Multiple Departures Daily

Departures vary daily due to tidal conditions—check our schedule for the most up-to-date timings.

20-Minute Crossing

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

Island Duration

Spend between 2 to 2.5 hours on the island, depending on the sailing option you choose, and enjoy a guided walking tour

Audio Tours

Foreign audio guides of the monastic site are available in French, German, Italian, and Spanish at €3 (please bring your own earphones).

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ABOUT THE TOUR

Scattery Island Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through history and nature with our Scattery Island Tours. Your tour includes ferry transfer to the island, detailed walking map of the island and a guided walking tour with the OPW tour guides on site. Island facilities include a visitor centre with interprative display and toilet facilities and picnic tables. All designed to immerse you in the rich heritage of this captivating island.

Junior visitors can enjoy a special kiddies treasure trail map that includes a colouring page to help them learn about local flora, fauna, and birds. While on the island, they can also enjoy rock painting or even dress up as a Viking to “conquer” Scattery—just like the Vikings once did!

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Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or planning a family outing, a visit to Scattery Island offers a rich and immersive experience, steeped in legend and natural beauty. Book your tour today and discover the growing appeal of Scattery Island!

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Scattery Island Tour

Tour Itinerary

Departure & Sailing

Experience the unique sensation of exiting the Marina’s Locke gates into the sheltered waters of the Shannon Estuary. Your short sailing takes you past the picturesque village of Cappa and the charming Hog Island, with Scattery’s round tower and cottages gradually emerging on the horizon.

Guided Walking Tour

Upon arrival, meet your OPW tour guide and dive into your spellbinding one-hour walking tour around the island’s sites. Discover the legendary tale of St. Senan’s battle against the serpent Cathagh and the early Christian monastic settlement that dates back to the fifth century and explore the street cottages.

Visitor Centre & Exhibition

Conclude your guided tour at the island’s visitor centre. Here, explore an exhibition detailing centuries of island life and heritage.

Extended Exploration (Optional)

If time permits, take a leisurely walk along the old path to the Napoleonic Artillery Battery and Lighthouse at the island’s southern end (approximately 20 minutes each way). On two-hour sailings, please note that time to visit these areas may be limited. Alternatively, relax at one of the picnic tables outside the visitor centre and enjoy the soothing sounds of the tide and local birdlife.

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Scattery Island Tour

Additional Amenities

Refreshments

Takeaway tea and coffee are available at our ticket office at Kilrush Marina—pre-orders are accepted when booking your ticket.

Guidance & Navigation

A detailed walking map with site information is provided upon arrival.

Facilities

Toilet facilities are available both at the Marina and on the island.

Private & Group Options

Group tours, school trips, and private excursions can be tailored to your needs. For groups of 10 or more, contact us to arrange a custom tour—packed lunches available on request.

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Photo Gallery

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