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Islands of Ireland

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Fascinating islands off the coast of Ireland

Ireland is a beautiful island with a wealth of history, from the ancient Celts and the high kings of Ireland, to the monks and abbeys of the middle ages, to the more recent tragedy of the great potato famine. Through it all, the people have retained their unique character, and a great appreciation for life.

Off the coast of Ireland lie a number of smaller islands. Being quite isolated, each of these have their own unique history and character, and the islands of Ireland are some of the most fascinating places in the country.

This lens will introduce you to three sets of islands: the Aran Islands, Blasket Islands, and Skellig Islands.

The Skellig Islands

Where monks lived in stone huts over 1000 years ago

Skellig Michael is the larger of these two islands, and it's an amazing World Heritage Site. This rocky crag, miles from shore, was home to a group of monks back in the 6th century. They lived in little rock huts reached by climbing hundreds of stone steps. If you have a chance, definitely go here - it's incredible and inspiring.

Little Skellig is a bird sanctuary, home to thousands of nesting pairs of gannets. If you're lucky enough to get a boat out to Skellig Michael, you'll get a close up view of Little Skellig too.

Video - Abandoned Skellig Islands

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The Blasket Islands

Abandoned in the 1950s

Ruined house on Great Blasket IslandThis set of 6 islands lies off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula. The largest, Great Blasket, was home to a hardy colony of over 100 people until 1953, when they were forced to move to the "mainland" of Ireland. Because they were so isolated, their community retained the traditional Irish ways longer than most places.

Now the islands are abandoned. You can take a ferry over, and hike around the rugged island, imagining what life here was like.

What life was like in the Blasket Islands

Twenty Years A-Growing

Twenty Years A-Growing

by: Maurice O'Sullivan

Amazon Price: $13.03 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

Delightful book about growing up in the Blasket Islands (which are now abandoned). This is an inside view of a way of life that is now vanished. Entertaining, and highly recommended. A personal favorite!

The Aran Islands

Winter gales and warm sweaters

There are 3 Aran Islands. The largest is Inishmore, and it has the most people. The islands are harsh, windswept, and starkly beautiful, with fields divided by rock walls.

The locals speak Irish Gaelic, but they also speak English for the many tourists that come here. There are flights and ferries to the islands. Perhaps because of the frigid winter weather, the islands are famous for their hand-knit Aran sweaters.
  1. The big islands
  2. The little island

Aran Islands sweaters

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Trips to Ireland

When you're ready to go yourself

There are many, many trips to Ireland, but here are a few good options:

- Cycling trip to Ireland
- Family trip to Ireland
- Women's trip to Ireland

Ireland goodies on Cafe Press

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More Ireland books from Amazon

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What do you think of the Islands of Ireland?

Have you been there? Want to go? Any comments to add?

  • Aileen Ronner Mar 3, 2011 @ 10:04 am | delete
    Where is the island where Catholics go and pray . there is a very old church there and a cave where St Patrick said there was a portal to hell?
  • globedancer Mar 21, 2011 @ 6:21 am | delete
    Hi Aileen!
    There are a number of islands that Catholics go to pray.
    Also, Lough Derg, or St. Patrick's Purgatory where there is a deep cave is said to be the gateway to hell. Uhm, I'm having second thoughts as having that part of my next Ireland trip. :-)
  • ChrisDay Mar 2, 2011 @ 11:53 pm | delete
    We visited a bunch of the Islands of Ireland a few years back - sadly couldn't go to the Skelligs for just that reason. Sadly, our plans didn't allow for a long wait. I'd love to see them one day.
  • globedancer Mar 19, 2011 @ 10:14 pm | delete
    Maybe your next trip will be more favorable for a visit at Skelligs. It's a lovely island!
  • globedancer Nov 24, 2008 @ 4:29 pm | delete
    It's not always possible to get to Skellig Michael, since the sea's sometimes too rough for the boats to go out. It's worth waiting a couple of days if necessary, though. It's an amazing place!
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globedancer

Hello world! I never tire of exploring this amazing world. There's so much to see, do, and experience - both around the world, and close to home. How could... more »

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