The magnificent Skellig Islands - Skellig Michael and Small Skellig – are located in the Atlantic Ocean about 12 kilometers southwest of Valentia Island in County Kerry. Both islands are well-known, although Skellig Michael is more recognized in the realm of archaeology as the location of a well-preserved monastery outpost from the Early Christian period.

The Skellig Islands were first mentioned in history about 1400 BC. A Christian monastery was constructed on the island during the sixth and eighth centuries and was continually populated until the late 12th century.
In 1996, the remnants of this monastery, as well as the whole of the island, were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Skellig Michael, the best island in Ireland, a rugged, difficult-to-access island off the coast of Kerry, rises 714 feet (218 meters) above sea level. It's a difficult hike up, but the sight of the surprisingly well-preserved sixth-century monastery complex and the breathtaking views of the adjacent islands and the Atlantic is well worth it, making it one of Ireland's top things to do. Skellig Michael is today famous not just as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also for its appearances in two recent Star Wars films.

The Great Blasket Island is the largest of the Blasket Islands, which are located off the shore of Ireland's west coast.
This island is mostly rocky and is around 3 kilometers by 1 kilometer (2 miles by 12 miles). It is also Europe's westernmost point and has a rich and intriguing history.

Despite its small size and secluded position, Great Blasket Island has drawn travelers over the years. Tourists looking for a quick, memorable escape are drawn to the natural settings and tranquil mood. Its breathtaking, untouched countryside is a walker's dream. This beautiful island is only a short ferry ride away from the Dingle Marina. There are various exciting things to do at Great Blasket Island if you're looking for a unique day tour. Therefore, it is ranked 2nd as the best island in Ireland.

Arranmore Island, also known as Rainn Mhór in Irish, is located a few miles off the coast of Donegal. It is often regarded as one of the more underrated destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way. Arranmore is one of the few localities in Ireland where the primary language is native Irish. A stay here ensures excitement, adventure, and a taste of authentic island life.
There are various activities to do at Arranmore Island that you should not miss when you visit, ranging from cliff hikes to deep-sea diving.

The pristine waters of Arranmore Island's surrounding ocean provide the ideal marine leisure location for individuals who enjoy getting outside and doing sports such as diving, sea angling, sailing, kayaking, and many other wet and wild experiences. The island's freshwater lakes are an angler's delight, with brown and rainbow trout catches. When sea angling, you may catch a broad range of species, and local charter services can direct you to the ideal spots to cast a line.

Tory is a little island off the north coast of County Donegal, measuring about four and a half kilometers long and a little more than one kilometer broad. Tory Island is one of the most distinctive destinations to visit in the Atlantic, known for its rough terrain and as a stronghold of Irish customs.

The name of the island is thought to have come from the Irish word for rock (tor) or the Irish word for robber (robber) (torai).

The term "rock" refers to the cliffs and rocks that make up the majority of the island. Meanwhile, 'robber' is thought to relate to the island's earliest residents, a gang of pirates known as the Fomorians.

Tory Island is made mostly of granite cliffs on the north side that gradually transition into pink quartz high rocks in the island's extreme northeast. Tor Mor, at around 115 feet in height, is the tallest of these cliffs. Meeting the King – the only King in Ireland – the Tau Cross, and if you arrive at the proper time, the island is also one of the greatest places in Ireland to observe the Northern Lights are all things to do on Tory Island.

The Aran Islands are a trio of rugged islands in Galway Bay. It is one of the best islands in Ireland. Inishmore (Inis Mór – the largest island), Inishmaan (Inis Meáin – the second largest), and Inisheer (Inis Oorr – the smallest) are among the islands. On the islands, you may see old stone forts and cathedrals, as well as breathtaking cliffs and flora and wildlife.

The islands are considered the essence of Gaelic culture, and National Geographic ranks them as one of the best island locations.

The Aran Islands are situated close off the coasts of Galway and Doolin. A full Irish experience awaits, with residents speaking both Irish and English in a backdrop of old Celtic churches, including World Heritage site Dun Aonghasa, which is perched on a stunning 300-foot cliff edge. The Aran Islands are an excellent choice for a memorable holiday or break, with a wide range of accommodation alternatives including Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels, Hostels, and Ireland's newest Glamping Self Catering pods.

Dursey Island, located at the extremity of the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, is one of the diversions for hikers taking the Wild Atlantic Way path. It is secluded, and there are no amenities for guests, yet it remains one of the most fascinating places in Ireland's south. The island has a tumultuous past.

Aside from not being spared from war and warfare, as well as the Great Famine, Dursey Island has also experienced one of Ireland's most horrible catastrophes. The island was the location of a massacre carried out by English soldiers in the early 1600s in order to 'clean' the island. The now-disused chapel and graveyard where their remains were interred is close to the cable car stop. The location is extremely bleak, yet it is an intriguing site to visit while exploring Dursey Island. Dursey Island is approximately 6.5 kilometers from the mainland and is accessible by boat or cable car — Ireland's only one of its sort. It was founded in 1969 and has since become one of the island's most popular attractions.

Achill Island offers a variety of enjoyable activities. It was initially inhabited 5,000 years ago and is today the biggest of all the islands off Ireland's coast. Achill, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge, is an easy day excursion if you're in County Mayo.

The island is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and two famous beaches, Keem Bay and Keel Beach.
Keem Bay is a little cove hidden by mountains, a quiet spot with breathtaking views that is ideal for resting. Meanwhile, Keel Beach is a surfers' paradise as well as a picturesque beach walk.

With its beautiful mountains, various landscapes, and miles of stunning Blue Flag beaches, Achill Island has something for everyone. This location is ideal for individuals who enjoy gorgeous natural treks as well as exciting watersports.
Visitors will also witness relics of Achill's illustrious history, such as old forts, derelict towns, antique churches, and megalithic tombs, all around the island. It is one of the best islands in Ireland.

Valentia Island is located in southern Kerry, off the Iveragh Peninsula. It has a population of approximately 600 people, divided into two tiny villages: Knightstown and Chapel town. Despite its modest size, Valentia Island has a lot to offer.
Valentia is technically no longer an island because it has been connected to the mainland since 1971 by the Maurice O'Neill Memorial Bridge near Portmagee.

It is located on the Skellig Coast, among the Wild Atlantic Way's Southern Peninsulas. It is close to the Ring of Kerry and is famous for its highest peak, Geokaun Mountain. Despite being conveniently accessible, Valentia Island is not overly touristic or congested during peak season, and it is believed to boast one of the greatest sunset views in Ireland.

Because the roads in Valentia are rather small, visitors are urged to explore the town on foot in order to fully appreciate the distinctive surroundings. The island ambiance is quiet and serene, with friendly residents and unspoiled landscapes. The numerous architectural and natural treasures you'll discover as you tour Valentia, from tetrapod trails to an antique lighthouse, reflect the city's lengthy history.

Bull Rock Island is roughly 4 kilometers from Dursey Island and 9 kilometers from County Cork's mainland. The 93-meter-high rock is actually a tiny island. It boasts beautiful craggy cliffs, a tunnel through which boats may travel, and a lighthouse. It is recognized as one of the Island's greatest distant attractions and a must-see if you are traveling the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Bull Rock Island is located on a sea transit between the Beara Peninsula's tip and the mouth to the Kenmare River. It is located a few kilometers distant from the more well-known Dursey Island. The Rock is also the Beara Peninsula's most southwesterly point.

With its surface of green sandstone and purple siltstones produced more than 300 million years ago, this island rock appears straight out of a fantasy film set. The Bull Rock is a little older than the Cow Rock, which is an ancient red sandstone that you'll encounter along the road. Like most natural locations in Ireland, this interesting rock island is steeped in legend.

According to legend, Bull Rock's tunnel-like entrance is the 'Gateway to the Underworld.' Bull Rock appears to be rather mysterious, with its stunning, rocky cliffs. Aside from the lighthouse, stone buildings have been erected on the cliffs. These structures provide evidence that humans formerly lived here.

Spike Island is located within a short distance from the charming maritime hamlet of Cobh in County Cork. The island, which spans 103 acres, has served as a monastery colony as well as a jail. These are only a few of the top things to do in Spike Island, Ireland.

Spike Island has been around for over a thousand years, serving purposes that have nothing in common save the location. Spike Island was a monastic hamlet that had a 6th-century Monastery. Then, a 24-acre stronghold was erected during the Victorian period which held a jail that the island is now renowned for. This castle houses the world's biggest prisoner depot, a star-shaped structure known as 'Fort Mitchel.'

Spike Island has evolved into one of the top attractions in County Cork throughout the years. Tourists commonly refer to it as the "Alcatraz of Ireland," referring to the island near San Francisco, California. It has not been that exposed to the public for a long time, although the island already garnered honors such as Europe’s leading tourist destination 2017 at the World Travel Awards and it’s regarded as one of the nicest islands in Ireland.