Accessibility & Safety Information
Safety and accessibility measures to ensure a smooth and secure visit.
Information
Travel Safe with Us
We want everyone to enjoy Scattery Island, and your safety is our priorty. Due to its historic nature and uneven terrain, some areas may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility. Many key sites are accessible via grass paths and gentle inclines, but please note that stone steps and unpaved trails are part of the island experience. If you or someone in your group has specific mobility needs, we recommend contacting us in advance so we can help plan your visit. Toilets are available at both the marina and on the island, and assistance can be arranged on request.
We’ve worked closely with the Office of Pubic Works (who manage the island) to put in place the following safety measures both on our ferry and on the island itself. Please take the time to read the safety protocols below, that will ensure your safety while on the ferry and once on the island.



Information
Passenger Safety Protocols
- Advance booking on all sailings is recommended and passengers are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to check in. On arrival, the crew will guide you on our boarding procedures.
- Passengers are asked to remain on the main paths as much as possible and avoid areas of natural growth.
- It is essential that when booking your tour, each passenger uses the mobile number that they will be carrying with them while on the island, in the event that the ferry service providers need to make contact.
- Please ensure that you return to the pier at Scattery Island ten minutes prior to your departure time from the island to allow time for boarding. Because the island is tidal, our departures must leave as scheduled.
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OPW Visitor Safety Guidelines on Scattery Island
- Please be aware that there are ongoing development works on Scattery which require some fencing for your safety. We would ask for your patience while these works are underway.
- We ask that visitors to Scattery are mindful of the protected Hen Harriers that are nesting on the island and follow the NPWS and OPW’s protection guidelines while visiting.
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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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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What a fantastic trip to Scattery Island located on the mouth of the Shannon Estuary today. The island is uninhabited since 1978. For anyone looking for a day trip that the whole family will enjoy this is definitely worth booking. From the staff at the Marina, the skipper the OPW tour guide it’s an absolute fantastic trip.  On our return trip the skipper stopped so we could take pictures of the dolphins who were swimming all around the boat. Thanks to Scattery Island Tours for a fantastic day.
John Culhane – Facebook
June 2022
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We had a fantastic tour with first-class guides. The storytelling and overall history were really in-depth and super informative. I’d easily visit again, and I highly recommend this island to anyone interested in early-Christian Ireland, Viking Ireland, Brian Boru, and many other topics related to Irish history!
Bartholomew Brosnan – 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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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