At the mention of island hopping, the mind immediately conjures up an image of swaying palm trees and warm sea water. The practice is mostly associated with Greek islands like Ios, Mykonos and Zakynthos or Thailand’s Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi (where The Beach was filmed).
But, looking a little closer to home, Ireland is not short of its own majestic islands to explore. Although tropical weather we can’t promise, Ireland’s islands have culture in abundance; inspiring literary greats like John Millington Synge and Martin McDonagh.
The pace of life on these islands is something many of us aspire to and they offer a truly tranquil experience. For those who want an island holiday without having to travel abroad, Irish Country Living has a selection of options, from easy access with land bridges to the uninhabited and ferries a plenty.
The Aran Islands.
The Aran Islands, Co Galway
There is one group of islands on every guide to travelling Ireland ever; the Aran Islands. Located off the coast of Co Galway, Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer are extremely popular with tourists both foreign and domestic. It is not hard to see why, in terms of culture and geology, they are unique. All of different sizes, each island has something distinctive to offer.
As part of the Connemara Gaeltacht, the Aran Islands are not only a hub for Gaeilge, but also traditional music. As alluded to in the introduction, many great writers took inspiration from these western islands. Cathaoir Synge on Inishmore, where John Millington Synge sat looking out at the Atlantic during his summer visits, is an impressive vantage point.
Ancient sites on the islands are also a huge draw, the premier of which is Dún Aonghasa on Inishmore, walled on three sides and facing out to sea. It is the best known of several hill forts across the islands. Most people rent bikes and cycle from the pier, a journey which has become an attraction in itself.
It can’t be said that the Aran Islands are without luxury. The Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites, run by Marie-Thérèse and Ruairí de Blacam, are renowned the world over for food and hospitality, opening annually from March to October. However, you will have to plan in advance if you intend on staying, as it is already booked up for the 2019 season.
Inisheer is the smallest island, but its beauty is unparalleled. It is the closest island to the Burren and its landscape reflects this. There is much to see and do on this little island, from the Plassey Shipwreck to the lighthouse and more.
Getting there: Ferry services run from both Doolin, Co Clare and Rossaveel, Co Galway. Alternatively you can fly from Connemara Airport, 40 minutes west of Galway city.
A view of the Blasket Islands from Dunquin, Co Kerry.
The Blasket
Islands, Co Kerry
The history of the Blasket Islands is enshrined in many books; Tomás O’Crohan’s The Islandman, Fiche Bliain ag Fás and Peig. The six principal islands are; the Great Blasket Island, Beginish, Inishnabro, Inishvickillane, Inishtooskert and Tearaght Island. Since the 1950s they have all been uninhabited, but we know much about how people lived and this history is a window to a passed life.
You can visit the Great Blasket Island from Dingle, Co Kerry. Dingle Bay Speed Boat Tours and Great Blasket Island Landings conduct tours daily, taking in the bay – seeing Fungie along the way – and also giving three or so hours to explore the island. The cost is €60 for six hours and booking is advised. Self-catering accommodation is also available on the Great Blasket Island.
For more information see www.greatblasketisland.ie.
Martin Calvey Snr and his son Martin herd sheep across Keel Strand, Achill to Mountain commonage. \ Michael McLaughlin
Achill Island, Co Mayo
Achill Island off the coast of Co Mayo is Ireland’s largest island. It is connected to the mainland at Ballycroy by bridge. Long since a popular holiday destination, the island is a perfect mix of a country town atmosphere fused with the rugged wilderness of an island.
The Mayo Greenway ends in Achill, highlighting the island’s astonishing scenery. Its cliffs are impressive, but really, Achill is a beach lovers’ paradise. Keem Beach has previously been voted one of the best beaches in the world and there are Keel and Dugort to discover also.
The island has loads of restaurants, cafés and shops, but really it is its beauty that makes Achill a star attraction.
Adrian Lewis, a contractor from Skibbereen and helper Conor O’Reilly, from Skerkin Island, make their annual visit to Cape Clear by ferry to cut grass for the resident farmers on the island. \ Valerie O’Sullivan
Cape Clear, Co Cork
As with many of Ireland’s islands, the only way to access Cape Clear is via ferry, two of which service the island; an all-year-round sailing from Baltimore and a summer boat from Schull.
Cape Clear is a Gaeltacht Island and has a population of 342 people as of the last Census, up 3% from 2011.
In 2018, the locals put a call out for teachers to save their 150-year-old school, which was duly answered. Two Irish colleges also run during the summer, giving the island a bustling boost.
Day tours to Fastnet Rock Lighthouse from Baltimore stop in Cape Clear. Also, Cléire Goats Visitor Farm, run by farmer Ed Harper, is a popular attraction on the island. The centre shows milking and goat husbandry, as well as selling ice cream and cheese.
Read more
Long read: Island hopping with Jack Heanue - farmer, fisherman and postman
In pictures: Island farming - 'we never forgot our roots'
At the mention of island hopping, the mind immediately conjures up an image of swaying palm trees and warm sea water. The practice is mostly associated with Greek islands like Ios, Mykonos and Zakynthos or Thailand’s Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi (where The Beach was filmed).
But, looking a little closer to home, Ireland is not short of its own majestic islands to explore. Although tropical weather we can’t promise, Ireland’s islands have culture in abundance; inspiring literary greats like John Millington Synge and Martin McDonagh.
The pace of life on these islands is something many of us aspire to and they offer a truly tranquil experience. For those who want an island holiday without having to travel abroad, Irish Country Living has a selection of options, from easy access with land bridges to the uninhabited and ferries a plenty.
The Aran Islands.
The Aran Islands, Co Galway
There is one group of islands on every guide to travelling Ireland ever; the Aran Islands. Located off the coast of Co Galway, Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer are extremely popular with tourists both foreign and domestic. It is not hard to see why, in terms of culture and geology, they are unique. All of different sizes, each island has something distinctive to offer.
As part of the Connemara Gaeltacht, the Aran Islands are not only a hub for Gaeilge, but also traditional music. As alluded to in the introduction, many great writers took inspiration from these western islands. Cathaoir Synge on Inishmore, where John Millington Synge sat looking out at the Atlantic during his summer visits, is an impressive vantage point.
Ancient sites on the islands are also a huge draw, the premier of which is Dún Aonghasa on Inishmore, walled on three sides and facing out to sea. It is the best known of several hill forts across the islands. Most people rent bikes and cycle from the pier, a journey which has become an attraction in itself.
It can’t be said that the Aran Islands are without luxury. The Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites, run by Marie-Thérèse and Ruairí de Blacam, are renowned the world over for food and hospitality, opening annually from March to October. However, you will have to plan in advance if you intend on staying, as it is already booked up for the 2019 season.
Inisheer is the smallest island, but its beauty is unparalleled. It is the closest island to the Burren and its landscape reflects this. There is much to see and do on this little island, from the Plassey Shipwreck to the lighthouse and more.
Getting there: Ferry services run from both Doolin, Co Clare and Rossaveel, Co Galway. Alternatively you can fly from Connemara Airport, 40 minutes west of Galway city.
A view of the Blasket Islands from Dunquin, Co Kerry.
The Blasket
Islands, Co Kerry
The history of the Blasket Islands is enshrined in many books; Tomás O’Crohan’s The Islandman, Fiche Bliain ag Fás and Peig. The six principal islands are; the Great Blasket Island, Beginish, Inishnabro, Inishvickillane, Inishtooskert and Tearaght Island. Since the 1950s they have all been uninhabited, but we know much about how people lived and this history is a window to a passed life.
You can visit the Great Blasket Island from Dingle, Co Kerry. Dingle Bay Speed Boat Tours and Great Blasket Island Landings conduct tours daily, taking in the bay – seeing Fungie along the way – and also giving three or so hours to explore the island. The cost is €60 for six hours and booking is advised. Self-catering accommodation is also available on the Great Blasket Island.
For more information see www.greatblasketisland.ie.
Martin Calvey Snr and his son Martin herd sheep across Keel Strand, Achill to Mountain commonage. \ Michael McLaughlin
Achill Island, Co Mayo
Achill Island off the coast of Co Mayo is Ireland’s largest island. It is connected to the mainland at Ballycroy by bridge. Long since a popular holiday destination, the island is a perfect mix of a country town atmosphere fused with the rugged wilderness of an island.
The Mayo Greenway ends in Achill, highlighting the island’s astonishing scenery. Its cliffs are impressive, but really, Achill is a beach lovers’ paradise. Keem Beach has previously been voted one of the best beaches in the world and there are Keel and Dugort to discover also.
The island has loads of restaurants, cafés and shops, but really it is its beauty that makes Achill a star attraction.
Adrian Lewis, a contractor from Skibbereen and helper Conor O’Reilly, from Skerkin Island, make their annual visit to Cape Clear by ferry to cut grass for the resident farmers on the island. \ Valerie O’Sullivan
Cape Clear, Co Cork
As with many of Ireland’s islands, the only way to access Cape Clear is via ferry, two of which service the island; an all-year-round sailing from Baltimore and a summer boat from Schull.
Cape Clear is a Gaeltacht Island and has a population of 342 people as of the last Census, up 3% from 2011.
In 2018, the locals put a call out for teachers to save their 150-year-old school, which was duly answered. Two Irish colleges also run during the summer, giving the island a bustling boost.
Day tours to Fastnet Rock Lighthouse from Baltimore stop in Cape Clear. Also, Cléire Goats Visitor Farm, run by farmer Ed Harper, is a popular attraction on the island. The centre shows milking and goat husbandry, as well as selling ice cream and cheese.
Read more
Long read: Island hopping with Jack Heanue - farmer, fisherman and postman
In pictures: Island farming - 'we never forgot our roots'
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