Located just off Kilrush in Co. Clare, and recently awarded The European Destination of Excellence for 2017 (EDEN), Scattery Island is truly a unique visitor experience on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors to the island are amazed at the wealth of historic sites, which includes five Churches, a Cathedral, a magnificent Round Tower, Napoleonic War Artillery Battery and a working Lighthouse.
Your guided walking tour in English (also available in French, German, Italian & Spanish) will immerse you in the island’s rich history. Scattery also offers a great a family day out and our junior VIP’s get their very own treasure trail map to explore the island their own way! Pack a picnic or even enjoy swim while you’re there.
Today the island is completely uninhabited, and you can explore its ancient historic sites and experience its unspoilt natural beauty in peace and tranquillity.
Discover the beauty of Scattery Island and walk the paths of saints and scholars. This tour allows you between 2 and 2.5 hours on the island and includes a guided walking tour.
After the last islanders left Scattery in 1978, a series of wealthy overseas businessmen began purchasing land on the island, and at one time there were plans to turn Scattery Island into a private leisure resort.
However, in 1989, the Irish Government purchased almost all of the land on Scattery, and today the island is owned by the Irish state, which maintains the archaeological and historical monuments and is developing the island as a heritage site for the benefit of both local people and visitors to Ireland.
One of these developments has been the renovation of one of the old island cottages into a visitor centre that houses an exhibition where visitors can learn about the island’s rich history. The centre, which is located by the pier on the island, is run by the Heritage Services branch of the Office of Public works and is open seven days a week during the tourist season (June to August).
