Few places in the world can match the beauty of the Irish archipelago, which are just as striking even on wet and foggy days.
They are full of stories and adventures, and Ireland's coastline is dotted with hundreds of islands, each with its own uniqueness. From wild stories of the Pirate Queen and the One-Eyed Warrior King, to the appearance of wild wallabies, to the tropical lagoons of Irish waters, these islands offer you an otherworldly experience.
Achill Island - County Mayo
The island is the site of the fictional Inischelene Island in the Oscar-nominated film The Inischeline Banshee, and director Martin McDonagh has said he wanted to capture the beauty of Ireland's western island on screen — and it's easy to see why the island became another protagonist of the film. Towering sea cliffs, mountains, hidden bays and mysterious beaches are truly beautiful.
But the island doesn't just stand by its appearance, there are plenty of activities such as hiking, cycling, rock climbing and canoeing. It's also a great place to surf, swim in any of the island's many Blue Flag beaches, a stretch of white sand, hike the cliffs of Kroghorn, or learn more about the island with a guide who will take you through its history, such as colonial tours and deserted village tours.
Torrey Island - County Donegal
Torrey Island is the most remote of all the islands in Ireland, and with a population of around 150 people and only one hotel and a few B&Bs, the hustle and bustle of city life will soon disappear and the feeling of the past will take its place. Irish is the first language spoken as part of the Donegalic region, but English is also applicable.
Torrey Island is rich in folklore, and the mythical one-eyed warrior Barlow, the Irish super-race of the Formories, rules the island. On the east coast of the island, the ruins of his fort overlook the Atlantic Ocean. From here you can see An Eochair Mhór (Big Key), a long thorn sticking out from the peninsula that forms An Tor Mór (Big Stone), where Balor imprisoned his daughter to prevent her from falling in love, and the locals have a long tradition of choosing a king to represent them; Tory's last king passed away in October 2018.
Inis Meáin Island - Galway County
Inis Meáin is home to 200 people, making it the least populous of the many islands. Since mainly Irish is spoken, here you can immerse yourself in traditional culture while getting back to nature. Although it's the least visited of the Aran archipelago, there are beach swimming, scenic dive spots, ancient ruins, and traditional music performances at the teach Ósta bar – meaning you'll have plenty to do.
The island is small, so you can enjoy the scenery on foot, stop to admire the wildflowers, or swim in the old port. But if you really want to get to know the island, you can rent a bike. Close to the holiday cottage of the prehistoric stone castle of Dún Chonchúiris playwright JM Synge, from which he is said to have taken inspiration for Playboy of the Western World. The 300-year-old teach Syngecottage is now open to the public as a library and museum. Synge's chair is a cherished writing location for the author, as it overlooks the island's "spouting holes," where the sea pours in through a series of natural passages on the cliffs, creating waves, which is not surprising.
Clare Island - County Mayo
Crewe Bay in Mayo is said to have 365 islands – one for every day of the year – but there are actually 117 islands, of which Clare Island is the largest. With hills and mountains full of historical sites, and Blue Flag beaches, it's the perfect island for the outdoors.
It's not always so calm here, and Clare Island is the ancestral home of Gráinne Mhaoil, the fearsome and legendary pirate queen. For much of the 16th century, notorious for wreaking havoc at sea, she used the castle here to control the waters of Crewe Bay. (You can still visit today.) )
Nowadays, there is plenty to do in the evening, and the two bars regularly host traditional entertainment, balancing the calm of the retreat with the hustle and bustle of the conference.
Inishbofen - Galway County
One of Ireland's most popular islands, Inishbofen is steeped in history and a hub for sustainable tourism. As the UK's first 'leave no trace' island, many beaches, including the Eastside and Dumacher have won the Green Coast Award for their crystal clear waters.
Hiking is a huge attraction for tourists. On the three official hiking trails, you can see Dún More Cliffs (one of the island's two seal colonies), the 14th-century St. Coleman's Church, and panoramic views of Cropatrick, Inishtok and Clare Islands. Alternatively, you can take a walk with local historians and archaeologists who will tell you more about the island's history, including its relationship to a certain pirate queen.
Inishboven is also known for its locally produced organic food. The annual food festival Bia Bó Finne is a testament to this tradition, which attracts hundreds of visitors every October.
Inishtec Island - County Mayo
Inishtec is an island with fewer tourists. With a population of just 54, it's easy to feel like a local, not a tourist. Turkey's beating heart is its community hub and the island's bars, shops, and restaurants where you can eat freshly caught lobster, cod, mackerel, and perhaps the best crab in the world.
Here, a large number of mountains are waiting to be explored. The ring road on the island is exactly 5 km long, perfect for runners. Further down the beaten path is the island's GAA Stadium, Europe's westernmost course surrounded by rugged hills and probably the most scenic course in the world. Not far away is another amazing view, the port of Dún. This beautiful lagoon port is said to be a hiding place for Gráinne Mhaol's gold and is a great place to swim.
Fishing is one of the main attractions of the island and private fishing trips can be arranged. But if you're more into a show by professionals, Turkey's annual seafarers' show is a great reason to visit. The event blends music, health, diet and observation; Expect to do beach yoga, learn the art of sean nósdancing, forage or fillet fish – all done in one weekend.