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Valentia Island, Co. Kerry -

One of Ireland's most westerly points, Valentia sits at the edge of Europe. Here you can learn about the island's lighthouse history, and take in the ocean views from the balcony.

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Valentia Island, Co. Kerry -

The island has a rich history, being the place where the first transatlantic telegraph cable was laid over 150 years ago, connecting Europe with Newfoundland in Canada.

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Inishturk, Co. Mayo -

Just 9 miles (14.5 km) from the coast of County Mayo, the steep hills of Inishturk rise boldly from the wild Atlantic Ocean.

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Inishturk, Co. Mayo -

A small but beautiful island, you can enjoy hiking past the cliffs and scenic coastline before settling in to one of the pubs for a cold pint afterwards.

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Garnish Island, Co. Cork -

Located in Bantry Bay, Co. Cork, Garnish Island is renowned for its colorful plant life, that changes according to the season.

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Garnish Island, Co. Cork -

This quaint hideaway boasts Martello towers from the Napoleonic era and walled gardens, as well as offering a tranquil setting to enjoy the Atlantic scenery.

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Sherkin Island, Co. Cork -

The most accessible island in Ireland, Sherkin Island is a short 10-minute ferry ride from the harbor in Baltimore, Co. Cork.

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Sherkin Island, Co. Cork -

A megalithic tomb (the Wedge Tomb) is a nod to ancient settlement on the island, while the Franciscan Friary (pictured) was established by the ruling O'Driscoll clan in 1460.

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Bere Island, Co. Cork -

A stronghold of Irish Gaelic chieftans until they lost their power in 1602, Bere Island in Co. Cork lies between Berehaven Harbour and Bantry Bay.

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Bere Island, Co. Cork -

Two ferries carry passenger cars to the island, one between Castletownbere and the west of the island, while the other serves Pontoon and Rerrin village.

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Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry -

Named after archangel Michael, Skellig Micheal (Great Skellig) lies to the west of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland.

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Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry -

One of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland, the summit of this island monastery towers over the sea and was once a place of refuge for monks during the time of the restrictive Cromwellian Penal Laws in Ireland, when it was illegal to practice Catholicism.

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Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry -

Puffins nest on Skellig Michael, which is home to a breeding colony from May to August. Each year thousands of puffins descend here, to raise their young.

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Cape Clear, Co. Cork -

This Irish-speaking island lies just 1 nautical mile (2 km) to the east of neighboring Sherkin Island. The south harbor welcomes many yachts and pleasure boats to this picturesque refuge.

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Cape Clear, Co. Cork -

The island has a number of historic early Christian sites, making it a wonderful hiking or biking location for visitors.

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Clare Island, Co. Mayo -

Spectacular cliffs await on Clare Island, where Ireland's infamous pirate queen, Grace O'Malley, was raised. The island was historically the stronghold of the O'Malley clan.

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Clare Island, Co. Mayo -

Its hills, bogs, and beaches make Clare Island the perfect place for a day's hike, where upon reaching the highest part you can enjoy a vista of Croagh Patrick on the mainland.

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Blasket Islands, Co. Kerry -

These remote islands off the Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry boast 1,100 acres of unspoiled, mountainous terrain.

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Blasket Islands, Co. Kerry -

An Area of Special Conservation, the islands are home to abundant wildlife and fauna. Deserted since 1953, the Irish-speaking former inhabitants produced much literature that provides a glimpse into the past and the history of the place.

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Achill Island, Co. Mayo -

Home to 2,500 residents, Achill is the largest inhabited island off the Irish coast. It's a favorite among artists and photographers, thanks to its dramatic scenery.

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Achill Island, Co. Mayo -

A breathtaking coastal route provides the opportunity to really absorb the island panorama. Moorlands, peat bogs, and thatched cottages dot the landscape.

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Achill Island, Co. Mayo -

The pristine beach at Keel, with gentle rolling waves, makes this spot one of the best in Ireland for surfing, thanks to exposure to swells from the south and west almost year round.

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Inishbofin, Co. Galway -

Inishbofin, off the Galway coast, is believed to have been inhabited since 8000-4000 BCE. Having been home to soldiers and pirates alike over the years, the island has a rich history.

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Inishbofin, Co. Galway -

Legend has it a woman and a cow emerge from the lake on Inishbofin every seven years to forewarn of impending disaster. While it's unlikely any visitors will witness this, you can take one of the many looping walks where you'll probably catch a glimpse of the local sheep.

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Inishkea, Co. Mayo -

The low-lying Inishkea islands lie off the coast of Belmullet, Co. Mayo. Home to a variety of bird species, seals, rabbits, sheep, and donkeys, the islands were last inhabited by people in the 1930s.

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Inishkea, Co. Mayo -

The remains of stone cottages from the 1800s still stand on the islands, a relic of the past and the Famine's legacy. Visitors can explore the unspoiled islands on foot.

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Tory Island, Co. Donegal -

The most remote inhabited island in Ireland, Tory Island lies 9 miles (14.5 km) northwest of the coast of Donegal. This Irish-speaking island has held onto many of its island traditions.

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Tory Island, Co. Donegal -

The wild and majestic beauty of Tory includes cliff scenery, while the artistic and cultural heritage of the island is a defining feature. A loop walk or biking will uncover the hidden treasures of this place.

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Dursey Island, Co. Cork -

Another of the few inhabited islands in Ireland, Dursey Island is located in the Beara Peninsula of County Cork. It's perfect for day visitors to explore as part of the Beara Way walking trail.

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Dursey Island, Co. Cork -

The island lies in a narrow sound that's reachable by cable car, the only one in Ireland. The journey takes only 10 minutes.

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Coney Island, Co. Sligo -

Coney Island lies in Sligo Bay between Rosses Point and Ben Bulben in the north, and Strandhill and Knocknarea to the south.

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Coney Island, Co. Sligo -

The 3-mile (5-km) strand to the island from the mainland is exposed at low tide, so at certain points of the day it can be reached on foot. Empty beaches, stone walls, and a solitary pub await visitors to Coney Island.

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Aran Islands, Co. Galway -

A set of three islands off the coast of County Galway, the Aran Islands are known for their ancient sites such as the fort of Dún Aonghasa (pictured) on Inishmore.

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Aran Islands, Co. Galway -

The karst landscape holds over 50 sites of pre-Christian, Christian, and Celtic heritage. The islands' untamed beauty features cliffs, stone walls, and miles of lush green fields.

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Aran Islands, Co. Galway -

You can reach the islands by boat from Galway city, Rosaveel, and Doolin. Alternatively, a small airplane departs from Connemara Regional Airport to Inishmore.

Sources: (Discover Ireland) (Ireland Walk Hike Bike)  (Ireland.com)

See also: Ireland's picture-perfect towns and villages

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