Scattery Island and Visitor Centre Highlights (7)
Take a Guided Tour
Let our knowledgeable guides show you the highlights of St Senan’s monastic settlement, such as the impressive ruined churches and the high round tower. Hear all about the island’s rich and varied history, from the early sixth century up until modern times. The guided tour takes around 50 minutes and finishes in the visitor centre, which is an old island cottage where you’ll find even more interesting items on display, including an ogham stone. A colouring chart will keep children entertained. The entire visit takes around two and a half hours.
Follow Your Own Path
If you’d rather explore the monastic settlement in your own way, you are most welcome to do so. Pick up an information leaflet with an island map and to keep your bearings.
Stay a Little Longer
If you have a bit more time to spend on the island, take a walk to the 200-year-old Napoleonic gun battery fortification and the working lighthouse beside it. This walk takes about 20 minutes and covers fields and rocky shoreline. Afterwards, why not take the opportunity to relax on the picnic benches for a bite to eat?
Go On a Nature Walk
The island is perfect for a nature walk if you’re interested in ecology. Wild birds, rabbits and varied plant life abound. A nature walk is a fantastic way for children to learn about the world around them.
Get Snapping
Scattery Island is a brilliant location for photography. There are numerous places where you can get great shots. Ard na nAingeal, the highest hill on Scattery Island, is 68 feet above sea level and offers 360-degree views around the island. To the west you can see all the way to the mouth of the River Shannon.
Decipher the Gravestones
Explore the graveyard where the islanders are buried. Some gravestones have symbols of the crucifixion and others carry rare epitaphs. If you can’t quite make them out, or you’d rather peruse them in comfort and shelter, all of the gravestone inscriptions are recorded and on display of the visitor centre.
Talk to Our Guides
The tour guides at Scattery Island are all extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They are there to help and more than happy to answer whatever questions you may have about the island’s history.
