SCATTERY Island has reopened to visitors on 21 May 2026, marking the return of one of the Shannon Estuary’s most distinctive heritage sites for the summer season.
Located just off Kilrush Co Clare, the island will once again welcome visitors from May through September, with ferry access from Kilrush Marina and guided tours available throughout the season.
The short crossing—typically around 30 minutes—brings visitors to a landscape shaped by over 1,500 years of history.
Scattery Island, or Inis Cathaigh, is known for its unique mix of early Christian heritage, maritime history and more recent island life.
Central to its story is Saint Senan, who established a monastic settlement on the island in the 5th century.
His legacy remains visible in the island’s ecclesiastical ruins, which continue to draw interest from visitors each year.
In more recent times, the island was home to a small but active community, including river pilots and a post office, before the last inhabitants left in 1978.
Restoration works recently carried out focused on preserving elements of this later village life, including the island’s street.
Today, the island is managed by the Office of Public Works, with guided tours providing insight into both its built and natural environment.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the island’s unique blend of history, nature, and tranquillity.
Please note access remains subject to weather and tidal conditions. For further information, visit heritageireland.ie or email Scattery Island Tours at info@scatteryislandtours.com for ferry bookings. Visitor queries can be addressed to scatteryisland@opw.ie.
