Saltee Islands
A remote bird sanctuary off the coast of Wexford, famous for its puffin colonies and dramatic seabird displays. An unforgettable nature escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Puffin and seabird nesting season
Saltee Islands
Best Time
Puffin and seabird nesting season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote bird sanctuary off the coast of Wexford, famous for its puffin colonies and dramatic seabird displays. An unforgettable nature escape.
"A piece of paradise off the south coast of Wexford, this place is simply incredible."
👟 Wear Wellies or Waterproofs
Landing on the island can involve wading through shallow water. Wellies are highly recommended for a dry and comfortable arrival!
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
There are no facilities on the islands, so bring all your food and drinks. Enjoy a scenic picnic with incredible views!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Puffin Paradise
Great Saltee Island
Witness thousands of adorable puffins in their natural breeding grounds. A truly magical sight for any nature lover!
Gannet Colonies
Great Saltee Island
Marvel at Europe's largest seabird, the gannet, with impressive wingspans and bustling colonies. An awe-inspiring display of nature's grandeur.
Rugged Coastal Scenery
Saltee Islands
Explore a pristine, untouched island landscape with stunning Irish coastline views. Perfect for photography and soaking in the wild beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Ferry in Advance
Prepare for Island Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Wellies or Waterproofs
Landing on the island can involve wading through shallow water. Wellies are highly recommended for a dry and comfortable arrival!
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
There are no facilities on the islands, so bring all your food and drinks. Enjoy a scenic picnic with incredible views!
📸 Respect the Wildlife
Stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing bird burrows. Admire the wildlife from a distance and never feed or chase the birds.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience by bringing binoculars to get a closer look at the diverse bird species.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Wellies or Waterproofs
Landing on the island can involve wading through shallow water. Wellies are highly recommended for a dry and comfortable arrival!
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
There are no facilities on the islands, so bring all your food and drinks. Enjoy a scenic picnic with incredible views!
📸 Respect the Wildlife
Stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing bird burrows. Admire the wildlife from a distance and never feed or chase the birds.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience by bringing binoculars to get a closer look at the diverse bird species.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It can be windy and wet, even in summer. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket for a comfortable visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Saltee Islands for their incredible wildlife, especially the abundant puffins and gannets, calling it a 'fabulous experience' and a 'piece of paradise'. The boat trip and island exploration are highlights, though the rugged terrain and wet landing require preparation. Some note the lack of facilities and the need for careful navigation.
"Fabulous experience with puffins. Book the ferry to the island and spend 4 hours exploring the island and watching puffins and other sea birds nesting on the island. Note that there are no facilities on the island, so you’ll need to bring a picnic and understand there are no toilets.
You have to climb from the ferry into a zodiac and then jump onto the beach, so if you have mobility issues this might be difficult.
Please stick to the paths - we saw people walking over puffin burrows, particularly photographers. If you collapse a burrow the chicks inside will die."
Michelle Archard
"We have been planning this trip to see the Puffins for a long time, and finally it happened.
Very well managed ferry service to and from the Saltee Islands by Three Sisters company.
The ferry starts from Kilmore Quay and takes about 20mins, post which you are transferred to a small boat which takes 2 mins to reach the Island. After you get down from the boat, there is a small section which would require you to walk in the sea weed water to reach the Island. Wearing wellies would be useful in this case.
After you reach the island, the staff give a short history of the place, health and safety rules, and exact locations on the island to watch puffins and the other birds. At the entry there is a private residence, since this is a private island. Assuming the family was in residence at the time.
We were given 3.5hrs to explore the island, post which is the return ferry. This place is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with the different bird colonies, the blue bell flowers and pure greenery. We did see quite a good number of photographers with their big lens. The puffins are magnificent creatures. They have their burrows in the ground which are their breeding habitat, which you will find throughout the island. So be careful where you are walking. We saw the gannets' colonies, which is amazing. Unfortunately, didnot get to see any seals. The island is home to quite a few different species of birds.
The path is pretty straightforward but would require someone with mid level fitness, as one section of the path was a steep climb and took some effort climbing it. Also, some paths are pretty close to edge of the cliffs. So please be mindful when you get your kids. There is a lot of walking on this island. Also, there are no toilets on the island. The weather was not that great when we were there. So do bring a good jacket as it was quite windy.
Overall a fantastic experience. As we were closer to our return ferry time, we sat on the ground near the puffin colony, and watched the puffins get closer to us, which is quite a surreal experience.
Tip - Do get a good set of binoculars to watch the birds closely.
On the Kilmore quay harbour, there is a free car park and free public washroom closer to it. If you get a chance to have lunch, do go to the Saltee Chipper, they have the best fish and chips."
Veda M
"Took the ferry to the saltee island from kilmore quay, Wexford. And it was a wonderful experience. While the operators give you 3 hrs on the island, the island’s loop is walkable in 1.5 hours. You could go ahead and have a picnic if the weather supports it.
Go early to escape the parking hassle."
HARDHIKA MAHAVIR
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Saltee Islands are accessible only by boat from Kilmore Quay in County Wexford. Several ferry companies operate trips, with 'The Three Sisters' being a popular choice. Booking in advance is crucial, especially during peak season.
The journey typically involves a ferry ride from Kilmore Quay, followed by a transfer to a smaller boat for the final approach to the island. Be prepared for a potentially rocky ride if the sea is choppy.
Landing often involves transferring from a boat to a smaller vessel and then wading ashore through shallow water. This can be challenging for those with mobility issues or poor balance.
Yes, Kilmore Quay is accessible by car. There is free parking available at the harbour, though arriving early is recommended to secure a spot, especially on busy days.
The ferry from Kilmore Quay to the Saltee Islands usually takes around 20 minutes, with a very short transfer to the island itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets must be booked in advance with a ferry operator, such as The Three Sisters. Availability is limited, so secure your spot early, particularly for puffin watching season.
The islands are accessible during daylight hours when boat trips are scheduled. Access is dependent on weather conditions and ferry operator availability. There are no set opening or closing times for the islands themselves.
While there isn't a separate entrance fee to the islands, the cost of the boat trip covers your access. Prices can vary between ferry operators.
Most boat trips allow for approximately 3 to 4 hours on Great Saltee Island, giving you ample time to explore and observe the wildlife.
No, access to the Saltee Islands is exclusively via pre-booked boat trips. They are a private island and a protected bird sanctuary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The islands are a haven for seabirds, most famously puffins. You can also spot gannets, razorbills, kittiwakes, shags, and potentially seals. +1
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear like wellies or hiking boots. Layers of clothing, including a waterproof and windproof jacket, are essential due to the exposed nature of the islands.
No, there are no facilities on the Saltee Islands, including toilets. Visitors must be prepared to spend their time on the island without access to restrooms.
The terrain is rugged and can be steep in places. While some paths are straightforward, others require moderate fitness. Be mindful of cliff edges and uneven ground.
Yes, the Saltee Islands are a photographer's dream, especially for wildlife. However, always maintain a respectful distance from the birds and their nesting sites.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, the Saltee Islands are uninhabited and have no food or dining facilities. You must bring all your own food and drinks for the duration of your visit.
After your trip, consider the Saltee Chipper in Kilmore Quay harbour for excellent fish and chips. It's a local recommendation for a post-island meal.
Absolutely! A picnic is highly recommended. Enjoying your packed lunch amidst the stunning scenery and wildlife is a highlight for many visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light for photography. However, the abundance of wildlife means great shots can be captured throughout the day.
A telephoto lens is ideal for capturing wildlife like puffins and gannets. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the dramatic coastal landscapes.
While photography is encouraged, always prioritize the welfare of the birds. Avoid using flash photography directly at nesting sites and maintain a respectful distance.
The puffin burrows, gannet colonies, and dramatic cliffside views are particularly popular for photographers. The unique landing spot also makes for interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The boat trip itself is an exciting part of the adventure. Key tips for families: Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for the wet landing and are supervised closely on the island, especially near cliff edges. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. The 3-4 hours on the island allow for exploration without being too long for younger attention spans.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
+1 Bring your binoculars and telephoto lenses to fully appreciate the spectacle. Recommendations: Plan your visit during the May-July window for peak puffin and gannet activity. Familiarize yourself with the different species beforehand to enhance your spotting experience. Remember to tread lightly and respect the delicate ecosystem.
📸 Photographers
+1 Photography tips: A telephoto lens is a must for capturing detailed shots of the birds. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the sweeping ocean vistas. Be prepared for changing light conditions and always prioritize ethical wildlife photography by maintaining distance and avoiding disturbance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Incredible Wildlife of the Saltee Islands
+1Beyond the puffins, the islands are home to impressive colonies of gannets, Europe's largest seabird, known for their dramatic plunge-diving for fish. Visitors can also observe razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, shags, and various other seabirds. While less common, seals have also been spotted basking on the shores.
It's crucial for visitors to remember that this is a wildlife sanctuary. Adhering to marked paths and maintaining a respectful distance is paramount to ensure the birds' safety and breeding success. Photographers, in particular, are urged to be mindful of puffin burrows and nesting sites.
Navigating the Landing and Island Terrain
Once on Great Saltee, the terrain is rugged and varied. While there are some established paths, they can be steep in sections, and the ground can be uneven. Visitors with moderate fitness levels should be able to navigate the island, but it's important to be aware of the physical demands. Mindful footing is essential, especially near cliff edges.
There are no facilities on the island, meaning no toilets or shops. Visitors are expected to be self-sufficient, bringing all necessary food and water. The exposed nature of the islands also means the weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers and having waterproofs is advisable.
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