Ferry Trip & Guided Tour The Inishkea Islands

Step aboard for a 35-minute scenic boat journey across Blacksod Bay, where our knowledgeable crew—descendants of the Inishkea islanders—share local legends, history, and tips for your visit.

Embark on an optional guided tour led by an island descendant to uncover Inishkea’s rich history and hidden gems, including decorated stone slabs, whaling station, 5th-century monastery and the King’s House. Enjoy a relaxing lunch on the beach, explore the island further, or take a dip in the pristine waters. You might even encounter friendly dolphins, basking sharks, seals, or whales on the way to Inishkea!

Itinerary Inishkea Island Tour

Your tour begins at Blacksod Pier. Enjoy the experience of Blacksod Bay as we head for Inishkea. Your sailing to the island takes you past the picturesque village of Surgeview and the Islands of Blackrock, Duvillaun Beag & Mór, Geachta and Léim ar Reithe. Laying just beyond this, Inishkea’s navigation towers and cottages come into view as we make our way to the Island.

Once on the island, you will be given the choice to embark on a guided tour of the island, with an island descendent. You will be swept away on a spellbinding walking tour of the island, where you learn about the rich history of Inishkea and get to visit the village of Inishkea where you will see the school, whaling station, nunnery, cilin, 5th century stone slabs and various monastic sites. Learn about the fascinating stories of the Naomhog, Francoise Henry, St. Kea, the Children of Lir, the dye workshop on Inishkea North and so much more!

Guests on a family day trip waving from the White Lady on Inishkea South.
Skip Map

Blacksod Pier

Blacksod Lighthouse stands on a low rocky point beside calm waters, with a pier and crane visible behind.

Inishkea South Landing Point

A sweeping white sandy beach on the Inishkea Islands with turquoise water and the Croaghuan Cliffs laying beyond.

Inishkea North Landing Point

End of Map

May To October Sailing Times

Times, Days & Routes
35 Minute Crossing

Sail Times

Departure

Blacksod 9.25am

Blacksod 2pm

Sail Days

May 15th – June 1st
Saturday & Sunday

June 1st – August 25th
Monday to Sunday

August 25th – October 15th
Saturday & Sunday

FAQs Guidelines & Information

It is essential that you arrive 15 minutes before trip departure to check in with a member of our crew.

Where Are You Located?

We are based at Blacksod Pier. You will see our vessel usually at end of the pier.

Do I Need To Book In Advance?

We recommend booking ahead particularly in the summer months. Ferry seats are limited so its best to reserve ahead to avoid disappointment.

How Do I Check In Prior To Departure?

A member of our crew will come to meet you on the pier and check you in prior to your departure.

Are There Toilets On Board?

Yes, there are toilets on board all our ferries.

What Should I Bring?

We recommend bringing the following items:
 

  • Rain Jacket
  • Camera & Mobile Phone
  • Warm Clothing & Spare Change of Clothes
  • Appropriate Footwear – Runners/Walking Shoes
  • Suncream & Sunhat
  • Swimming Gear – Incase you fancy a dip!
  • Lunch & Snacks
  • Water / Drink

How Early Should I Arrive?

Passengers should check in with a member of our crew at least 15 minutes before the sailing time. This allows enough time for parking and locating the departure point.

Do I Need To Print Out My Online Reservation?

You must have an online ticket or booking confirmation present before boarding the ferry. There is no need to print out your ticket!

Is There Parking At Blacksod Pier?

Yes, there is a car park at Blacksod Pier. Parking is free of charge. Get directions to Blacksod Pier.

Can We Bring Dogs On Board?

Unfortunately, no. The National Parks & Wildlife Service have changed the rule that dogs are no longer allowed on Inishkea. However, our vessels are dog friendly, you may bring your dog on the boat

Explore Things To Do & See on Inishkea

Rich in history and surrounded by breathtaking views and white sandy beaches, every corner of the Inishkea Islands are just waiting to be discovered. Explore the beautiful stone cottages from the 1800s. Visit the whaling station, kings house and early Christian Stone Slabs. Plunge into the island’s crystal clear waters. Take a guided tour with an island descendant or go seal spotting in Ron a’ Luí. The choice is yours!

Guided Tours

Take a guided tour of Inishkea with an island descendant – to bring the island to life.

Visit the school, whaling station, dye station, kings house, beehive huts, cilin, 5th century stone slabs, various monastic sites and learn about the fascinating focloir stories of the Naomhog, St. Colmcille, Francoise Henry, St. Kea, the royal dye workshop and so much more!

Walking and rambler group hikers exploring the Inishkea Islands on a guided walking tour.

Explore The Villages

Explore the villages of Inishkea South & North – travel back in time as you glance at all the beautiful stone cottages built in the late 1800s. On Inishkea South, look out for the king’s house, the old two – storey shop, shebeen, school, cilin and its decorated stone slab. On Inishkea North, visit St. Colmcille’s Church, the king’s house, the shop, shebeen and school.

Explore More

Discover more of our curated suggestions for must-see experiences on Inishkea.

The Bailey Mór

Beaches & Swimming

Rusheen Island

St. Colmcille’s Church

Reviews What Our Customers Say

"Professionally run by a truly lovely family"

Highly recommend. Our  group aged between 6yrs and 67yrs had a wonderful trip. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and felt completely safe. Kea has an extremely impressive knowledge of...

Lisa Hyland

"Planning next year’s visit with our extended families"

Our trip to Inishkea was absolutely amazing. An item on our bucket list and it delivered spades. Myself and my 2 friends thoroughly enjoyed our day. The boat trip...

Many thanks Margaret, Claire and Myra

"My daughter has not smiled this much in ages! We are so grateful for this experience."

Sean and his son Josh were very happy to help us on and off the ferry with our 8-year old twins. Our daughter is wheelchair bound and they graciously...

Kimberly

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