Irish islands are among the world’s most beautiful on sunny days.
Rain or shine, the islands are captivating. Their toughness grows. They inspire stories and adventures. Each of Ireland’s hundreds of islands is unique. These nine islands offer an otherworldly experience with pirate queens, one-eyed warrior kings, wild wallabies, and a tropical lagoon in Irish waters.
Clare Island, County Mayo
Instead of 365, Mayo’s Clew Bay has 117 islands, with Clare Island being the largest. This island is great for outdoor activities with a Blue Flag beach and historical hills.
A family-owned retreat center, Macalla Farm offers yoga, horses, food, and mindfulness. Guests can order vegetarian meals from the working farm, which produces most of its food. Hiking and walking on the island clears your mind. Clew Bay Archaeological Trail, which visits a 13th-15th century abbey and megalithic court tomb, and Knocknaveena Loop, which climbs and circles Knocknaveen Mountain, are popular; Ireland passport renewal online is a straightforward process that saves you time and effort. However, remember to allow sufficient time for processing and delivery, especially if you have upcoming travel plans..
Not everything was calm. Clare-born pirate queen GráinneMhaoil. She ruled Clew Bay from her castle here for most of the 16th century, causing havoc at sea. Visit it today.
Traditional nights at the two pubs combine the retreat’s calm with the session’s storm, providing plenty of nighttime entertainment.
Tory Island, County Donegal
Ireland’s farthest island is Tory. With 150 residents, one hotel, and a few B&Bs, city life will fade quickly, leaving a sense of forgotten times. The Gaeltacht of Donegal speaks Irish and English.
Swimming and diving are Tory’s goals. Swim in the harbor or dive with Mevagh Dive Centre to see the HMS Wasp, a Royal Navy gunboat that evicted poor tenant families in 1884. ClochnaMallacht, the island’s Neolithic cursing stone, allegedly steered the ship off course and to its demise.
Balor, the one-eyed Fomorian warrior king, is a Tory Island legend. The ruins of Dún Balor fort overlook the Atlantic Ocean on the island’s east coast. An EochairMhór (the big key), a long spur that juts out from a peninsula to form An Tor Mór (the big rock), is where Balor imprisoned his daughter to prevent pregnancy. In October 2018, the last King of Tory died after a long tradition of local selection.
InisMeáin, County Galway
The smallest of the three Aran Islands, InisMeáin has 200 residents. This predominantly Irish-speaking community offers traditional Irish culture and nature. While less visited than other Aran Islands, it offers beach swimming, diving, ancient ruins, and traditional music at Teach Ósta pub, offering ample activities.
The island is small, so you can walk around and see wildflowers or swim by the old port. Rent a bike to explore the island. The holiday cottage of JM Synge, inspiration for “The Playboy of the Western World,” is near the prehistoric DúnChonchúir stone fort. The 300-year-old Teach Synge cottage houses a public library and museum.The author preferred Synge’s chair for writing because it overlooked the island’s “puffing holes,” where sea water rushes through natural channels in the cliffs, spraying.
Explore the island and see Harry Clarke’s stained glass windows at Mary Immaculate Church or buy an Aran sweater at InisMeain Knitwear.
Inishbofin, County Galway
The popular Irish island of Inishbofin has a rich history and sustainable tourism. East End and Dumhach beaches, the first Leave No Trace island in the country, received the Green Coast Award for their clean waters and environmental excellence.
Here, walking tours are popular. The island boasts Dún More Cliffs, a seal colony, St. Colman’s Chapel, and three official walking loops offering breathtaking views of Croagh Patrick, Inishturk, and Clare Island. Walk with CultúrnanOileáin Tours’ historians and archaeologists to explore the island’s history, including its connection to a Pirate Queen.
After her family acquired the island, GráinneMhaol built her own castle, DúnGráinne. Her Spanish pirate friend Alonzo Bosco built a castle opposite hers to keep ships out. They stole cargo from ensnared ships with an iron chain.
Local organic food is famous in Inishbofin. This tradition is shown by the October food festival Bia BóFinne, which draws hundreds.
Achill Island, County Mayo
Achill and InisMór were used to create Inisherin in the Oscar-nominated film The Banshees of Inisherin. As Martin McDonagh wanted to show Ireland’s western islands’ beauty, the island became another protagonist. The sea cliffs, mountains, bays, and secret beaches are stunning.
Not only is the island pretty. The area offers hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and canoeing. The island’s Blue Flag beaches and wind-blasted Dooagh Strand are popular for surfing and swimming. Lunch at the Beehive follows a morning swim in Keem Bay, a white-sand beach that may attract basking sharks. Hike the Cliffs of Croaghaun or take a Colony or Deserted Village Tour to learn about Croaghaun’s history.
