Islands of Southwest Ireland

How to get there: Ferry from Portmagee
Island Size: 44 acres
Island Population: 0 (unless you count puffins)

Imagine standing on a rugged rocky island, surrounded by the swirling Atlantic Ocean, with the wind in your hair and history at your feet. Skellig Michael and its sibling, Little Skellig, offer just that. The islands boast an incredible history, from ancient monastic settlements to their more recent Star Wars fame.

Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can explore the beehive huts and walk in the footsteps of early Christian monks. Little Skellig, on the other hand, is a haven for seabirds, such as pairs of gannets and the lovable puffins (read more about spotting puffins here), though you’ll spot the clownish puffins on Skellig Michael too.

Located 11km/ 7 miles off the coast and with limited boat availability, the best way to truly appreciate these islands is to join a group tour that can provide access as well as insightful information on their historical, geological, cultural and natural wonders.

Read more about the Skelligs in our guide to the islands here.

Visit Skellig Michael and other islands on our Island Hopping – Cork and Kerry hiking trip.

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How to get there: Bridge from Portmagee
Island Size: 25.7 km²
Island Population: 600

Valentia Island is a place where the past and present merge seamlessly. Here, you can very nearly walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs. Valentia Island proudly boasts the well-preserved dinosaur footprints of a tetrapod left behind some 385 million years ago. While the dinosaur trackway is difficult to reach and not always accessible, the island itself is easy to get to as there is a bridge connecting it to Portmagee on the Iveragh Peninsula.

The island itself offers great views of the surrounding seascape and rugged landscapes, and the road to reach it is along the Skellig Ring Drive, so be sure to cast your eyes out to sea, searching for the iconic triangular shape of the Skellig islands.

How to get there: Ferry from Baltimore or Schull
Island Size: 6.7 km2
Island Population: 125

Often the last glimpse of land seen by European emigrants departing for America by ship, Cape Clear has a complex history. This little island is also home to a small but thriving Gaeltacht community, sandy beaches and windswept pastures.

Walk the shores, take a dip in the blue Atlantic waves, have a taste of the local delicacy, goat’s cheese ice cream, and immerse yourself in the Irish language and culture.

Visit Cape Clear when island hopping in Cork and Kerry.

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How to get there: Ferry from Kennedy Pier in Cobh
Island Size: 103 acres
Island Population: 0

Spike Island is a bit different from the other islands on this list. Situated near Cork city, it’s relatively small and is often nicknamed “Ireland’s Alcatraz.” A notorious star-shaped fort and prison once leered over the island, used largely for convicts awaiting transportation to the colonies. It was opened in 1847 to deal with rising criminality, largely petty crimes committed by desperate souls during the Famine of the 1840s and 50s. Later, Spike Island held political prisoners during the War of Independence with IRA ties. It was used as a young offenders correctional facility until its closure in 2004.

Open to the public since 2016, the award-winning tour of Spike Island will take you through the old prison, the punishment block, an exhibit on the 1985 Riot and notable prisoners once incarcerated here, and even the hull of a transportation ship.

How to get there: Two ferry options – Harbour Queen and Blue Pool, both near Glengarrif
Island Size: 57 acres
Island Population: 0

Garinish Island is a unique Irish gem. Unlike other wilder islands, Garinish boasts meticulously maintained gardens that are a far cry from the windswept landscapes you might expect.

The island’s Italian Gardens are an absolute delight for botany enthusiasts. Contouring the landscape and built heritage, Garinish is renowned for its richness of plant form, patterns, vibrant colour and floral bouquet, which change continuously with the seasons. A number of architectural designs stand out against the gardens, such as a Martello tower, a Grecian temple, and an original family home.

Garinish Island provides a harmonious blend of culture and nature, offering a peaceful escape within its carefully cultivated gardens.