in to one of the many sites in Wexford<\/a><\/strong> or Wicklow<\/a><\/strong> and take a day trip to the Saltee Islands.<\/p>\n

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Northern Ireland\u2019s top Island \u2013 Rathlin Island<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Rathlin Island, Antrim<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Just off Northern Ireland\u2019s Antrim coast, Rathlin<\/strong> is tiny, friendly, and packed with wildlife. It\u2019s one of the best places to see puffins up close (especially in spring and early summer). It is the only inhabited off-shore Island in Northern Ireland.\u00a0 There\u2019s also a cool seabird centre, a lighthouse, and some very chill walking trails. The ferry to Rathlin Island travels just six miles across the Sea of Moyle. This island is six miles long, one mile wide, “L” shaped and home to a slowly increasing population of around 140 people.\u00a0 A short walk from the harbour is the Boathouse Visitor Centre (Seasonal) where visitors can discover some of the exciting history, learn about present day island life and see some artefacts from shipwrecks around the island.\u00a0 The ferry runs throughout the day from Ballycastle in County Antrim to the Island.<\/p>\n

Take a few days away in Northern Ireland<\/a><\/strong> and don\u2019t forget to include a day trip to Rathlin Island.<\/p>\n

Quick Tips for Visiting Ireland\u2019s Islands:<\/strong><\/p>\n