Ireland
Great Videos and Photos of the Best Places and Things to see in The Islands of Ireland Ireland. For the independent traveller who is interested in seeing places while planning their next trip. Or for anyone who likes to be close to nature and see the quieter parts of the country or city
The Islands of Ireland
If you fancy some island living, the Islands of Ireland are great places to get get away from the business of life and relax while the surf pounds the shore or sit with the locals andcwhile away a few hours or days or weeks.
The Aran Islands
The group of Aran Islands are great for Island hopping. Take a ferry from the mainland port west of Galway city, spend sometime on Inis Mor. The hop across to Inis Mean and another ferry hop takes you to Inish Oir. The last ferry hop will bring you back to the main land at Doolin where you can get a bus to continue your journey.
Inis Mor
The Aran Islands
The reason for the large flat rocked platform at edge of the cliff in the inner circle is unknown but it is thought to have played a role in ceremonial practices though thoughts differ as to whether it was a sacrificial platform with victims being sacrificed to the ragging gods below. <p> Visitors to the fort and to the Islands should come prepared with proper strong foot ware as enjoyment of the fort and sea cliffs is limited in sandals and fashion shoes.</p>
Inis Oir
The Aran Islands
Inisbofin
The North Western Isles
The harbour of Inisbofin is a stunning sight. Being a small island in the Connemara area, Inisbofin is surrounded by dazzling blue (or dull grey) waters.
Just imagine the view its harbour can provide--- an Atlantic coast panorama. You can watch as boats and ferries pass by and wait until the last light from the sun touches its water.
Given the small population of the place, you will definitely embrace the silence there and the priceless island beauty that comes with it.
Clare Island
The North Western Isles
The island is located on the west coast of Ireland. It is the largest among the islands in Co. Mayo. Despite its size, only around 130 people live on Clare Island today.
In the village and across the island, commercial activity and accommodation is fairly minimal so if you only want to tour the island for the day just bring lunch, because there is only one shop which sells food and it is closed every Sunday. If you plan to stay longer there are a number of bed and breakfast homes, though pre book, particularly during the summer season.
There is a bar and restaurant, where you can often hear traditional music.
Achill Island
The North Western Isles
Keem Bay is popular with families during the summer and wind surfers pretty much all year round.
The bay and its fine beach is just past Dooagh Village.
West of Keem is Mount Croaghaun, whose cliffs on the western side fall steeply into the sea - making them one of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe.
The Mullet
The North Western Isles
The Mullet Peninsula is about 32 km long and around 11 km wide though it narrows to less than 50 metres at its narrowest point.
The Mullet isn't really an island as its separated from the main land by a tiny canal, yet its remoteness makes you feel like you are on an island.
The Peninsula and the tiny isthmus from Belmullet Town separates the great bays of Blacksod and Broadhaven.
The Southern end of the Peninsula over looks Achill Island.
The North Coast Islands
Along the north coast of Ireland there are two populated islands. Tory Island off the coast of Donegal and Raithlin Island off the North Antrim Coast. Both are easily accessible by Ferry.
Tory Island
The North Coast Islands
Rathlin Island
The North Coast Islands
East Coast
Along the east coast, there are two sizeable islands. Lambasted which is privately owned and Irelands Eye which is just a short boat trip from Howth harbour.
Irelands Eye
East Coast
Irelands Eye has a fine sandy south facing beach which is popular with visitors during summer months.
You can take the ferry from the Howth Harbour and stop off on the island and later be picked up for the return trip.
The beach is overlooked by a Martello Tower and the ruins of a church.
The South Coast
Within close proximity on the south coast and near the towns of Schull and Baltimore there are 3 inhabited islands. Cape Clear accessible by ferry from Schull and Baltimore, Sherkin Island which is close to Baltimore and serviced by a regular ferry, and Heir Island also accessible by ferry.
Spike Island
The South Coast
Sherkin Island
The South Coast
The island has a number of small beaches and rocky coves and is relatively quiet even in the busy periods of July and August. Sherkin Island is only about ten minutes by ferry from Baltimore. The ferries go regularly during summer months.
There are few cars on the island, which makes it excellent for walking and cycling.The island has accommodation, food and two bars, so you wont starve.
The island is also home to a number of artists. So maybe you will find the painting you have dreamed off.
Sherkin has the ruins of Franciscan monastery dating back to the 15h century. The ruins are managed by the Office of Public works.
Cape Clear Island
The South Coast
Visit Irelands most southerly island, just 25 minutes ferry trip from Baltimore or Schull.
The island of Cape Clear lies about 30/40 minutes ferry ride from Schull and Baltimore. During summer months the ferries run a number of times daily. Winter storms can effect the crossings from late October to early spring.
The island is the most southerly of populated islands, with a population of greater than 200.
The island hosts a number of festivals throughout the year – including the Cape Clear Island International Story Telling Festival in September.
Heir Island
The South Coast
Fastnet Rock
The South Coast
On the horizon about 9 miles out from Schull lies the Fastnet lighthouse. At night you can clearly see its beam lighting the sky. While this is not really an island, it is still worth a visit by local boat from Schull.
Fastnet Lighthouse
Construction of the lighthouse commenced at the end of the 19th century and became operational in early years of the 20th century.
Construction
The lighthouse is built from granite originating from Cornwall in England.The tower has over 80 rows of solid concrete blocks.
Fastnet Cost
Construction work on the light house took approx. 7 years and the project cost 90,000£. The lighthouse became automatic in 1989.
South West Islands
Along the south west coast there are 5 islands easily accessible. Bear Island and Dursey Island both off the Beara Peninsula. The Skellig Islands, which have featured in Star Wars and Valentia Island, both accessible from Portmagee. Valentia Island is connected to the mainland by bridge at Portmagee and by ferry from near Knights Town to Reenard Point near Cahirsiveen.
The Skellig Islands
South West Islands
On the rocky isle of Skellig Michael off the Kerry Coast, an early Christian settlement dating to the 9th century, remains in excellent condition, with its multitude of bee hive dwellings perched precariously on the top of the rocky outcrop.
The settlement can be visited by ferry from a number of places in Kerry such as Portmagee near Valentia Island.
The ferries berth in a small harbour at the base of the sheer cliffs.
Due to tidal conditions it is often necessary to disembark from the ferry and cross a short stretch of water by dinghy.
Great Blasket Island
South West Islands
Life on the islands swept by Atlantic gales was harsh and the islanders were often isolated from the main land for weeks by winter storms.
The islanders eked a living from fishing and tillage – sowing potatoes and oats.
Some households had a cow or two which had to be brought over from the mainland not by ferry but by swimming behind a currach – the small canvas boat of the islanders.
Turf was an important source of fuel. The hill tops were covered in blanket bog and this was cut and dried into turf during summer in preparation for the long winter. During the cold months, the dried turf was burnt in the open fires in the village cottages.