Spotahome's Guide to Dublin's Islands

You heard that right - Dublin has several islands, located just a short ferry ride away from the city. If you are a Dublin local but are tired of the old school mainland life, this guide will definitely wake you up and set you off on another adventure! Check them out!

Rockabill Island

Rockabill Island is, in our opinion, the coolest of all Dublin islands - also because it’s the one that’s the furthest away. It’s pretty amazing that you can find such small piece of land so far away from anything else! Rockabill consists of two small islands - and when we say small, we mean small. You won’t find anything on here other than a lighthouse that’s been around since the 1850s. But this island is actually the most popular for its unique bird colony called the Roseate Tern. In 2014, a job ad for Rockabill Island said you can become a bird watcher for €400 per week! Two people, nicknamed as Rockabill castaways, actually lived on the island for three months!

Photo credit: Piers Scott (Google Maps)

How to get to Rockabill Island: Take a private boat or go with Skerries Sea Tours - the tours allow you to also visit our next island.

Lambay Island

Along with having a cool name, the Lambay Island has absolutely gorgeous scenery. It’s by far one of the most romantic destinations you can find nearby Dublin and a perfect adventure for anyone that’s still amazed at the fact that Dublin has islands. It’s another safe haven where you can birdwatch while you’re listening to the relaxing waves. The Lambay Island is an idyllic location, also featuring a gorgeous family house called the White House, which was once completely out of bounds. The family that owns that house offers limited private tours each year, giving you a chance to hear the stories of the island’s true locals. The White House is also available to rent for special occasions - more info available on their website.

Photo Credit: David Quigley (Google Maps)

How to get to Lambay Island: Request a tour through Skerries Sea Tours or the owners of the island.

The Skerries Islands

The Skerries Islands are named after a town near Dublin called Skerries. It’s a collection of five islands, grouped together into three major ones - Shenick Island, St. Patrick’s and Colt. Although they don’t feature any accommodation on-site, they’re absolutely incredible to see and worthy of a visit. Shenick island has a tower called the Martello tower, which was around back in the 19th century. You can also find some ruins on the other two islands, but what’s the most fascinating thing about them is the fact you can access them by foot!

Photo credit: Andy Jamieson (Google Maps)

How to get to the Skerries Islands: Do a walking tour during the low tide - it’s the best way to visit these islands!

Ireland’s Eye

Ireland’s Eye was once known as Eria’s Island. This small island is completely uninhabited, but full of gorgeous landscape. It’s just a short boat ride away from Howth, offering a perfect day trip adventure. The island is most known for its monastery and a church, dating back to 700AD - you can still see the remains of the building on the island. As many still don’t know about this gorgeous island, it can be seen as almost untouched - a truly remarkable experience for those looking to be in tune with the nature.

Photo credit: Padraic Reid (Google Maps)

How to get to Ireland’s Eye: Book a tour with Island Ferries.

Dalkey Island

Dalkey Island might be small, but visiting it around springtime will give you an amazingly scenic experience. This tranquil island is home to the ruins of an Early Christian church, which was built during the early 1800s. The fact that it’s uninhabited has its advantages - you can easily enjoy a peaceful stroll around the island and take it all in. Just the nature, the ocean, and you.

Photo credit: Alberto Hernández González (Google Maps)

How to get to Dalkey Island: You can see the island from Killiney Hill or get a ferry from Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre.

Bull Island

And last but not least, we have to mention the island that’s actually the closest to Dublin. Since it can be accessible by foot as it’s connected to the mainland, Bull Island was actually created as a result of building the Great South and North Bull walls. The island is most known for its wildlife as well as golfing areas. Although it might not feel as scenic as some of the other islands on our list, it’s definitely worthy of your visit.

How to get to Bull Island: Take the 130 Dublin bus or go through the Bull Bridge with a car.