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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’s an island with your name on it.
Ireland’s islands are wild, welcoming, and full of surprises. Whether you’re climbing ancient ruins, cycling by the sea, or just enjoying the silence (and maybe a sneaky pint), an Island visit is a must.
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.
The Islands of the North West
Lying 12km off north Donegal, Toraigh (Tory Island) is the most remote of Ireland’s inhabited islands, with enduring local traditions, unique historical sites and rare bird life. 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.
Sligo is home to Coney Island (not to be confused with the New York Coney Island). It is accessible by boat from the pier at Rosses Point, or you can make your way over across Cummeen Strand at low tide. It is so named because of the vast quantity of rabbits which can be spotted there at any time. There is a fabulous secluded beach to the rear of the Island – Carty’s Strand. If you do cross via Cummeen Strand be sure to check the tidal times as you don’t want to get stranded on the Island when the tide comes in!
Spend a few days in Sligo or Donegal and take a day trip to these Islands.
Aran Islands – Where Time Slows Down
The Aran Islands (Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr) are off the coast of Galway and feel like stepping into a different world. Stone walls, thatched cottages, and people ag caint as Gaeilge. Rent a bike and cruise past sheep, sea cliffs, and ancient ruins. Inis Mór is the biggest and most popular, but Inis Oírr is the cutest (and has a shipwreck!). You can even pitch up for a few nights on Inis Mór or spend a few nights in a glamping pod. Cycling is a fantastic way to see the Islands and bike hire is available. You can also take a horse and cart tour which is a big hit with the smaller folk.
There are a number of options on travelling to the Island. You can take a ferry from Rossaveal (Galway) – 40 minutes or from Galway City which takes 90 minutes. Alternatively you can travel from Doolin (Clare) to the Islands. 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.
Achill Island – Big Views, Bigger Vibes
Achill, in County Mayo, is technically connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is Ireland’s largest offshore island and can be reached by car from Mayo’s Corraun Peninsula. 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. It’s 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. The Great Western Greenway, a 42km track suitable for cycling or walking, runs from Westport to Achill. There are 5 picturesque beaches on Achill, including Keem Beach located in a horseshoe bay on the Island.
Spend a few days on Achill and tour round. Pitch up on the Island or in one of the many other sites in Galway and Mayo all within easy reach of Achill or for travelling to the Aran Islands..
The Kerry Islands
We couldn’t just mention one island in Kerry as there are 3 which are well worth visiting.
Skellig Michael – A Monastic Marvel
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. The boat ride over can be a bit of a rollercoaster but well worth it. Please note: Trips depend on weather and operate only from late spring to early autumn. Book well in advance.
Valentia Island – one of the largest Islands off the southcoast
Valentia is connected to the mainland by bridge from Portmagee. Alternatively you can take the car ferry from Renard Point, Cahersiveen to Knightstown (operates seasonally). 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. You can also pitch up a stay on Valentia Island in the caravan & camping site on the Island.
An Blascaod Mór – the Blasket Islands
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. Passenger ferries operate on a seasonal basis from Dunquin Pier, Dingle Marina and Ventry Pier
Pitch up at one of the many top quality caravan & camping sites throughout Kerry and take a trip to the Islands.
Go Island hopping in Cork
There are 7 inhabited Islands along the West Cork coastline and the perfect location to go Island hopping. Each island is quite different in character from the next – Heir, Bere, Sherkin, Cape Clear, Whiddy, Dursey, Long and Garnish islands. Each Island is a walkers paradise and you could spend days exploring. The Islands are accessible by boat from the mainland or for a more dramatic entrance why not take Ireland’s only cable car to Dursey Island! For garden lovers a trip to Garnish Island is a must. There are regular ferries from Glengarriff and don’t forget to watch out for the seals lazing on the rocks or swimming alongside the boat.
Spike Island sits in Cork Harbour and whilst now not inhabited it was home for many years to a prison. Today you can visit the Island and tour the now empty prison viewing the cells and deep tunnels. This is one Island you will be glad you are not over-nighting in!
Cork 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.
The Sunny South East
The Saltee Islands 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. The Islands are very popular with both day-trippers and birdwatchers alike. Day visitors are allowed on Great Saltee between 11:00am and 4:30pm. Arranged trips from Kilmore Quay are approved within these hours.
Ireland’s Ancient East is a great location to pitch up for a few nights. Book in to one of the many sites in Wexford or Wicklow and take a day trip to the Saltee Islands.
Northern Ireland’s top Island – Rathlin Island
Just off Northern Ireland’s Antrim coast, Rathlin is tiny, friendly, and packed with wildlife. It’s 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. There’s 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. 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. The ferry runs throughout the day from Ballycastle in County Antrim to the Island.
Take a few days away in Northern Ireland and don’t forget to include a day trip to Rathlin Island.
Quick Tips for Visiting Ireland’s Islands:
- Check the weather — ferries get cancelled a lot, especially in rough seas.
- Dress in layers — sun, wind, and rain can all happen in one afternoon.
- Stay overnight if you can — the last ferry crowd leaves, and you get the place (almost) to yourself.
Final Thoughts:
Ireland’s islands are wild, welcoming, and full of surprises. Whether you’re climbing ancient ruins, cycling by the sea, or just enjoying the silence (and maybe a sneaky pint), you’ll get a taste of the country that most tourists miss. So if you’re planning a trip in Ireland, don’t just stick to the mainland — hop on a ferry and go explore.
Camping Ireland has so much information to help you plan your caravan & camping trip away. The website is very user-friendly and has a number of great features which makes it very easy to navigate. You can add filters to your selection. This will allow you to get information on parks that are specific to your needs.
You can now filter for sites as follows:
Camping type – camping, glamping, mobile home hire, etc.
Holiday type – beach holiday, countryside, family-friendly, dog friendly, etc.
Facilities – beach nearby, playground, games room, shop, etc.
County
Region – Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Dublin or Northern Ireland
Also, many sites are now offering online booking which will help you secure your pitch at the click of a button.
Whatever you want Camping Ireland has something to suit everyone. Enjoy the independence and flexibility that camping in Ireland can offer in quality approved sites. We look forward to welcoming you to Ireland’s outdoor living.
