Ireland’s Islands: secret vacation heaven

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DANIEL O'CARROLL,

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Sherkin Island, Cork

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VISIT GALLERY HERE

Ireland’s many islands remain as popular as ever for tourists. The unspoilt beautiful islands are dotted around the country’s coast from Mizen to Malin Head. Here’s the best of what to see if you decide to go offshore on your trip to the Emerald Isle.

The South

Cape Clear Island

Cape Clear Island, located just off the beautiful South-West coast of Ireland, is one of the 15 Gaeltacht islands where Irish remains the main spoken language of the local population. Ferries are available from coastal towns Schull and Baltimore.

The Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival takes place on the island the first Friday each September, and an annual Walking Talking Festival began in 2010.

Most islanders eke out a modest living engaging in traditional methods of farming. Like many Irish islands, the island has a deep-rooted connection with Irish literature. An extensive programs of tours and guided lectures takes place there during the summer.

Sherkin Island

While travelling the south coast, nearby Sherkin Island also warrants a visit. The island is the ancestral home of the O’Donovan clan, but nowadays is best known for its popular sailing regatta, usually held on the third weekend in July.
The island was once one of the more populated islands, with a population once numbering close to 1,000, but numbers have steadily dwindled ever since the Great Famine.

 The island boasts many excellent tourist amenities, including camping spaces.

Skellig Michael

Further West one is led to Skellig Michael, the site of an ancient monastic settlement which has since been opened to tourists.

Despite some recently voiced safety concerns, the island remains a popular tourist destination for tourists and affords magnificent vistas out to see. A UNESCO World Heritage site it is accessible by boat only.

The West

The Aran Islands

Undoubtedly the most famous of Ireland’s islands are the three Aran Islands, located off the country’s West Coast, accessible by ferry from Ros a’Mhil, a port 23 miles west of the city of Galway.

There are three islands in the chain: Inis Mor (the largest of the three), Inis Meain, and Inis Beag. All three islands are serviced by small airfields which Aer Aran Islander still services.

The islands are steeped in a rich cultural and literary tradition and have left an indelible mark on the Irish psyche. All three islands are Gaeltachts. Popular tourist activities involve visiting the islands’ many pubs, seeing the many scenic vistas, and buying a traditionally-made Aran sweater.

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