Overview
The Maharee Islands (Irish: Oileáin na Mhacaire), popularly called The Seven Hogs, are a cluster of seven uninhabited islands that sit at the northern tip of the Maharees Peninsula in County Kerry. They rise from the narrow Maharees Sound, which separates the islands from the mainland at Scraggane Pier. The islands lie within an 11,000‑hectare Special Area of Conservation that stretches from Tralee to Brandon Point, and they are also designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. Their dramatic cliffs, shingle beaches and crystal‑clear Atlantic waters attract divers, snorkellers, birdwatchers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Geography & Environment
The islands are composed of low‑lying limestone outcrops topped with grass and heather, giving them a rugged yet accessible profile. The surrounding Maharees Sound is part of a larger marine SAC that protects a range of habitats, including kelp forests, maerl beds, and subtidal sand and gravel. These habitats support a diverse assemblage of fish, crustaceans and marine invertebrates, making the waters around the islands a hotspot for underwater activity.
History & Background
Human activity on the islands stretches back to the early Christian period. The largest island, Illauntannig (Oileán tSeanaigh), holds the remains of a monastic settlement founded by St Seanach in the 5th‑7th centuries. Archaeologists have identified a stone cashel wall, two small oratories, three beehive huts (clochán), a souterrain, three stone altars (leachtaí) and a Chi‑Rho cross slab – all protected as a National Monument with restricted access.
The islands supported a small permanent community until the early 1980s. Traditional farming saw families swimming cattle and sheep across the sound at low tide, rowing alongside them in currachs. Today, a specially designed flotation cage is used for the summer grazing of cattle and sheep. A modest farmhouse on Illauntannig is available for weekly rental from April to September, offering a rare chance to stay on a remote Irish island.
Wildlife Highlights
The islands support breeding colonies of gulls, terns and several seabirds. Oileán tSeanaigh is the last known nesting site for the Little Tern in Kerry; visitors must avoid the shingle and rocky beaches from mid‑May to mid‑July to protect the vulnerable chicks. The wider archipelago hosts wintering populations of Whooper Swan, Light‑bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal and waders such as Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and Curlew, as well as offshore Gannets, Kittiwakes and Manx Shearwaters.
What to See & Do
Diving and Snorkelling
The Maharee Islands are celebrated as one of Ireland’s premier diving locations. The surrounding waters host kelp forests, rocky reefs and abundant marine life such as wrasse, pollack and occasional dolphin pods. Local dive centre Waterworld runs guided trips ranging from short introductory dives to full‑day excursions that explore underwater arches and sea‑caves. Visibility can reach 15‑20 m in calm conditions, suitable for divers of all abilities.
Birdwatching – An Important Bird Area
The islands support breeding colonies of gulls, terns and several seabirds. Oileán tSeanaigh is the last known nesting site for the Little Tern in Kerry; visitors must avoid the shingle and rocky beaches from mid‑May to mid‑July to protect the vulnerable chicks. The wider archipelago hosts wintering populations of Whooper Swan, Light‑bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal and waders such as Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and Curlew, as well as offshore Gannets, Kittiwakes and Manx Shearwaters.
Exploring the Monastic Ruins
A short walk from the landing point on Illauntannig leads to the monastic enclosure. While the interior of the cashel is not open to the public, the exterior walls, beehive huts and the ancient cross can be admired from the beach. Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths and refrain from climbing the cliffs to preserve the fragile historic fabric.
Boat Trips and Island Hopping
Regular boat trips depart from Scraggane Pier and from the Castlegregory information centre. These trips combine scenic island‑hopping, wildlife spotting and optional guided dives, giving a comprehensive taste of the Maharee Islands in a single outing.
Visiting the Islands – How to Get There
- By road: From Tralee, follow the N86 west to Castlegregory and continue to Scraggane Pier (approximately 30 km). There is a small free car park at the pier; it can fill quickly in summer, so arriving early is advisable.
- Public transport: Bus services run from Tralee to Castlegregory; the pier is a short walk from the town centre.
- Boat operators: Local operators run scheduled trips during the tourist season (April‑September). Check timetables in advance; many also offer private charters for diving groups or bird‑watching parties.
- Accessibility: The islands are only reachable by boat; there are no footpaths from the mainland. Wheelchair users should contact operators ahead of time as access is limited to the landing beaches.
Seasonal Considerations
- Little Tern protection (mid‑May to mid‑July): Beach areas on Illauntannig are closed to protect nesting birds.
- Weather: The Atlantic coast can be windy and change rapidly. Summer offers the calmest conditions for diving and boat trips, but always check marine forecasts.
- Farmhouse rental: The seasonal farmhouse on Illauntannig is available for weekly hire from April to September; bookings must be made well in advance.
Practical Information
- Getting there: Take a local bus or drive to Scraggane Pier (approximately 30 km west of Tralee). Boat operators provide pick‑up services from the pier.
- Season: The islands are most accessible from April to September, when the farmhouse is available and grazing is in operation. The Little Tern protection period (mid‑May to mid‑July) restricts beach access on Illauntannig.
- Facilities: There are no permanent services on the islands aside from the seasonal farmhouse. Bring water, food and appropriate gear for walking, diving or birdwatching.
- Safety: Weather on the Atlantic coast can change rapidly. Check marine forecasts, wear a life‑jacket on boat trips, and follow the dive centre’s briefings.
- Conservation: Respect all signage, stay on designated paths, and avoid disturbing wildlife, especially during breeding seasons.
The Maharee Islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty, underwater wonder and early‑Christian heritage – a true hidden gem of County Kerry waiting to be explored. For further island experiences, consider a visit to nearby Ahamore Abbey, another historic island site in the region.