United Kingdom, Ireland · Religious & Spiritual

Great Scattery Island experience departing from Kilrush. Clare. Guided.

6 Hours Round trip from Kilrush Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Scenic return ferry from Kilrush to Scattery Island
  • 02 Guided walking tour of the island’s monastic sites
  • 03 See churches, a cathedral and a round tower linked to St. Senan
  • 04 Visit the island exhibition at the visitor centre
  • 05 Audio tour of Old Street, the lighthouse and artillery battery
  • 06 Packed lunch of local produce included
  • 07 Free time to walk, relax by the shore or swim
  • 08 Views back to the mainland of Kerry and Clare

Enjoy a scenic ferry journey through the Shannon estuary to Scattery Island, where a guided walking tour brings the island’s early Christian heritage to life. Explore monastic ruins linked to St. Senan, including churches, a cathedral and an impressive round tower, while hearing stories from the island’s long and fascinating past.

Visit the exhibition at the visitor centre, take in views back towards Kerry and Clare, and enjoy a packed lunch of local produce. After lunch, continue at your own pace with an audio tour along Old Street to the lighthouse and Napoleonic artillery battery, with time to walk further, relax by the shore, or even enjoy a swim before returning to Kilrush.

Enjoy a scenic ferry journey through the Shannon estuary to Scattery Island, where a guided walking tour brings the island’s early Christian heritage to life.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 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

On the island, you are greeted by our tour guide who takes 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.

Visit the island exhibition at the visitor centre and soak up the pier-side views back to the mainland of Kerry and Clare as you enjoy your lunch at one of the available picnic tables.

After lunch, your audio tour guides you along Old Street, where the last of the islanders lived, then onto the lighthouse and finally the Napoleonic artillery battery.

Continue to walk all around the island or stroll back. Swim from the shoreline or off the pier if you wish before returning to the mainland.

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.
  • Free audio tour of the Lighthouse & Napoleonic artillery battery on the south of the island.
  • Packed lunch including: sandwich with local bread, 250ml water, fruit, chocolate and Irish crisps.
  • 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 a correctly fitting life jacket when on or close to water.
  • Skippers decision iro weather conditions is final.
  • It is highly recommended to wear correctly fitting life jackets 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 6 hours finish where they began, in Kilrush.

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