Our Story & History
Scattery Island isn’t just part of our work—it’s part of our family.
who we are
Sharing Scattery
with Heart


My father Brendan Griffin, was one of the last children born on the island, back when it was still home to a small, close-knit community. His childhood stories of busy days spent fishing, exploring the old ruins, and helping out with farming the land, are the stories I grew up hearing. They’re part of who I am.
While no one lives on Scattery today, its spirit lives on. My husband and I are now restoring the island’s only privately owned building, the Lightkeeper’s Cottage (with the red door!). It’s taken a nunber of years so far and really is a labour of love! But it’s our way of honouring the past while creating something meaningful for the future.
For us, its not just about operating the ferry service to this island, its about sharing a place that holds generations of memory, mystery, and meaning for many in the local community. Every visit is a chance to reconnect people with the deeper stories of this island, its sacred ground, its natural beauty, and its way of reminding us what really matters and we’re delighted to be able to share Scattery Island with you.
who we are
A Moment That
Changed Everything

This photo, taken by a Limerick Leader photographer in the 1940s, shows my dad as a young boy sitting proudly on top of a haystack—alongside my grandfather and great-grandfather and the rest of the family saving the hay on Scattery Island. It’s the only photo we have of the whole family together. It found its way back to me by chance, but it was the photo that brought me home to West Clare.
Visitor Reviews
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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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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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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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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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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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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
Photo Gallery



