The Final Draft > Scenic and Unusual Places to See by a Relaxing Boat Trip

Scenic and Unusual Places to See by a Relaxing Boat Trip

Scenic and Unusual Places to See by a Relaxing Boat Trip

People often think that Ireland’s most defining beauty, its most iconic feature is in its ‘greenness’... it’s not called the Emerald Isle for nothing after all! And yes, we are blessed with rolling green fields, lush forests blanketed with a multitude of mosses in every shade of green, and deep emerald hills and mountains. But all those lovely greens are here, and as green as they are, because of water.

Ireland’s coasts and waterways are the lifeblood of our landscape. They range from serene and placid glasstop lakes to winding rivers and wild, crashing Atlantic waters. What they all have in common is that each shapes our beautiful island, and each offers a fantastic way to see Ireland from a whole new perspective.

We have a range of incredible boat trips that allow you to experience Ireland differently. Here are a few of our favourites and attractions near Kilkenny:

1. Skellig Islands, Kerry

A UNESCO World Heritage site and Star Wars shooting location, Skellig Michael is most famous for its ancient monastic settlement. It’s a mysterious, dark and quite hostile-looking island, and to see it is to be astounded that the Skellig Monks managed to get here, build here and survive here back in the 6th Century. From May each year, once the wild winter Atlantic has calmed, you can take a boat trip from Portmagee out to see both Skellig Michael and its smaller neighbour Little Skellig with its populations of seabirds.

"Most boat tours do not include disembarking, so you will remain on the boat throughout the trip. However, you will get incredibly close to the islands, offering you fantastic views of the archaeological sites and wildlife. If you prefer a tour that allows you to disembark, it is essential to book well in advance and be prepared for higher costs, as the islands' protected status limits the number of available spots.

Whichever tour you decide to take, make sure you keep your eyes on the water for the dolphins and whales that may show up as you make your way to the islands.

2. Lough Erne, Fermanagh

Beautiful Lough Erne is actually a system of interconnected lakes, surrounded by the stunning Fermanagh countryside and dotted with numerous islands rich in history, mystery, and mythology. You can explore the lake system and its islands through various companies offering lake tours and cruises.

You won’t want to miss Devenish Island and its fascinating 12th Century monastic ruins, including a round tower that still retains its cap. Look closely to see the perfectly preserved beaded cornice and carved stone head. White Island is another fascinating site of interest, where you can discover mysterious stone carvings, including what appears to be a Sheela na gig, dating back to the early Christian period.

3. River Nore, Kilkenny

Paddle through the heart of our home city in a traditional Irish open-boat, with a River Nore Kilkenny cruise. These boat tours are relaxed and lazy, cruising gently past the majestic castle to give you a view of it that you simply won’t get from land. You’ll float past imposing walls, cathedrals and the stunning round tower, and learn the city’s story as told by its river.

For something different, you can also try a guided kayak or canoe tour of the river, and get a great mix of history, nature, and a little adventure. You’ll make stops at some key landmarks and have the best chance of seeing some of the river's wildlife as you paddle quietly by. It’s a little more work than a river cruise, but you can reward yourself with a nice cool Smithwicks when you’ve finished!

4. The Blasket Islands, Kerry

The Blaskets are a wild and uninhabited (since the 1950s) archipelago off the coast of Kerry’s beautiful Dingle peninsula. For such a small and remote place, they hold a huge swathe of Irish history, having been home to so many authors and writers. Today, the main draw of the islands is their enigma, the stunning landscape, the incredible wildlife that lives, rests, and breeds on the islands, and the abandoned village that’s the only sign that human lives were ever lived here.

A full-day tour gives you the opportunity to learn the islands’ history, see its seal colony, maybe spot some whales, dolphins, basking sharks and even puffins (depending on the time of year), and spend a few hours exploring Great Blasket - a hiker’s dream.

5. Glengarriff’s Seal Island & Garnish Island, Cork

Glengarrif is a bustling little seaside village in Bantry Bay and is also known for its stereotypically Irish beauty. But just a short ferry ride, some 10 minutes from Glengarriff, is Garinish Island, a stunning little paradise that might make you feel like you’ve been transported from the Wild Atlantic Way to an exotic paradise island.

The gardens here were designed by the architect Harold Peto, who planted an amazing collection of plant life from all around the southern hemisphere. The island’s sheltered location means it has a unique micro-climate that allows that diverse and beautiful plant life to flourish year-round, colours changing as the seasons do. It’s a heavenly spot to visit, with lots of great viewpoints and interesting features.

6. River Liffey, Dublin

Dublin might not be an ‘unusual’ place to visit, but a tour of Dublin from the River Liffey is definitely an unusual way to experience it! A Liffey cruise will take you up the river, sharing the story of the city from the river's perspective. From Vikings and vagabonds to rogues and revolutionaries, you’ll get an incredible insight into how Dublin grew and changed over the millennia, while the Liffey flowed as it always has.

With the crowds and traffic of the city, a river cruise is a great way to get a calmer tour of Dublin, and you’ll pass by (and under) some of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks, so have your camera at the ready.

While you're in Kilkenny, don't miss the chance to visit the Smithwick’s Experience. Whether you opt for the Smithwick’s Experience or the Masters of Ale Experience, you're in for a treat. It's the perfect activity for groups looking to immerse themselves in the rich history and craftsmanship of this iconic brewery.