5 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
English
Included
€ 61.18
€ 56.29
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Set off on a scenic ferry journey through the breathtaking Shannon River Estuary, where the tranquil waters lead you to the historic Scattery Island. Step ashore and immerse yourself in the island’s rich heritage with a guided tour of its fascinating monastic ruins. Walk in the footsteps of saints and scholars as you explore the 5th-century remains of ancient churches, a grand cathedral, and an imposing round tower that has stood the test of time. At the visitor centre, delve into the island’s captivating past and learn about the generations who once called this remote sanctuary home.
After the tour, take a moment to enjoy a picnic lunch featuring delicious local produce while soaking in the island’s serene beauty. Then, continue your exploration with a walk to the Napoleonic artillery battery, a testament to Ireland’s military history, and the island’s working lighthouse, which still stands as a guiding beacon for sailors navigating the estuary. This unforgettable journey offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and breathtaking coastal scenery.
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Scattery Island – magic with my own eyes! 🇮🇪🌊 I was there, I saw it, and to this day I can't stop thinking about it 😍 Green hills, stone walls, sheep everywhere 🐑 and this incredible peace... You breathe differently 🌬️ The people? Wonderful! The pub will take you in immediately, the music is live 🎶, and the Guinness tastes a million times better than anywhere else 🍻 Rain? Well, it was there, but so what – it's part of the atmosphere ☔ We had Irish Stew 🍲, went for a walk, and at the end, a rainbow and a sunset 🌈❤️ Just like a postcard! Conclusion? It's not just a place, it's a state of mind 💚 I recommend it to anyone who wants to escape the noise and simply... feel something real.
Magical place, St Senan, Vikings, Brian Boru, River Pilots...so much history and super OPW guides.
Well... not to be missed... the only regret is that we didn't see any semblance of activity. I would have liked to see hives... bees... because I have a memory of honey from an island just like this one. It wasn't cultivated and overgrown with brambles. The honey had a blackberry flavor, it was fabulous. If there is a volunteer to be a beekeeper, I think everyone would benefit. Think about it.
Abandoned by its last permanent inhabitants in the late 1970s, Scattery Island is now a place where, amidst its untamed nature, fascinating traces of history lie hidden, dating back to the 6th century, when St. Sean founded the first monastery. The most distinctive landmark is the round tower towering over the island. Numerous church ruins, a cemetery, a holy spring, and former homes contribute to the unique charm of this abandoned piece of land, which today is roamed by tourists, scaring away flocks of wild rabbits that have taken over the island. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Shannon River led to the placement of a lighthouse and a cannon battery in a small fort on the southern part of the island. We can witness firsthand how nature slowly absorbs the traces of human presence. The best way to get here is by ferry, which departs twice daily from the nearby port in Kilrush during the summer season. After a dozen or so minutes of the cruise, we can begin exploring the lost world of Scattery Island.
Always a grand day on Scattery! Tour guides are always wonderful, especially head guide John.
