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Our Favourite Islands Off the Coast of Ireland

Make sure you tick at least one of these spectacular islands off the coast of Ireland off your bucket list. They are our absolute must-see favourites!

Best Islands In Ireland At A Glance

⛰️ Puffin-Festooned Atlantic Pyramids

🌼 A Garden Island With A Microclimate

πŸŒ… Ireland's Most Famous Island Chain

☘️ Wild & Uninhabited Kerry Island

πŸ’š Historic Island with Round Tower

🧭 Nature-Filled Island Off Antrim

πŸ§‚ Southeast Wildlife Paradise

πŸ‘οΈ Visit This Island Just Off Dublin


By Brian

Brian Barry combines the roles of Marketing Executive and Tour Guide at Vagabond Tours. As an award-winning travel blogger and a published Lonely Planet author, he knows a thing or two about Ireland.

I'm sure you know that Ireland is an island.

But did you know that there are hundreds of beautiful islands lying off the coast of Ireland too?

Our small-group tours of Ireland are without doubt the best way to tour the islands that dot the little-known north coast, the sunny south east and all along the Wild Atlantic Way.

When you do land on an Irish island, expect a warm welcome and a window onto a more traditional way of life.

Read on to find out what to expect from Ireland's islands...

⛰️ The Skellig Islands

Skellig Micheal is located 12km off the coast of Kerry. The island is home to a ruined monastic settlement, dating from the 6th century.

Scenic view from Skellig Michael's beehive huts towards Little Skellig

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael remained inhabited until roughly the 13th century. The stone beehive huts built and used by monks can still be seen today.

An puffin on Skellig Michael

Neighbouring Little Skellig Island is a haven for seabirds. Thousands of gannets nest here, sharing the area with puffins and other wildlife.

Visit Skellig Michael with us on our 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure Tour

🌼 Garnish Island

Garnish Island enjoys a warm microclimate due to its sheltered harbour location at the top of Banty Bay in West Cork.

Exotic plants flourish in the Italian-inspired gardens here.

Driftwooder guest Donna Atwood's picture of Garnish Island Gardens

On the short boat trip to Garnish Island, keep your eyes peeled for cheeky harbour seals.

Driftwood guest Gene Goff captures the twilight at Glengarriff in West Cork

Explore Garnish Island's beautifully landscaped gardens on our Driftwood Tours

πŸŒ… The Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands off the coast of Ireland.

Inishmore (Inis MΓ³r), Inishmaan (Inis Meain) and Inishorr (Inis Orr) are all reachable by ferry from either Galway city or Doolin in Clare.

Aerial view of patchwork fields and dry stone walls on one of the Aran islands, Ireland

Aran culture has been a source of inspiration for artists throughout the years.

The playwright J.M. Synge famously wrote about the Aran islands in the early 20th century.

Our tours don't visit the Aran islands at this time but we may be able to accommodate you on our private tours.

☘️ The Blasket Islands

The Blaskets are a group of tiny islands off the coast of Ireland.

Today, the islands are uninhabited. Harsh living conditions forced the evacuation of the Blaskets in 1953.

Vagabond guests pose with the Blasket Islands in the background

Many islanders emigrated. Interestingly, in the USA, Blasket islanders congregated mainly in Massachusetts, around the Hartford area.

Interested in tracing your Blasket roots while in Ireland? A visit to the excellent Blasket Centre on Slea Head in Dingle is a must.

πŸ’š Scattery Island

Scattery is another great island off the coast of Ireland.

After a short boat trip, get a guided tour of historical ruins, cute cottages and a round tower.

Visit Scattery Island exclusively on our 7 Day Irish Castles and Kingdoms Tour.

🧭 Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island is visible offshore as you tour the stunning Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland.

Abandonded cottage at Usher Point on Rathlin Island off the Antrim coast, Ireland

Unlike many islands off the coast of Ireland, historic Rathlin is still inhabited (population: 154 people).

Rathlin Island lighthouse in dense fog

Rathlin Island an important bird sanctuary and is home to interesting archaeological features.

Visit Ireland's Causeway Coast on our most off the beaten track tour: 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour

πŸ§‚ Saltee Islands

You don't have to visit the Wild Atlantic Way to see beautiful islands off the coast of Ireland!

Ireland's Ancient East has its fair share of stunning vistas and gorgeous islands.

Scenic blue ocean and sea cliffs on the Saltee islands

Lying just off Ireland's southeastern tip, the rugged and uninhabited Saltee Islands play host to important seabird colonies and fishing grounds.

The owner of Great Saltee Island styled himself the island's king. Believe it or not, you can actually sit on his throne when you visit too!

πŸ‘οΈ Ireland's Eye

Back in Dublin after your tour? Craving more islands off the coast of Ireland?

A scenic coastal train ride brings you to Howth - a fishing village on a peninsula in Dublin Bay.

Boat and lighthouse in Howth harbour with Ireland's Eye in the background

From Howth, you can take a short boat trip to Ireland's Eye. This tiny island has its own little beach, nesting seabirds and fantastic maritime views.

After your trip, don't miss some of Ireland's freshest seafood on the pier in Howth!

Find more insider tips on what to do in Dublin

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