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Just 5 kilometres off the coast of Kilmore Quay, the Saltee Islands feel a world away. Made up of Great Saltee and Little Saltee, these uninhabited islands are among the most striking natural landscapes in Ireland, known for their rugged cliffs, abundant wildlife, and sense of complete escape. For anyone exploring Wexford, they remain one of the region’s most memorable day trips.
How do you see the Saltee Islands?
There are two main options to see the Saltee Islands. You can visit the Saltee Islands by taking a boat from Kilmore Quay in County Wexford. Local operators, include the Saltee Ferry and Saltee Sea Safaris, run seasonal trips, with options to either tour around the islands by boat or land on Great Saltee, depending on weather conditions.
Getting to the Saltee Islands
The Saltee Islands are accessed by boat from Kilmore Quay, a traditional fishing village in south Wexford that serves as the main gateway to the islands. From spring through early autumn, local boat operators run regular trips, with schedules shaped by weather and sea conditions.
Visitors can choose between scenic trips around the islands or journeys that include landing on Great Saltee, with time to explore on foot. As demand increases during the summer months, particularly for landing trips, booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Boat Trips from Kilmore Quay
Kilmore Quay is home to experienced local operators. Each offers a slightly different experience, giving visitors a choice in how they explore the islands while supporting businesses based within the harbour community.
Saltee Ferry
Saltee Ferry offers direct crossings from Kilmore Quay to Great Saltee, providing a straightforward and reliable option for visitors who want to spend time on the island itself. These trips are particularly suited to those planning to walk the island or enjoy it at their own pace before returning later in the day.
Saltee Sea Safaris
Saltee Sea Safaris provide a scenic guided journey abord powerful RIB boats, making for an unforgettable journey around the Saltee Islands. Visitors will cruise along dramatic cliffs, sea arches and crystal clear water – and may even come face-to-face with some of Wexford’s most famous wildlife.
Exploring the Saltee Islands
The stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, abundant wildlife, and sweeping sea views make the Saltee Islands a true photographer’s paradise. A walking trail, tucked beneath coastal shrubbery, leads visitors on an hour-long loop around some of the island’s most scenic points.
Rich in history, the islands were once a base for pirates, wreckers, and smugglers, and the site of several shipwrecks, some of which still lie submerged along the rocky shoreline. Landmarks such as a throne, flagstaff, and obelisk pay tribute to the family of the islands’ first owner, Michael the First, the self-proclaimed Prince of the Saltees.
Time in Kilmore Quay
A trip to the Saltee Islands begins and ends in Kilmore Quay, and the village itself is a key part of the experience rather than just a departure point. This traditional fishing village has a relaxed, coastal charm, with a working harbour where boats come and go throughout the day, setting the tone for your island adventure.
Before setting out, visitors can enjoy fresh coffee, locally caught seafood, or a stroll along the harbour to take in the views. After returning from the islands, Kilmore Quay offers the perfect place to unwind. Whether that’s settling into a café, enjoying dinner at a seafood restaurant, or simply soaking up the atmosphere by the water.
What to Expect on the Great Saltee
For those who land on Great Saltee, the experience is simple and largely untouched. There are no facilities on the island, allowing the landscape to remain as natural as possible.
A walking route loops around the island and takes about an hour, passing through grassy headlands and along dramatic cliffs with far-reaching coastal views.
Although privately owned, the island welcomes visitors travelling with Saltee Ferries who respect its importance as a protected conservation area.
Wildlife and Birdlife
The Saltee Islands are one of Ireland’s most important bird sanctuaries, with over 200 recorded species. During the warmer months, the cliffs come alive with activity as seabirds gather to nest and feed.
Puffins are a particular highlight in late spring and early summer, joined by gannets, guillemots and razorbills. Seals are also frequently seen resting along the shoreline or swimming in the surrounding waters where you may also meet Risso Dolphins.
When to Visit
Late spring and early summer are widely considered the best times to visit, especially for birdlife. This is when colonies are most active and puffins are easiest to spot.
Trips continue throughout the summer months, when calmer conditions increase the likelihood of landing. As all journeys are weather dependent, flexibility is always important when planning.
Planning Your Trip
A visit to the Saltee Islands requires a little preparation. There are no facilities on the island, so bringing food, water, and suitable clothing is essential. Conditions can change quickly, even on calm days, so sturdy footwear and a windproof layer are recommended.
Landing is not always guaranteed due to sea conditions. However, even a boat tour around the islands offers a rewarding experience, particularly for wildlife viewing. Remember to always bring your rubbish home with you.
A Shared Experience in Kilmore Quay
The Saltee Islands experience is shaped by a range of local businesses working together in the Kilmore Quay community. From ferry operators and boat tours to cafés, accommodation providers, and harbour services, each plays a role in welcoming visitors and bringing the islands within reach.
By travelling to the Saltees and spending time locally, visitors help support this wider network of businesses and ensure the benefits of tourism are shared across the entire village.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re drawn by wildlife, scenery, or going on an island-hopping adventure, the Saltee Islands offer a memorable day trip. Combined with time spent in Kilmore Quay, it becomes a complete coastal experience in the Sunny South-East.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you visit the Saltee Islands?
Yes, visitors can access the Saltee Islands by boat from Kilmore Quay in County Wexford. Landingon the Great Salteeis dependent on weather and sea conditions, while Little Saltee remains inaccessible as a protected wildlife reserve.
When is the best time to visit the Saltee Islands?
The best time to visit the Saltee Islands is between April and July, when seabird colonies are at their most active. During this period, visitors are most likely to see puffins, alongside gannets, guillemots, and other coastal wildlife.
How long is the ferry to the Saltee Islands?
The boat journey to the Saltee Islands from Kilmore Quay typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Crossing times can vary slightly depending on sea conditions and the type of boat or tour operator.
Are the Saltee Islands worth visiting?
Yes, the Saltee Islands are widely considered one of Ireland’s top wildlife destinations. Known for their dramatic scenery and birdlife, they offer a unique day trip experience, particularly for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to explore Wexford’s coastline.
Do you need to book in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to book your Saltee Islands boat trip in advance, especially during the summer season. Trips from Kilmore Quay with operators such as Saltee Ferry and Saltee Sea Safaris can fill quickly, particularly on weekends and in good weather.