Ireland · Boating

Visit to Scattery Island departing from Kilrush. Clare. Guided.

3 Hours Round trip from Kilrush Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Scenic return ferry journey from Kilrush through the Shannon Estuary
  • 02 Guided walking tour of Scattery Island’s monastic ruins
  • 03 See five churches, a cathedral, and an imposing round tower
  • 04 Learn the story of St. Senan and the serpent Cathagh
  • 05 Visit the Scattery Island visitor centre
  • 06 Optional self-guided walk to the Napoleonic artillery battery and lighthouse
  • 07 Tea or coffee served on the return ferry
  • 08 Free audio guide available in German, French, Italian, or Spanish

Discover Scattery Island on a scenic return ferry from Kilrush through the sheltered waters of the Shannon Estuary. Pass Cappa and Hog Island before stepping ashore for a guided walking tour of one of Ireland’s most evocative monastic sites.

Learn about St. Senan, the early 5th-century settlement, and the island’s remarkable heritage, including five churches, a cathedral, and an imposing round tower. Your visit also includes entry to the visitor centre, where you can explore stories of island life over the centuries.

If time allows, enjoy an optional self-guided walk to the Napoleonic artillery battery and working lighthouse, or simply relax by the visitor centre and take in the island’s peaceful birdlife and coastal atmosphere.

Once on the island, you are greeted by our tour guide who will take you on a fascinating walking tour of the monastic sites, learn about St. Senan’s brave battle against the serpent Cathagh and his creation of the monastic settlement dating back to the early 5th century, featuring five churches, a cathedral and an imposing round tower.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Enjoy the experience of the marina’s locke gates as we exit into the sheltered waters of the Shannon Estuary. The scenic short sailing to the island takes you past the picturesque village of Cappa and the smaller Hog Island.

Once on the island, you are greeted by our tour guide who will take you on a fascinating walking tour of the monastic sites, learn about St. Senan’s brave battle against the serpent Cathagh and his creation of the monastic settlement dating back to the early 5th century, featuring five churches, a cathedral and an imposing round tower. Visit the exhibition at the visitor centre and learn more about island life over the centuries.

If time allows, take an optional self-guided walk on the old path to see the Napoleonic artillery battery and a working lighthouse or choose to sit and relax outside the island’s visitor centre and enjoy the gentle sounds of the lapping tide and the island’s birdlife.

This tour is also available as a private experience.

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Return ferry tickets to Scattery island from Kilrush marina.
  • Guided walking tour of Scattery Island’s monastic sites.
  • Free audio guide of the Monastic Tour available in German, French, Italian or Spanish.
  • Walking map with site information provided.
  • Entrance to Scattery Island visitor centre.
  • Tea or coffee on board the return ferry.

What's Not Included

Gratuities

Know before you go

  • INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • It is highly recommended to wear correctly fitting life jackets when on or close water.
  • Skippers decision iro weather conditions is final. It is highly recommended to wear a correctly fitting life jacket when on or close to water.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilrush, IE
Tour start
Kilrush, IE
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in Kilrush.

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