PLAN YOUR VISIT
Start Your Journey Here
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning a full day of discovery, here’s everything you need to know before setting sail to Scattery Island—from opening hours and ticket options to travel tips, accessibility, and what to bring. Get ready to step into another world.
plan
Opening Hours & Ticket Pricing
Our office is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and we’re always happy to help you plan your visit.
Because Scattery Island is tidal, sailing times change each day, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred departure time. You’ll find up-to-date sailing schedules when booking online, or feel free to contact us directly for more details.
The season runs from May to September, with multiple sailings available most days from Kilrush Marina.
Boat Trip Time:
30-minute crossing (15 minutes to exit the Marina Lock gates and 15 minutes sailing time)
Ticket Price
Ticket Price
Adults
(18+ years old)
Normal: €32
Early Bird: €28
Teenagers
(13 to 17 years old)
Normal: €20
Early Bird: €18
Children
(3 to 12 years old)
Normal: €16
Early Bird: €14
Infants
(0-3 years old, infants must be included in bookings)
Normal: €3
Early Bird: €2
Students
(Students aged 13+ years old and students with valid ID)
Normal: €25
Early Bird: €23
Seniors
(65 years plus)
Normal: €25
Early Bird: €23
Family
(2 Adults and 2 Children aged 3–12 years old)
Normal: €85
Early Bird: €75
Family
(2 Adults and 3 Children aged 3–12 years old)
Normal: €95
Early Bird: €85
DISCOVER
Tips for a great visit
- Wear Comfortable Footwear
Essential for navigating uneven terrain across the island. - Dress in Layers
Adapt to changing temperatures and coastal breezes. - Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and secure the best parking! - Bring a Camera
Capture breathtaking views and historic moments. - Stay Hydrated
Pack a water bottle for the journey. - Respect Designated Paths
Remain on the designated walking trails and help preserve the island’s historic treasures for future generations. - Pack and picnic
Remember, there are no shops on the island so we recommend a packed lunch – food never tastes better than when eaten outdoors! - Bring a swim suit
Enjoy the water, then you’ll love a swim at Scattery Island. Swim at the pier or final a secluded beach spot!
explore
Getting Here
Kilrush Marina is the departure point for all Scattery Island sailings and is easy to reach by car, bus, or even bicycle. Located just a short walk from the town centre, the marina offers free on-site parking and is well signposted throughout Kilrush. Regular bus services run from Ennis and Limerick, and bike racks are available at the marina.
Scattery Island is easily accessible—a short boat ride from Kilrush awaits you. Whether you’re traveling by car or public transport, clear directions and ample facilities ensure a smooth journey to this historic gem where fascinating tales and scenic views await you.
Public Transport
Public Transport
Regular bus services connect Kilrush to the marina with frequent departures to Scattery Island. (Check local timetables for current schedules.)
Bus Parking
Bus Parking
Designated bus parking is available at the Kilrush marina.
Parking
Parking
Free on-site car parking is available for visitors.
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.
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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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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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