Saltee Islands


Once the haunt of privateers, smugglers and ‘dyvers pyrates’, the Saltee Islands now have a peaceful existence as one of Europe’s most important bird sanctuaries. More than 220 species have been recorded here, most of them passing migrants; the main breeding populations include chough, gannet, guillemot, razorbill, kittiwake, puffin and Manx shearwater. Boats make the 4km trip from Kilmore Quay harbour, but landing is weather-dependent. Book through Declan Bates.

The 90-hectare Great Saltee and the 40-hectare Little Saltee (closed to visits) were inhabited as long ago as 3500 to 2000 BC. From the 13th century until the dissolution of the monasteries, they were the property of Tintern Abbey, after which various owners were granted the land. The islands are now privately owned.

The best time to visit is the spring and early-summer nesting season. The birds leave once the chicks can fly; by early August it’s eerily quiet. There are no toilets or other facilities on the islands (landing often means getting your feet wet), and no shelter, so bring rain gear.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Ballyteigue Burrow Nature Reserve

5.97 MILES

The beach and sand dunes of Ballyteigue Burrow Nature Reserve stretch for 9km northwest from Kilmore Quay, covering 227 hectares in all. It's the summer…

2. Ballycross Apple Farm

7.72 MILES

This working farm gets top marks from kids for its pedal-powered tractors and go-karts, animal-feeding sessions and signposted walking trails that run via…

3. Tacumshane Windmill

10.39 MILES

Tacumshane Windmill is a rare survivor of the mills that once dotted this landscape, and is the only complete windmill in the Republic of Ireland. Built…

4. Our Lady's Island

11.81 MILES

Lady's Island Lake encloses Our Lady's Island, the site of an early Augustinian priory, which still has an annual pilgrimage in August/September. Pilgrims…

5. Tintern Abbey

12.58 MILES

Tintern Abbey is named after its Welsh counterpart, from where its first monks hailed. The atmospheric remains of the abbey enjoy a lovely setting amid 40…

6. Loftus Hall

12.71 MILES

Situated 3.5km northeast of Hook Head, this crumbling manor house gazes across Waterford Harbour to Dunmore East. Dating from the 1600s and rebuilt in the…

7. Colclough Walled Garden

12.83 MILES

Walking trails lead 350m from Tintern Abbey to the beautiful, 200-year-old Colclough Walled Garden. It has been replanted and restored to its former glory…

8. Irish Agricultural Museum

13.05 MILES

The outbuildings of Johnstown Castle, whose gardens are a must-see, house a fascinating collection of early Ferguson tractors, farm machinery, Irish…