Irish islands that inspire holiday dreams.
Ireland’s rugged natural beauty and charm don’t usually have anyone thinking ‘tropical paradise’, but some of the islands around the island will leave you absolutely stunned.
The white-sand beaches and turquoise waters usually associated with tourist brochures of tropical climes are also available just off the coast, and have better weather than the mainland.
Garinish Island, Co. Cork – Italian villa dreams
Tropical foliage at Ilnacullin on Garinish Island, reachable by ferry from Glengariff that includes a visit to the nearby seal colony, makes this little place one of a kind in Ireland.
The warm and humid microclimate and Italian garden will make you feel like you are in the Med.
Saltee Islands, Co. Wexford – Riviera soul
Located in the sunny southeast, which is already the region with the most sunlight in Ireland, the Saltee islands off the coast of Wexford are magical.
The beautiful turquoise water and sea cliffs are more reminiscent of the Riviera than Ireland, and the islands are home to many seabirds, especially puffins.
Valentia Island, Co. Kerry – the warmest place in Ireland
Officially the warmest spot in Ireland, Valentia is one of Ireland’s most westerly points, and the eastern terminus of the first commercially viable telegraph cable.
Tropical gardens at Glanleam House and the warmest beach in Ireland, also called Glanleam, round out the offerings of this island which is reachable by car.
Sherkin Island, Co. Cork – haven for the arts
Also called the Island of the Arts, Sherkin claims to be the ‘most accessible island in Ireland’, only a ten minute ferry journey from Baltimore, Co. Cork.
Silver Strand Beach is a Caribbean dream on this island with a population of around 100, a wide, white strand against clear blue water.
Inishkea Islands, Co. Mayo – Caribbean blue
The uninhabited, pristine Inishkea Islands in County Mayo look like forgotten tropical islands.
Their coastal landscapes would not be out of place in a tourist brochure for warmer climes. The white sand beaches there are captivating and out of this world.
Cruit Island, Co. Donegal – bridge to paradise
Donegal is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of tropical scenery, but Cruit Island has better weather than the rest of the county and is often soaked in sunshine.
Unlike many islands in this list, you won’t need a boat to get there, as it is accessible via a bridge.
Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim – Scotland’s hope
Famed as the place Robert the Bruce watched a spider weave a web again and again until it was complete – if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again – Rathlin Island is steeped in history and mystery.
It also enjoys milder weather than the mainland of Northern Ireland, despite the fact that it is Northern Ireland’s northernmost point.
Inishbofin, Co. Galway – Mallorcan charm
This island off the coast of Connemara is a place of pirate history and lore.
The famous Irish pirate, Grace O’Malley, reportedly a comrade of the Spanish pirate or Barbary corsair Alonzo Bosco, helped him to stretch a defensive chain across Inishbofins harbour entrance. The beaches here resemble some of those on Mallorca.
Lambay Island, Co. Dublin – exclusive hideaway
The largest island off the east coast of Ireland, Lambay island is family-run and features a whiskey distillery.
This island is especially popular with wildlife aficionados, as the location of an Atlantic Grey Seal colony and even wallabies!
Access to the island is by invitation only, and private craft are not allowed to land there. Tours and workshops are available, and houses are also available to rent.
Goat Island, Co. Waterford – California cool
Goat Island, or Goats Island, is a secluded beach in County Waterford and technically not really an island. There are other Goat Islands in Ireland which are actual islands, but those are in West Cork.
Tramore, also with an amazing beach, and also in County Waterford, may not be an island but offers a holiday vibe. The stunning beach at Goats Island looks as if it belongs on the California coastline.
