Nature spot · County Dublin
Inis Mac Neasáin
Ireland's Eye
Ireland's Eye, a small rocky island north of Howth Harbour, is home to the remains of an early Christian monastic settlement.
Around 700 AD three monks, sons of Nessan, a prince of the Royal House of Leinster, founded a monastery on Ireland's Eye. According to tradition it's here that the holy manuscript known as the Garland of Howth, now preserved in Trinity College, was created.
In the early 19th century, at the time of the Napoleonic Wars, a Martello Tower was built on the island to defend against attacks from France.
The island, now a Special Area of Conservation, has a rugged coast with a free standing rock formation known as 'The Stack'. Large numbers of guillemots, terns, gannets, razorbills, cormorants and puffins nest around the shore.
Outdoors in County Dublin this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, light winds, up to 13°C
- Fri, 9 Oct14° / 8°Drizzle
- Sat, 10 Oct12° / 7°Scattered clouds
- Sun, 11 Oct13° / 13°Scattered clouds
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 1.6 km awayIreland's Eye FerryIslandDublinIreland's Eye Ferry in Howth, County Dublin provides the only ferry service that lands directly on Ireland's Eye. Escape to this beautiful island and explore its natural beauty. The ferry crossing time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Nature spot · 3.9 km awayVelvet Strand, PortmarnockBeachVelvet Strand, Portmarnock is a long sandy beach, backed by wonderful dunes which harbour fascinating flora. It is located in Portmarnock, County Dublin and is popular for walking, horse riding and bathing.
Nature spot · 8.5 km awaySt Anne's Park and Rose GardensGardenClontarfThe former home of the Guinness family, St Anne's Estate provides extensive public parklands and rose gardens just outside Dublin city centre. Covering 112 hectares, the park provides playing pitches, golf, tennis courts, a Saturday market, playground, café and more. It is also very close to Dollymount Strand, a coastal bird sanctuary.