5 Islands to explore in Leinster
Leinster is one of the provinces of Ireland, situated in the southeast and east of Ireland. The ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes. In later centuries, local government legislation has prompted further sub-division of the historic counties.
Bannow Island is an island in County Wexford. Bannow Island is situated northwest of Clammers Point, north of Selskar Rock. It is a beautiful beach that is heavily affected by the tide. There are rock pools to be enjoyed at the right side of the beach as you walk onto it, loads of little creatures to be found. It is well worth a visit if you’re looking for somewhere to go for a few hours.
The Great Saltee Island is an island that belongs to the Saltee Islands archipelago. Located 5 kilometres off the south coast of County Wexford. It is the largest island in the archipelago, and is considered a true wonder of the region. The islands are a breeding ground for fulmar, gannet, shag, kittiwake, guillemot, razorbill, puffin and grey seal. An area surrounding the island was granted the status of a Special Protection Area to protect the bird habitat.
A beautiful island situated in Lough Ree on the River Shannon, in central Ireland. The island is home to the ruins of St. Diarmaid’s Monastery, a monastery founded by Diarmaid the Just in AD 560. These buildings constitute a National Monument. Between 800 and 1300 the island and its churches were repeatedly plundered and burned by invaders, so the buildings are in ruins today. Six of the island's churches are surrounded by an enclosure in the southeast corner of the island.
Inchmore is an island and townland located in Lough Ree in County Westmeath, Ireland. It is in the civil parish of Bunown. The island, which consists of 132 acres, is the largest in Lough Ree. A ring fort is located at the south end. The island is now uninhabited, however a ruined monastery attributed to St. Lioban (or Liberius), the son of Lossenus shows evidence of previous habitation.