If you are looking for a day out with a bit of a difference, then a visit to the Saltee Islands is one of the best day trips Ireland has to offer. The islands are unspoiled, the birdlife is second to none and there is literally nothing else there to distract you from enjoying it! If you time your trip right, the Saltee Islands are also one of the best places in Ireland to see Atlantic Puffins.
Given the incredible sea views, crystal clear waters and the proximity of the islands to the mainland, they are a paradise for photographers, bird watchers and pretty much anyway with an appreciation for nature.
Where are the Saltee Islands?
The Saltee Islands are located just 5 kilometres off the Co. Wexford coast in Ireland’s sunny south east. Great Saltee, the larger of the two islands, is open to visitors and is renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery and abundant wildlife.
Why visit?
The islands have a rich history, with evidence of early settlements and maritime activity dating back centuries. However, one of the main attractions and top reason for visiting the Saltee Islands today is for the birdlife and particularly the presence of puffins each year.
While puffins are a big draw, the Saltee Islands are a haven for many other seabirds. This includes gannets, razorbills, and guillemots, manx shearwaters, fulmars, kittiwakes, cormorants and many more. Over 200 species have been recorded on the Island.
So even if it is not the right time of year to see puffins, Great Saltee is definitely worth visiting. Enjoy a scenic hike, exploring the rugged landscape and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The island also has a breeding population of grey seals. We spotted one swimming and they are often seen lounging on the rocks.
The island is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It looks amazing in late spring/early summer when the island is covered in bluebells. We visited in June so they were well gone but we did get the beautiful sea pinks, so no complaints!
Who owns the Saltee Islands?
The Saltee Islands, comprised of Great Saltee and Little Saltee, have been owned by the Neale family since the 1940s. At the age of ten, Michael Neale promised his mother that he would one day own the islands and become Prince of the Saltees.
In 1943 his dream became a reality. He purchased the island and became the self-declared Prince, although his coronation didn’t take place until 1956. A throne was even shipped to the island for this purpose and remains there to this day, as well as an obelisk located nearby.
When Michael the First died in 1998, the islands passed to his children. The family have a residence on Great Saltee for when they visit but otherwise, both islands are unoccupied.
Thankfully, the family continue to welcome day visitors to Great Saltee at no cost. When they are in residence a flag is raised at the house, which is located close to the landing area. At such times, visitors are asked not to arrive before 11.30am and to depart by 4.30pm. Landing on Little Saltee is not permitted due to dangerous landing conditions.
The Neale Residence on Great Saltee Island
Getting There
Reaching Great Saltee is an adventure in itself. The trip begins in the picturesque fishing village of Kilmore Quay, from where Saltee Ferry run daily trips to the island from April through to October. There is no service during the winter months.
The departure point for Saltee Ferry is easy to spot at Kilmore Quay harbour. You’ll see a yellow gate with Saltee Ferry clearly signposted. If the gate is open you can head down to the dock and wait there. Otherwise just wait by the gate.
During peak season there are usually two or three ferries going back and forth to the Saltees. As the distance to the islands is relatively short it only took us about 20 minutes to get to Great Saltee. There is no pier at the island though, so prepare for a wet landing!
To get ashore, we had to transfer from the ferry to a smaller inflatable which took us as close to the shore as possible. We then had to walk a short distance in shallow waters. We just went barefoot but some people had wellies or shoes on. They can be handy as there were loose stones and seaweed underfoot. Depending on the tide and conditions you could get as far as the sandy shore but it’s best to be prepared.
How much time do you get on the Saltee Islands?
We had around three and a half hours on Great Saltee. This is standard when visiting the island with Saltee Ferry. When you arrive, the crew will let you know what time you need to be back at the landing area for your return trip. To ensure that the ferries run smoothly, particularly during peak season, it’s not possible to return on an earlier or later sailing.
While we could definitely have spent longer there, it is a good amount of time to have on the island. For one thing, there are no toilets or any facilities so from that perspective it’s probably a good thing time is limited.
Size wise, the island is not too big. You could probably walk all around it in about an hour or so. I can’t be sure because we got too distracted by the puffins and missed doing all the trails! Finding the puffins and other birds is easy though. From the landing site, you just follow the steps off the beach and follow the trail over to the other side of the island. It only takes about 10 mins, maybe less and you will see the throne and obelisk on the way.
Best Time to See Puffins on the Saltee Islands?
Clearly, the highlight of our trip was the puffins. With their colourful beaks and clumsy moves, it’s hard not to love them! If you’re visiting to see puffins, the best time to visit Great Saltee is between late April and July. This is when the birds arrive on the island to breed before heading back out to sea in late summer.
The peak months of May and June offer the best chances of seeing them in large numbers. During this time, the island is alive with bird activity, making it the perfect period for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
They puffins nest in burrows along the cliffs and grassy slopes, making for fantastic photo opportunities. From June and into mid July the chicks have hatched and the puffins are busy feeding them until they’re ready to fledge.
Keep a respectful distance and wait patiently. Soon enough they will come waddling nearby, carrying fish back to the pufflings in their nests. By the middle of August all the puffins have usually left the island.
Protecting the Puffins and other Wildlife
Puffins are a vulnerable species, and habitat disruption is contributing to population decline in many parts of the world. While visiting the Saltee Islands, it’s important to take steps to ensure their protection. Stick to designated paths to avoid trampling their nesting burrows. Avoid making loud noises and never attempt to touch or feed them.
Remain at least 6 meters from the nesting birds. Bring a long lens or use the zoom on your phone camera, rather than getting closer to the puffins. Responsible tourism helps to ensure that puffins and other wildlife can continue to thrive in this special sanctuary.
Tips & Useful Information for Your Visit to the Saltee Islands
- If possible, book your boat trip online with Saltee Ferry well in advance. The Saltee Islands are a popular destination, and spaces can fill up quickly, especially during the peak season.
- Arrive early. Kilmore Quay can be very busy in the summer season making parking more difficult. When we arrived part of marina area was blocked off, limiting parking even more. We were in a bit of a panic driving around trying to find a space. So allow plenty of time to ensure you don’t miss your boat.
- Bring layers and sturdy shoes. The weather can be unpredictable, and the island’s terrain is rough and uneven in places.
- Respect the wildlife. Keep a safe distance from the birds and stick to marked paths to protect their habitats.
- Pack snacks and water. There are no shops, toilets or any facilities on the island, so arrive prepared.
- Leave no trace. Take all your rubbish with you to help keep the island pristine for future visitors and protect wildlife.
- Camping / overnight stays are not permitted.
- Drones and dogs are forbidden.
Ireland or New Zealand?!!
A trip to the Saltee Islands is almost like stepping into a nature documentary. We had such a beautiful summer’s day too, which made us feel like we were a long way from Ireland. In fact, I mentioned more than a few times how much it reminded me of New Zealand!
The combination of dramatic cliffs, thriving bird colonies, and the excitement of seeing puffins up close definitely makes for an unforgettable experience. If you’re visiting Ireland in the spring or summer, don’t miss the chance to witness these charming birds in one of the country’s most beautiful and unspoiled settings.
Have you visited the Saltee Islands? Share your experience in the comments below!
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