Look beyond Ireland's top tourist attractions and discover the incredible islands of the Emerald Isle

Irish I was here! Look beyond Ireland's tourist hotspots and discover the enchanting islands of the Emerald Isle, from a haunting Star Wars filming location to a land inhabited by wallabiesMost of Ireland's islands are accessible by ferry from the mainland, while others can be reached via bridges Kerry and Arranmore from Donegal offer stunning scenery and lots of history "Mysterious ocean islands, lake-locked paradises...Irish islands are a world apart," says Tourism Ireland

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Posted: 09:26 BST, Aug 2, 2022 | Updated: 09:46 BST, 2 Aug 2022?

As tourists flock to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare , the Irish islands can offer an off-the-beaten-track getaway for travelers looking to learn more about the country's culture away from the crowds.

There are around 80 major islands off the coast of Ireland, and hundreds more nestled in the country's lakes, some home to tiny modern populations and others dotted with ancient ruins.

These fascinating outcrops include Dublin's Lambay Island, where you'll find a curious host of wallabies; Skellig Micheal in County Kerry, famous for being the filming location for two Star Wars films, and Spike Island off County Cork, nicknamed 'Irish Alcatraz', where visitors can tour the cells of 'a former prison.

< p class="mol-para-with-font">'Mysterious ocean islands, lakeside paradises and secluded nature sanctuaries: the Irish islands are a world apart...a Visiting an island offers something special: a glimpse of a different life, a chance to hike amazing hiking trails, taste super fresh seafood, and meet some of the friendliest people around,” says Ireland.com.

Most islands are only a short ferry ride away...