55 Islands to Explore in Ireland

Innisfree is a small, uninhabited Irish island on Lough Gill. Rather wild and pretty, it was one of the inspirational places of William Butler Yeats, an eminent Irish writer from Sligo. . The Island is not accessable but may be viewed from land or by boat. The lake Isle of Innisfree boat trip is available from Parke’s Castle.

The Isle of Doagh is situated between Trawbreaga and Pollan Bay. The island offers beautiful beaches with dunes and is home to the impressive Carrikabraghy Castle in the far north-east of Doagh. The Doagh Famine Village is located here. This open-air museum contains examples of thatched buildings and traditional lifestyles. Attractions include recreations of an Irish wake, Orange Hall, Presbyterian Meeting House, mass rock, hedge school, eviction scene and Republican Safe House.

Long Island, historically called Inishfada, is an island that lies south of Schull, County Cork, Ireland. It has a permanent population of no more than 10. The island is named for being 4.8 km long and only 0.8 km wide. It is the third largest of Carbery's Hundred Isles at 1.8 km2, after Sherkin Island and Clear Island. The island’s most distinctive landmark is Copper Point lighthouse at its eastern end, marking the entrance to Schull Harbour.

Lough Island Reavy is a small man-made lough in Kilcoo, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is a fishing spot, which is controlled by the Belfast Anglers club. The lake contains pike and perch, as well as small numbers of wild brown trout and eels.

Lusty Beg Island is a unique and utterly charming destination offering the perfect location to relax and unwind. Set amongst beautiful lake-side woodlands, there is a selection of accommodation including self-catering houses and ensuite hotel style bedrooms, restaurant, retreat spa, activity centre, nature trail and fairy trails.

Lustymore Island is an island located in Lower Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Nearby is Boa Island whose Caldragh cemetery has a carved Janus type figure. A second figure was brought to Caldragh in 1939 from Lustymore Island. In the early 20th century, Lady Hunt from Alberta, Canada owned both Lustymore and Lustybeg islands. When her residence, Glenvar House, accidentally burned down, she moved to Germany.

Omey Island is a tidal island near Claddaghduff on the western edge of the Connemara region in Galway. It is a magical place only 600 metres offshore, nestled beneath the projecting prow of the Aughrus peninsula and sheltered from the worst of the Atlantic swells by the islands of An Cruach. It is possible to drive or walk across a large sandy strand to the island by following the arrowed signs. At high tide, the water is deep enough to cover a car.

Owey Island is a 300 acre island off the coast of west County Donegal, Ireland.The island's highest hill, Moylemore, is at 102 m.The buildings of the island are located on its southern part, being the northern one rocky and exposed to winds. On Owey there is no mains electricity or public water supply. It is one of the iconic attraction in this area and also it offers beautiful views too.

Sherkin Island is an island situated just off the southwest Cork coast. Its close location to the mainland and the simple ferry links mean that it’s one of Ireland’s most accessible islands. The island is a tourist destination and it typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes to get to Sherkin from Baltimore. Visitors can book a sea safari trip around the islands.

Shore Island is situated on the Shannon Estuary between Limerick and Clare. The distance from Clare shore is approximately 0.5 mile or 10 minutes away by a small boat. Its is approximately 3.5 miles West of Shannon Airport by boat. The island is presently used for the grazing of cattle on an all-year round basis. There are a number of old ruins on the Island, which could be helpful for Planning Permission purposes to construct a habitable dwelling.

Spike Island is an island of 103 acres in Cork Harbour, Ireland. Originally the site of a monastic settlement, the island is dominated by an 18th-century bastion fort now named Fort Mitchel. The island's strategic location within the harbour meant it was used at times for defence and as a prison. Since the early 21st century the island has been developed as a heritage tourist attraction.

Stag Island is next to Stag Island and is located in Roscommon, Connaught, Ireland. It has a length of 0.78 kilometres.

The small island, about 12 km off the coast of Ireland, is a real unique place and stronghold of Irish tradition. This is lived intensively by the islanders who have chosen their own king. Sights of the island are a T-shaped cross, remains of a round tower and monastery, as well as a lighthouse.

Whiddy Island is located in scenic Bantry Bay, Co. Cork. The island is linked to the mainland by the local ferry, Ocean Star III, with return trips several times a day. Bike hire is also available on the island, as is a local hackney service. Trips to and from the island and tours of the bay are available during the summer months, incorporating local history, scenery and the indigenous flora and fauna.Walkers and anglers also travel to Whiddy Island.

White Island is an island in Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. The ruins of an ancient church are found near the shore, built on the site of an earlier monastic settlement. It still has an intact arched Romanesque doorway. The island is best known for its eight carved figures that sit in a line along the interior north wall of the church. Most were carved between 800 and 1000 A.D. The island is accessed by ferry from the marina in Castle Archdale Country Park, near Irvinestown.