Today's podcast takes you off the Wild Atlantic Way and into the Atlantic Ocean! Step aboard the Scattery Island ferry for an island tour that takes you back in time!
My guest today is Irene Hamilton, owner of Scattery Island Tours, the only ferry to Scattery Island in the Shannon River Estuary.
Scattery Island in County Clare
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(1:00) Scattery Island Tours
Scattery Island was named one of the 7 Wonders of Ireland – listen to the podcast to learn the other 6!
Located just off the Wild Atlantic Way- easy to include in your County Clare itinerary.
Scattery Island is a monastic island, just 170 acres, 2 km from the town of Kilrush.
On Scattery Island you'll discover a 5th century monastic site with 5 churches, a cathedral, and a very unique round tower.
There is also a mid-1800s Napoleonic artillery battery and a working lighthouse.
(5:20) A Protected, Uninhabited Island
The last of the islanders left in the mid 1970s, leaving Scattery Island uninhabited.
The sense of peace and quietness makes this a nearly private monastic site- perfectly tranquil. There is no mass tourism here.
Scattery Island is an OPW Heritage Site. Note: the site is included in your OPW Heritage Card but the ferry ride out is a separate fee.
(10:20) Terrific for Families
While Scattery Island Tours offers an activity map for kids they found that kids really enjoyed exploring and discovering the wide open space.
(12:50) A Calm Crossing
The crossing is only 10 minutes and the waters of the Shannon Estuary are quite peaceful.
(13:40) Perfect Addition to Your Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary
Kilrush is just minutes from Killimer, where you cross the River Shannon via Shannon Ferries from Clare to Kerry.
Daily service from mid-March or early April thru the end of October. Also available for group bookings beyond the seasonal dates.
(16:45) Other Offerings from Scattery Island Tours
Great Island Experience – a 5 hour dwell time on the island. Includes Scattery Island guided tour, picnic lunch, and audio tour of the artillery battery and lighthouse.
Shannon River Cruise – 2 to 3 hours on the Shannon Estuary including history of Scattery Island, then toward the Kerry coast taking in another artillery battery and castles, before circling back along the Clare coast.
Bespoke tours for groups.
(21:00) 3 Places to Add to Your Ireland Itinerary
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On the Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare visit the Kilkee Cliffs and Bridges of Ross.
Carlingford in County Louth. Located half way between Dublin and Belfast. Take the ferry from the Cooley Peninsula to Northern Ireland (or vice versa).
Scattery Island is included in the FREE Southwest Sampler itinerary.
(24:50) Thanks for Listening!
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