Nature spot · County Mayo
Inishkea Islands ferry

The Inishkea Islands, Oileáin Inis Cé, are located off the coast off Belmullet, County Mayo. Rich in history, the Islands are believed to be named after Saint Kea who lived on one of the islands.
Two islands make up Inishkea Islands, Inishkea South and Inishkea North, with Inishkea North the larger of the two. Visitors can take a guided walking tour with an island descendent or choose to explore the islands by themselves. See the remains of stone cottages from the 1800s including the king’s house, shebeen, schools, church, and a two storey shop.
The islands are home to a number of significant historical sites such as The Alt Mór navigation tower, The Bailey Mór, an early Christian monastery, St Colmcille's Church and the old Norwegian whaling station. Walking maps with information on these sites are provided.
The coves and beaches across The islands are breeding ground and home to a large colony of grey seals. The islands have a number of bird species, including barnacle geese. Lapwing breed on The islands and peregrine falcons hunt for prey. There is also evidence of rabbits living there.
Flora is abundant on both islands with over 200 plant species including wildflowers such as northern marsh orchid, white clover and tufted vetches. On Inishkea South, devil’s bit scabiuos and sheep’s bit grow plentiful, while Inishkea North is home to the rare petalwort petalophyllum ralfsii. Inishkea Islands are surrounded by crystal clear waters, magnificent views and beautiful white sandy beaches waiting to be discovered. Inishkea Islands are just a 35 minute crossing from the mainland via chartered boat. An island paradise awaits all who visit.
Outdoors in County Mayo this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 14°C
Status Yellow - Rain warning for Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo
From Thu, 8 Oct, 09:00 until Fri, 9 Oct, 04:00
Heavy spells of rain.
Be aware of potential impacts:
- Difficult travelling conditions
- Localised flooding possible
Issued by Met Éireann · met.ie/warnings
- Fri, 9 Oct12° / 8°Medium rain showers
- Sat, 10 Oct12° / 7°Sun with light cloud
- Sun, 11 Oct14° / 13°Sun with light cloud
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 100 m awayInishkea IslandsIslandThe Inishkea Islands (Oileáin Inis Cé), off the coast off Belmullet, County Mayo are rich in history and are believed to be named after Saint Kea who lived on one of the islands.
Nature spot · 17 km awayAn Ceann Ramhar (Doohoma Head)BeachThe long sandy beach of An Ceann Ramhar is one of the hidden gems of Erris in north-western Mayo.