Scattery Island in the Shannon estuary will open to visitors for the 2026 season from this Thursday, May 21st.

This year’s season opening was announced by Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.

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

The island is open to the public from May to September, with guided tours provided by the Office of Public Works (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.

Island Revival: Restored cottages on Scattery Island welcome visitors ahead of the Shannon Estuary heritage site's 2026 tourism season reopening on May 21st. Photo: Erik Zanke

The OPW 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.

Visitors are invited to learn about St Senan’s brave battle against the serpent Cathagh, his founding of a monastic settlement dating back to the early fifth century, and to discover the fascinating history of the island from the early monastic times.

Access is dependent on favourable weather, tides, sea and island conditions, and visitors are advised to plan their visit with this in mind.

For further information, visit heritageireland.ie or contact Scattery Island Tours for ferry bookings.

Visitor queries can be addressed to [email protected]