Top 10 Islands of Ireland You Must Visit

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Every inch of the earth is filled with history and excitement, and so does Ireland, which is placing almost 80 islands in its lap. Most of these isles are symbols of Irish history and offer breathtaking views for tourists. When it comes to finding the best Irish islands, surprisingly all of them are matchless. In this blog post, we’ll find out the top 10 Irish islands and tell you more about them. So, let’s begin today’s discussion.

Table of Contents

Inis Mór: The Aran Islands

The first island on our list today is Inis Mór. It is an Irish name that means “the big island,” which means it is one of the largest islands of Ireland, covering 12 miles. Tourists prefer visiting it because it is a historical cluster where 7 ruined prehistoric churches add to its beauty and describe the association of the past with Christianity. Moreover, there is a rectangular pool, which is known as Warm Hole. Overall, it’s a beautiful visiting destination.

Skellig Michael

The Skellig Michael is also an astonishing place to visit in Ireland, which is surrounded by the water. This isle is among the last ones on the way to America, and it also was highly influenced by Christianity. It is an uninhabited island, and people who love interacting with birds such as puffins, gannets, Arctic terns, cormorants, razorbills, and guillemots should consider visiting it.

Achill Island

If we talk about the natural beauty in Ireland, Achill Island flashes through our eyes. This is the biggest one, which runs with an 80-mile coastline and also has the most number of inhabitants. In 2023, the island was home to 2,345 people, according to Wikipedia. The historical places, especially the deserted village, make it more special to the tourists.

Valentia Island

Valentia Island is the first Irish island where the first cable telegraph was laid about 150 years ago. The island is 7 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, and almost 658 people resided there in 2022. The trek is known to be the world’s oldest one, and its natural scenic views and geographical sites make it one of the most attractive tourist destinations worldwide. The iconic activities of it are boat trips and watersports.

Clare Island

The birthplace of Queen Granuaile, Grace O’Malley, who ruled the waters for around 30 years, Clare Island is one of the most historical islands in Ireland. The site still has a Clare castle, which is the burial site of a pirate queen that attracts thousands of visitors every year. If we talk about the things to do there, swimming and festival fun during the summer months are experiences full of excitement.

Inishbofin

Let’s talk about an island that offers a variety of different sites, including holy wells, forts, cliffs, medieval/monastic sites, and beaches in just 5 kilometers. Irish people take it as an ideal place to visit, as it holds the authentic Irish culture. This island is nothing less than a piece of heaven for those who really enjoy the outdoors. In fact, tourists can enjoy everything from walking to kayaking and hiking to birdwatching.

Tory Island

Tory Island is an ideal place for those who love walking on mountains, as it has towering cliffs. Along with the breathtaking views from cliffs, the Bell Tower and Grave of Seven are popular attractions there. It is open to the public from April to October, and visitors can be there 5 times a week. The smaller area covered by it can be explored in a day or two, while the nightstays there let the tourists have comfortable stays along with traditional hospitality.

Cape Clear Island

The ancient standing stones and a piece of land surrounded by water have much to offer and allow you to experience. Camping, hiking, watersports, and sailing are the most attractive activities to do there. Moreover, getting there by passenger ferry allows you to meet very gentle people, winning the hearts of every visitor. Around 100 people live there to maintain it.

Great Blasket Island

Those who want to enjoy one of the most peaceful Irish destinations should visit the Great Blasket Island in Ireland. It offers a raw natural beauty blending with the deep history of Ireland. The dramatic cliffs and green hill landscapes are home to no one, and modern life does not exist there at all. The abandoned stone cottages and seabirds flying in the powerful silence of nature offer something exceptional to experience.

Inis Oírr

The last on our list today is Inis Oírr, which is thought to be the smallest of Ireland’s Aran Islands. Therefore, the charm, beauty, and history of it pull a significant number of visitors every year. The stone walls, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters look very eye-catching there, and above all, the Irish culture is alive there. The cultural language there is Gaelic, while the cycling route there makes the tour more fun.

Best Time to Visit Irish Islands

People often remain confused about the best time to visit Irish islands, and it primarily depends on your priorities. Some isles are extremely cold in winter, and tourism has almost ended, while April to September are the most pleasant-weathered months. However, July and August are the hottest months, but island visitors consider them the ideal days because swimming and watersports are hassle-free activities these days. Overall, June to August is the peak season, and tourists mostly opt for these months.

Things to Do on Irish Islands

Now that you are familiar with the ideal season, the next thing is to see some fun activities of the Irish islands.

Explore dramatic coastal cliffs and sea stacks
Visit historic monasteries, forts, and ancient ruins
Go hiking or cycling along island trails
Watch seabirds, seals, dolphins, and whales
Enjoy traditional Irish music in local pubs.
Swim or kayak in clear Atlantic ocean
Experience island culture and meet local communities
Take a boat tour or go fishing with locals.
Photograph rugged landscapes and sunsets
Wear traditional dresses, especially Irish kilts, for ease of movement and cultural flair.
Sample fresh seafood and local island cuisine

Buy Irish Kilts at The Utility Kilt to Make Island Visits More Exciting

After knowing the top 10 Irish islands to visit and things to do there, the next thing is to pack your bag. While packing, do not forget to place your Irish kilts in the bag because they make walking, climbing, and jumping easier. To buy kilts, directly head towards The Utility Kilt, which is an online kilt shop. All of our kilts are customized with high-quality fabric. Moreover, we can customize Irish kilts with practical features to make them more useful for you. Some of our hot-selling products are given below:

Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Islands

Can you visit multiple Irish islands in one trip?

Small islands that are closer to each other and do not have many things to explore can be visited multiple times. However, to fully experience Irish sites, it is recommended to visit only one isle.

Are Irish islands suitable for solo travelers?

Irish islands are safe, and the hosts there have a welcoming nature, which indicates them to be the safest places to visit, whether it is solo or group travelling.

How long does it typically take to explore an Irish island?

It depends on the size of an island and your plans. Therefore, Irish Oirr, the smallest isle, cannot be fully explored in a single day.

What wildlife can you expect to see on Irish islands?

Marine wildlife, including seals, dolphins, seabirds, puffins, and many more, can be expected to be seen there. However, ground wildlife, including red deer, Irish hares, otters, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, and pine martens, is common to spot.

Are Irish islands child-friendly for younger travelers?

Irish islands are suitable for everyone, but it is necessary to take care of your kids as well as yourself because watersports can be dangerous for everyone.

Do island communities host local festivals or events?

Yes, a majority of Irish islands that are inhabited lively host traditional local festivals or events, especially during the peak seasons, from both earning and cultural promotional perspectives.