Skip to content

Heritage Ireland

Scattery Island and Visitor Centre

In the footsteps of St Senan

23 May - 25 September 2024

See all opening times

Scattery Island and Visitor Centre

In the footsteps of St Senan

23 May - 25 September 2024

See all opening times

Site Closed

We ask that visitors co-operate with OPW guide staff and adhere strictly to the warnings/instructions issued by them. It is also important to wear suitable footwear (boots or strong walking shoes) as some conditions underfoot are not ideal.

Admission

Free admission

Getting here

Kilrush
Co. Clare
N/A

Get Directions

Follow us

Scattery Island and Visitor Centre

Off the northern bank of the Shannon Estuary lies Scattery Island, the site of an early Christian settlement founded by an extraordinary man.

St Senan, who was born in the area, built his monastery in the early sixth century. It included a mighty round tower, which at 36 metres is one of the tallest in Ireland.

There are six ruined churches on the site too. The Church of the Hill stands on a high spot, the very place where, legend has it, an angel placed Senan so that he could find – and then banish – the terrible sea-monster called the Cathach. It is believed that Senan is buried beside another of the medieval churches.

Scattery was invaded many times over the centuries. The Vikings in particular believed that the monastery held many riches and returned several times to ravage it.

A short boat trip will take you to the island, where you can explore its multi-layered, 1,500-year history.

Explore the wonderful digital archive of the history of Scattery Island created by the Scattery Island Heritage Group

Opening Times

23 May – 25 September 2024

 

Notice

Please note that access to the island is dependent on tidal/weather conditions.

 

Contact

Kilrush
Co. Clare
N/A

087 995 8427

Getting Here

2.5km boat trip from Kilrush Marina – scatteryislandtours.com

Open location in Google Maps

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Facilities

  • Bookshop
  • Family Toilet
  • Guided tours
  • Museum
  • Toilets

Restrictions

  • Uneven walkways

Resources

Social Guide

Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Scattery Island Centre. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Scattery Island Centre.

Download the Social Guide

Nearby sites to visit

You might also like

Heritage Card

Unlimited access to Ireland’s past

Buy one today

Join our mailing list

Subscribe

Keep up to date on our news, events, activities and publications.