Ireland’s western edge is made for travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Offshore, inhabited islands, abandoned villages, Atlantic beaches and Irish-speaking communities all sit within sight of the mainland, yet each has its very own and distinct character. Use the Wild Atlantic Way as the thread between mainland harbours instead of treating it as one continuous ferry route, then step aboard for selected day trips and overnight stays.
Build a route that leaves room for the Atlantic
A south-to-north itinerary works well: begin on the Dingle Peninsula for Great Blasket Island, continue to Galway Bay for the Aran Islands, travel through Connemara to Inishbofin, then cross into Mayo for Clare Island and bridge-linked Achill before finishing on Arranmore in Donegal. This follows a manageable section of the 2,500km Wild Atlantic Way without forcing every island into one holiday. Our complete guide to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way can help shape the road sections between ports.
Allow at least one night on two or three islands and keep one day uncommitted. Ferries are separate services, crossings can depend on the conditions and some islands reveal their best side after the last day-trippers have already left. For a relaxed first journey, choose three coastal regions rather than attempting the entire route – that’s still plenty.
Book the fixed points and keep everything else flexible
Reserve island accommodation first, particularly for July and August, then organise ferries and mainland stays around those bookings. Recheck each operator’s timetable shortly before travelling and again on the morning of departure. Met Éireann’s sea-area forecast is helpful alongside ferry updates because it reports coastal winds, visibility, swell conditions and small-craft warnings. Where possible, leave larger luggage at your mainland accommodation.
If you are comparing cover before setting off, check if your travel insurance page sets out options that can include cancellation, baggage, delays and missed departures. Check the policy wording carefully, confirm whether journeys within Ireland are covered and declare relevant medical conditions and planned activities. Insurance cannot calm the Atlantic, but suitable cover and flexible bookings can make unexpected changes easier to handle.
Start with Kerry, then explore Galway Bay
Great Blasket Island is a very memorable opening. Seasonal passenger ferries run from Dunquin Pier, Dingle Marina and Ventry Pier, carrying visitors towards grassy paths, the remains of the old settlement and shores frequented by seabirds and seals. Pack food, plenty of water, waterproofs and sturdy shoes (as facilities are limited and access is weather-dependent). We recommend reading our guide to Great Blasket Island before choosing between a day visit and an overnight stay.
From Dingle, follow the mainland north towards Galway or Doolin. The three Aran Islands suit different moods: Inis Mór offers the widest choice of sights, including Dún Aonghasa; compact Inis Oírr is suited to cycling, beach walks and the Plassey wreck; quieter Inis Meáin encourages slower exploration among limestone fields and stone walls.
Ferries from Rossaveel serve all three throughout the year, with the crossing taking around 40 minutes, while Doolin is another useful departure point.
Continue through Connemara, Mayo and Donegal
Cleggan Harbour is the mainland gateway to Galway’s Inishbofin, where looped walks, pale beaches, historical ruins and evening music make an overnight stay more rewarding than a rushed turnaround. Pick up provisions in Cleggan, travel light and explore the island on foot or by bike.
Next, head to Roonagh Pier near Louisburgh for Clare Island. Its harbour beach, walking routes and connections to Grace O’Malley give a small island plenty of character, while spending the night allows you to experience Clew Bay at a gentler pace. Nearby Achill changes the rhythm: you can drive or cycle across the bridge, making it a useful alternative if poor sea conditions disrupt another crossing.
Continue north to Burtonport for Arranmore, Donegal’s largest offshore island. Its ferry operates throughout the year, while the beaches, cliffs and waymarked trails absolutely deserve a full day.
If time is limited, finish here rather than adding Tory Island simply to collect another place on the map; Ireland’s Atlantic islands are not a checklist! Pick fewer places, stay longer and accept that the sea sets the pace. Plan the harbours carefully, leave space for change and let the crossings become part of the adventure.