Available on Selected Dates

Please view our calendar for available dates.

20-Minute Crossing

10 minutes to exit the Marina Locke gates and 10 minutes sailing time.

Island Duration

Spend between 4 and 5 hours on the island, depending on the sailing selected.

Audio Tours

Guided Walking Tour AND an additional audio tour of the Battery & Lighthouse areas (bring earphones). Monastic tour: €3 (FR, DE, IT, ES)

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ABOUT THE TOUR

The Great Scattery Experience

Embark on a comprehensive journey through history and nature with our Great Scattery Experience—a tour designed for those who wish to immerse themselves deeply in the island’s timeless allure. Scattery is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on you. It is as if the land and the buildings are talking to you, a silent speech about its life and times and the great people who lived, loved, played, and died there. This tour allows you sufficient time to fully explore the island and learn in great detail the island’s history, take a swimn and enjoy a packed lunch!

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Discover history, nature, and culture all in one enriching experience with our Great Scattery Experience tour. Book your journey today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Scattery Island Tour

Tour Itinerary

Your Journey Begins

Your tour commences at Kilrush Marina. Experience the excitement as we pass through the Marina’s Locke gates into the sheltered waters of the Shannon Estuary. The 30-minute sailing takes you past the picturesque village of Cappa and the quaint Hog Island, with Scattery’s round tower and cottages gradually revealing themselves on the horizon.

On the Island

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our knowledgeable OPW tour guides who will lead you on an immersive walking tour. Discover the legend of St. Senan’s valiant battle against the serpent Cathagh and the origins of the monastic settlement dating back to the early fifth century. Learn about the island’s rich history—from its early monastic days to the lives of the last islanders.

Exhibition & Lunch

After the guided tour, visit the island exhibition at the visitor centre to further explore the fascinating history of Scattery Island. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the available tables while soaking in breathtaking views back toward the mainland of Kerry and Clare.

Extended Exploration

Post-lunch, continue your adventure with an audio-guided tour of the island’s southern end. Follow Old Street past the historic dwellings to the lighthouse and the Napoleonic artillery battery, where the next chapter of the island’s history unfolds. Once the audio tour concludes, you have the option to walk the entire circumference of the island—an additional hour and a half offering panoramic views of the estuary and Kerry—or return leisurely to the visitor centre. For those seeking a refreshing dip, take advantage of the island’s clean, inviting waters from the shoreline or off the pier.

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Scattery Island Tour

Additional Amenities

GOOD TO KNOW

  • What to Bring

    • A water/windproof jacket with hood (weather dependent)
    • Good walking shoes
    • Swimsuit/towel/picnic blanket (optional)
    • Phone and earphones (if you have booked a guided tour in an international language)
  • ‘Leave No Trace’ Policy

    We operate a ‘leave no trace’ policy on the island

    All visitors are asked to do their part in protecting this special little island. We work hard to protect the island for future generations, and we ask all our visitors to join us in doing your part to keep the island clean and litter-free.

    On your return please ensure you leave your lunch pack back in our office with any rubbish.

  • Other Things to Do When You Visit Kilrush

    Kilrush is a charming market town that serves as the perfect gateway to Scattery Island. Stroll along its historic streets, enjoy local shops and restaurants, and discover beautiful natural attractions. Make the most of your visit by exploring the wider area, soaking in the coastal scenery, and immersing yourself in authentic Irish culture.

  • OPW Visitor Safety Guidelines on Scattery Islands

    • 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 OPW’s protection guidelines while visiting. 

Visitor Reviews

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