Minister Moran announces Scattery Island reopening for 2026 visitor season

• Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran announces Scattery Island will reopen Thursday 21st May 2026.
• Visitors are encouraged to explore the island’s unique blend of history, nature, and tranquillity.

Located two kilometres from Kilrush in the Shannon Estuary, Scattery Island is a place of remarkable spiritual and cultural importance.

Scattery Island is open to the public from May to September, with guided tours provided by the OPW. Ferry services operate from Kilrush Marina, and visitors are encouraged to explore the island’s unique blend of history, nature, and tranquillity. Upon reaching the island visitors will be welcomed by OPW tour guides. Ferry tickets may be booked through scatteryislandtours.com.

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said:

“I am very pleased to announce the reopening of Scattery Island (Inis Cathaigh) for the summer season. Scattery Island is a national treasure and a unique landscape that weaves together early Christian history, military heritage, and traditional island life. I encourage anyone with an interest in Ireland’s past to plan a unique day out this summer”.

The Office of Public Works recently restored the street on the island, which was once home to the Scattery pilots and the island’s post office, before the island was finally abandoned in 1978.

The island features over 1,500 years of history, from early monastic settlements to vernacular village life. The OPW, which assumed care of the island in 1989, manages seasonal guided tours and is responsible for ongoing conservation of the island’s built and natural heritage.

Learn about St. Senan’s brave battle against the serpent Cathagh and his founding of a monastic settlement dating back to the early fifth century, and discover the fascinating history this little island holds from the early monastic times right through to the last of the islanders who inhabited Scattery.

Plan Your Visit

It should be noted that access to the site is dependent on favourable weather, tides, sea and island conditions.

For further information, visit heritageireland.ie or contact Scattery Island Tours for ferry bookings. Visitor queries can be addressed to scatteryisland@opw.ie

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.

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NOTES:

Access to the island is dependent on tidal and weather conditions. Ferry Travel time is around 30 minutes each way – departure times vary depending on weather. Duration on the Island is approx. 2.5 hours. Visitors are asked to adhere strictly to the warnings and instructions issued by guide staff. Suitable footwear (boots or strong walking shoes) is advised as some conditions underfoot are not ideal. Please leave no trace on the Island and bring home any unwanted foodstuffs or rubbish.

For further information, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

The Office of Public Works (OPW)

The OPW provides accommodation for Government Services and manages much of the State’s property portfolio.

It cares for 780 heritage sites, including national monuments, historic parks, gardens and buildings. It is the Government’s principal engineering agency, providing an engineering service to the Flood Risk Management and Estate Portfolio Management functions of the OPW as well as to other Government Departments.