14 Islands to Explore in Munster

Checkout places to visit in Munster

Munster

Munster is one of the provinces of Ireland, in the south of Ireland. Munster has a number of attractions that are amongst the top ten sights of Ireland - from the Cliffs of Moher to the hustle and bustle of Killarney. Further top Munster attractions include the Ring of Kerry.

Activities Around

Islands to Explore in Munster

Aughinish

Aughinish is a small island and townland located in Oughtmama Parish of the Barony of Burren in north County Clare, in Ireland on the south shore of Galway Bay. The island was originally connected to County Clare, but in 1755 that connection was lost due to the tsunami effect of the massive Portuguese earthquake.

Dursey Island

Dursey Island is situated on the western tip of the Beara Peninsula in West Cork and separated from the mainland by the Dursey Sound, a narrow stretch of water. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water, Dursey Sound, which has a very strong tidal race, with the submerged Flag Rock close to the centre of the channel. The island has just six or so permanent residents, and is connected to the mainland by Ireland's only cable car.

Fota Island

Fota is an island in Cork Harbour, Ireland, just north of the larger island of Great Island. Fota Island is host to Ireland's only wildlife park – as well as the historical Fota House and gardens and golf course owned by the "Fota Island Golf Club and Resort". The island comprises two townlands both called Foaty: one each in the civil parishes of Clonmel (the western half of Great Island) and Carrigtohill.

Haulbowline

Haulbowline Island was the location of Ireland's only steelworks which operated on the Island between 1939 and 2001. Waste from the steel production process was deposited on the Spit Bank, a shallow sand spit extending eastwards from the Naval Dockyard, from the early 1960's. The western side of the island is the main naval base and headquarters for the Irish Naval Service, with the eastern side previously used for heavy industry and later redeveloped as a park.

Heir Island

Heir Island is a great place to live, work and visit. One of the seven inhabited West Cork islands off the south coast of Ireland. Offering the visitor stunning views, walks, sandy beaches, a profusion of wildflowers and bird life, the island also hosts many events such as theatre, music, cookery courses, sailing, kayaking, yoga and more.

Inchydoney

Inchydoney is a small island off West Cork, Ireland, connected to the mainland by two causeways. The nearest town is Clonakilty. It has a Blue Flag beach. It is a popular tourist destination. There are two beaches, one either side of the Virgin Mary headland. In Summer there is a lifeguard station on the headland for three months.

Inis Cathaigh

Inis Cathaigh is an island in the Shannon Estuary, Ireland. It lies off the coast of Kilrush, County Clare. Most of the island is now owned by the Office of Public Works, who run a small visitor centre and carry out repairs and maintenance on the island; it was bought by Dúchas in 1991. The island is domestic to a lighthouse, a ruined monastery, an Irish spherical tower and the stays of an artillery battery.

Inis Cealtra

Inis Cealtra is a 50-acre island on River Shannon and is located near Mountshannon in Co Clare. It’s unique, even in Ireland, in that there are monuments and artifacts here, dating back over 1000 years, that have survived in a wonderful state of preservation because of their secluded island location. Boat trips can be taken from the harbour at Mountshannon. It is conserved by the East Clare Heritage Centre.

Innisfallen Island

Innisfallen is the largest island on Lough Leane, which is the largest of the three Lakes of Killarney. An island of approx 21 acres it is the largest of the islands on the lake and can be accessed via motor boats which run from Ross castle during the summer months. Some of the most impressive archaeological remains from early Christian times to be found in the Killarney region are to be found in the ruined monastery on Innisfallen Island.

Long Island

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.

Sherkin Island

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

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

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.

Whiddy Island

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.

Map of Islands to explore in Munster