Your Scattery Island
Adventure Awaits

Discover ancient ruins, legendary tales, untouched natural beauty and family legacy just a boat ride away.
Welcome to Scattery Island
Escape into Ireland’s Hidden Past
Just a short ferry ride from Kilrush, lies one of Ireland’s hidden treasure – Scattery Island, also known as ‘Inis Cathaigh’, which means – Island of the great battle.
Explore ancient monastic ruins, a soaring round tower, Viking battlegrounds, and a deserted and a restored village street that was home to generations of islanders. Here, the past comes alive, and every stone tells a story, offering an experience that blends expert-led tours, scenic nature trails, and a rare chance to step away from the everyday.
Inis Cathaigh is a special area of conservation and as a result, visitor numbers are limited to just 25,000 per season. This allow for just 160 per day during the open season.
scattery Island
Fascinating Facts in Numbers
One
The number of mythical Sea Serpents that resided on Scattery Island – Scattery’s earliest legend tells of The Cathagh, a fearsome sea serpent banished by St. Senan before the island could become sacred ground.
Zero
The number of women that were allowed on Scattery island during St. Senans time on the island.
Six
The number of churches that feature on this little island, including one imposing catherdral which took almost 200 years to complete.
Two
The number of round towers in Ireland with the door at the ground floor level – one of which can be found on Scattery Island.
1800’s
Scattery’s southern tip became home to a British-built battery, once armed to defend against a Napoleonic invasion.
181
The number of people who lived on Scattery Island during its peak and the population on Scattery Island grew by one during the famine time.
SCATTERY ISLAND TOURS
Your Journey Begins Here
From easy boat trips to interactive maps and seamless online booking, planning
your Scattery Island adventure is as effortless as it is inspiring.






Our Story
A Family Legacy,
A Passion for Preservation
Scattery Island Tours isn’t just a business, it’s a family story, deeply rooted in the history of Scattery Island itself. Owned and operated by Irene Griffin a descendant of one of Scattery’s last islanders, and her sister in law Martina Hamilton, our connection to this place runs through generations. Every ferry crossing that we offer is more than just a journey, it’s a homecoming, a chance to share the island’s unique history, breathtaking landscapes, and rich
heritage with visitors from near and far.




Our Location
Getting Here
Kilrush Marina, Merchants Quay,
Kilrush, Co Clare, V15AD62.
Ticket Office Hours
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
T. +353 85 2505512
T. +353 85 2505514
E. info@scatteryislandtours.com
VISIT & EXPLORE
What You Can Do on Scattery Island
Whether you’re a family seeking a fun, educational outing or an avid history and nature enthusiast, our tours
offer the perfect blend of discovery, open-air exploration, and personal connection to a storied past.
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Enjoy a guided walking tour from the passionate OPW tour guide experts whose connections and roots to the island run deep as they share engaging tales of monastic life, Viking encounters, and maritime lore, bringing history to life at every turn.
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Prefer to set your own pace? Download maps and info sheets to uncover hidden trails, secret ruins, and unique stories at your leisure.
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Ideal for all ages, Scattery Island blends educational fun with outdoor adventure. Let the kids explore ancient ruins and history hands-on—then enjoy a picnic and a swim in the beautiful surrounding waters.
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Take a leisurely stroll along rugged pathways that reveal breathtaking views of the Atlantic—perfect for quiet reflection or capturing stunning photographs.
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Enjoy a visit that not only educates and inspires but also contributes to the preservation of this unique cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
Visitor Reviews
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Our trip to Scattery Island was a fantastic experience. A change to our booking was very kindly facilitated by Martina in the Shannon Ferries Office. The guide was brilliant and made the story of the island interesting and engaging. I will definitely go there again as soon as possible.
Mary Ryan – Google Review
June 2025
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Was on my to-do list for a long time. It’s very interesting both as a nature reserve and it’s association with Saint Senán. The OPW guide services are outstanding. Shout out to Simon our guide for the morning. His knowledge of social history in addition to archaeology and history was encyclopedic! I am surprised that this gem of a location isn’t better known or visited.
Séagh Mac Siúrdáin – Google Review
June 2025
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Excellent visit to the island today, from the friendly staff at the ticket office to the boat crew. Informed guide and the bird man Carlos who inspired us with his enthusiasm for the harriers. We will be back.
breada2018 – Tripadvisor
May 2023
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Had a perfect day on Scattery Island. The boat trip was lovely. The island was beautiful and very interesting. The guide was very informative and friendly. We saw the her harriers which was amazing and the ranger was very friendly and helpful too. Everyone was really friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back.
Denise Murphy – Google
July 2024
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We took the Scattery Island Tour boat, very fast and pleasant trip over. We were met by a very informative tour guide who brought us to the key monastic sites. We then took the 15 minute walk to the lighthouse and artillery battery. We then had a picnic and the children were then invited to paint some sea stones which they enjoyed. It is a beautiful, scenic, unspoilt island. A little gem.
Teresa G – Tripadvisor
August 2023
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We thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Scattery, the boat, the lock function and the island.Our guide,Morgan, was excellent. His information and anecdotes were very entertaining,his love of Scattery and West Clare shone through,and his sense of humour was wonderful.Overall a very memorable day and I would highly recommend the package.
Michael H – Tripadvisor
June 2024
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