In the sunshine, the Irish islands are among the most breathtaking locations on Earth.
Islands never fail to captivate, even when it’s raining. The roughness heightens. They inspire stories and find new things. The hundreds of islands that make up Ireland offer unique experiences to visitors. From wild wallabies to pirate queens and one-eyed warrior kings, a tropical lagoon in Irish waters, and another world entirely awaits you on these nine islands.
Achill Island, County Mayo
Those that were With the help of Achill and Inis Mór, the legendary island of Inisherin was conjured up by the Banshees of Inisherin. It’s clear that Martin McDonagh wanted to showcase the stunning western islands of Ireland in his film, and the island itself became a character. Pebble beaches, hidden coves, rocky outcrops, and bays make for breathtaking scenery.
The island is beautiful, but that isn’t enough. Explore the area by canoe, foot, bike, or rock climbing. Popular activities on the island include surfing on the wind-whipped Dooagh Strand and swimming at one of the numerous Blue Flag beaches. A white sand beach that occasionally plays host to basking sharks is Keem Bay. After a swim, make a pit stop at the Beehive for lunch. Walking the Cliffs of Croaghaun or going on a guided tour of the island’s colony or deserted village are great ways to learn about its past.
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Islands of Tory, Donegal County
The Tory Island is the most isolated Irish jurisdiction. City life will swiftly pass you by in this little town of just 150 people, with only one hotel and a handful of bed and breakfasts. Gaeltacht Donegal is primarily an Irish-speaking area, but English is also spoken there.
The water sports community adores Tory. Poor tenant families were to be evicted in 1884 by the Royal Navy gunboat HMS Wasp. Jump in the water at the harbor or take a scuba dive with the experts at Mevagh Dive Centre to see the wreckage. Narrated as having led the ship astray and ultimately to its destruction, Clach na Mallacht is the Neolithic curse stone situated on the island.
Among the many folkloric islands ruled by the one-eyed Fomorians is Tory Island, home to Balor. On the island’s eastern coast, you can find the remains of Fort Dún Balor, which provide a view of the Atlantic Ocean. The long spur that protrudes from a peninsula to form An Tor Mór (the big rock) is where Balor imprisoned his daughter, An Eochair Mhór, so that she would not become pregnant. The traditional practice of electing a monarch to serve as a representative of the people came to an end in October 2018 with the death of the last King of Tory.
Inis Meáin, Galway County
Inis Meáin has the lowest population of the three Aran Islands, with only 200 people calling it home. Get in touch with nature while immersing yourself in Irish culture in this mostly Irish-speaking town. Take pleasure in traditional music, beach swims, diving, and ancient ruins at the Teach Ósta pub on the Aran Island that receives the fewest visitors.
You can stroll around the small island, pausing to take in the wildflowers or swim near the historic port. The island can be easily explored on rented bicycles. Jules Massenet’s vacation home served as the setting for The Playboy of the Western World, and it was situated close to the ancient Dún Chonchúir stone fort. Be sure to stop by the museum and library housed in the 300-year-old Teach Synge lodge. A popular spot for Synge to write was from his chair, which offered a view of the island’s “puffing holes,” where water rushes in through cliff-side channels to form a spray.
Mary Immaculate Church is home to stained glass windows by Harry Clarke and Inis Meain Knitwear, where you can purchase an Aran sweater.
