islands around west cork bantry skibbereen

Celebrated gardens rarely live up to their reputations so effortlessly as Ilnacullin, alias Garinish - an enchanted garden island lying in a sheltered inlet of Bantry Bay....

June through August, Cape is festive. Approximately 180 students come to perfect their Irish and participate in outdoor games and activities. Daytrippers stroll to the lake, to the Old Lighthouse, to the Heritage Centre. Yachts play in and out of the two main harbours, colourfully crowding them during regatta days. Holiday-making families arrive with windsurfers, canoes, fishing gear. Scuba divers prowl old wrecks and precipitous reefs.

The Cape Clear Bird Observatory is located...

Situated in the harbour of Glengariff, in Bantry Bay, is a small island called Garnish Island. It is also known as Illaunacullin or Ilnacullin, meaning island of holly. This garden of rare natural beauty has to be seen to be believed.
Ilnacullin is known worldwide for its huge selection of plants and its Italian Garden full of exotic plants. The vivid colours change with the seasons as the variety of plants means there are always plants in bloom.
A local ferry service provide...

This island lies a mile off Baltimore, on the edge of Roaringwater Bay. It is the location of the Marine Station open to the public.

There is also a ruined 15th century castle here and a Franciscan Abbey. Sherkin also possesses beaches, cliffs and bays.

A ferry leaves Baltimore which access the isalnd to the mainland....

Dursey Island is linked to the mainland by cable car, the only one of its kind in the country. This area is remarkable for the variety of migrant birds that frequent it. The Dursey Island is a moderate walk that is to be enjoyed, as you get to see the island in it's glory. Allow 3 to 5 hours of you time  to do this walk and to enjoy the island. 
Bare in mind that there is no restaurants, shops, pubs on the island so therefore it is advisable to bring a packed...