Brought to you by Rockshore.
Isle of islands.
Do you love islands? Are you happiest when you have the sea air sweeping your face and a body of water between you and the mainland? Well, we have the perfect list for you.
With Rockshore offering you the chance to win a holiday for you and 11 friends on a private island off the west coast, it seemed like a perfect time to see what other Irish islands have to offer. So even if you don’t win this competition, here are a few island options that make for a perfect weekend getaway.
1. Tory Island (Donegal)
Located 14.5 kilometres off the coast of Donegal, this island is steeped in Irish mythology. The legendary homeland of Balor of the Evil Eye and the Formorians, you can visit this picturesque island and check out local sights like the island’s iconic Tau Cross.
Tory also has a king. Yes, an actual king. The locally-elected King of Tory is Patsy Dan Rodgers and he greets visitors to the island when they step off the ferry. Aside from that, there’s the chance to catch a rare sight of a corncrake, check out the thriving arts scene or enjoy the craic in one of the local bars.
2. Rathlin Island (Antrim)
This is the island where Scottish King, Robert the Bruce, was inspired to reclaim his crown after watching a spider repeatedly try to build a web. This L-shaped island is home to around 140 islanders and a huge collection of seabirds.
Check out the puffins from April to July or head to Mill Bay to see seals catching the sun. You can also take a tour of a working lighthouse, check out the seabird centre, or just hang out and enjoy the scenery.
3. Lusty Beg (Fermanagh)
Not all islands are off shore. Lusty Beg Island is a 75-acre island in the middle of the Fermanagh Lakelands. It’s an island within an island – like a kind of geographical Inception if you will.
A car ferry takes you the short distance to the island, which is decked out with luxury accommodation and a spa retreat. There are loads of activities available for guests, from shooting to archery and from tennis to mountain biking.
4. Inis Mór (Galway)
This is, as the name suggests, the largest of the Aran Islands. Unsurprisingly, this dramatic island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland and it’s perfect for a weekend away. It’s famous for its striking cliffs and the iconic stone fort of Dun Aengus but the island is dotted with historical and natural attractions.
Another famous landmark that you have to see is the Worm Hole, which has been used for international diving competitions. Kilronan village is a lively spot where you can enjoy the nightlife after an afternoon’s activities.
5. Sherkin Island (Cork)
The ancestral home of the O’Driscoll clan is a great spot for a weekend break. Just 10 minutes from Baltimore (the Cork one, not The Wire one), it boasts sandy beaches and hilltop views of the Atlantic.
It’s only three miles long but it’s a beautiful spot to explore and the Silver Strand beach is the perfect place to spend a sunny day. It’s also full of rare flowers, if plants are your thing, or you can catch a sight of the dolphins and porpoises that frequent the waters around the island.
6. Skellig Michael (Kerry)
You can’t stay out on Skellig Michael but luckily the Kerry coast has an abundance of amazing places to crash overnight. The monastic islands are 12 kilometres off the coast and combine striking scenery with beehive huts and ancient dwellings. It’s a special place that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The island is now world famous after being used as a setting in the Star Wars films, The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens. You can get a tour of the island and check out the historical sites and wildlife but you’ll need to book it ahead of time to allow for demand.
7. Achill Island (Mayo)
From soaring sea cliffs to quiet beaches to green fields, Achill is the perfect antidote to city living or the pressure of work. It’s also an ideal spot for all sorts of activities and adventure sports.
The Blueway trails offer snorkelling and kayaking and a chance to explore the island from the sea. There is also the option to go surfing, biking, diving, golfing and much more. There are also plenty of great pubs or restaurants in the area to enjoy after you’ve got your fill of fresh air.
8. Lambay Island (Dublin)
This small island off the Dublin coast has one remarkable thing going for it. There are wild wallabies roaming around the island. Yup, there’s an island of wallabies off the coast of Dublin. The island is owned by the Baring family, of Barings Bank fame. The family brought wallabies to the island as pets and Dublin Zoo later sent some additional wallabies out to the island.
You can check them out if you go out for a day trip or do one of the retreats and courses that are on offer. Visitors can stay on the island and try the likes of bushcraft challenges, forage and feast courses or writers retreats.
9. Bere Island (Cork)
If you want an island full of history and archaeological sites, then this is the place for you. You can barely throw a stone without hitting a ring fort, a holy well, ancient tomb, standing stone or Martello Tower. It’s not all history though.
It also has two beaches and the Caha Mountains and Slieve Miskisk form an impressive backdrop for your pictures. Try a sea safari, do the island’s impressive park run course or take a tour of the island’s many impressive landmarks.
To enter the competition to win a private island holiday for you and 11 mates, simply click here. Good luck! You need to be over 18 to enter this prize. Please drink Rockshore responsibly.
Brought to you by Rockshore.
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