Overview
The Maharees Islands (Irish: Oileáin na Mhacaire), locally known as the Seven Hogs, sit at the northern edge of the Maharees Peninsula in County Kerry. Separated from the mainland by the narrow Maharees Sound, this cluster of seven uninhabited islands operates as a working landscape and a protected natural reserve. Visitors come for the clear Atlantic waters, the early-Christian stone ruins on the largest island, and the chance to see wildlife that thrives away from human disturbance.
History & Monastic Ruins
Human activity on the archipelago dates back centuries. The largest island, Illauntannig (Oileán tSeannaig), holds the remains of a monastic settlement traditionally linked to St Senach. While some records suggest a 5th-century foundation, local oral history points to the 7th century. The site, enclosed by a sturdy cashel wall, contains two small oratories, three beehive huts (clochán), a souterrain, three stone altars (leachtaí), and a Celtic cross. It is protected as a National Monument.
Because the stonework is fragile, the interior of the enclosure is not open to casual visitors. However, boat tours typically land on the beach below the walls, allowing you to view the ruins, the cross, and the surrounding landscape up close. The islands were farmed continuously until the early 1980s. Rather than abandoning the land, local farmers shifted to seasonal grazing. During summer months, cattle and sheep are moved across the sound using a modified flotation cage, replacing the old practice of swimming livestock at low tide while farmers rowed alongside in currachs.
Wildlife & Nature
The Maharees archipelago forms part of an 11,000-hectare Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and is designated an Important Bird Area (IBA). The sandy dunes and shallow pools provide a critical breeding habitat for the Natterjack toad, Ireland’s rarest amphibian. You are most likely to spot them in late spring and early summer when the dunes are warm and dry.
The islands are equally important for birdlife. Oileán tSeannaig hosts one of the last known nesting colonies of the Little Tern in Kerry. To protect the vulnerable chicks, visitors are asked to avoid the rocky and shingle beaches on this island between mid-May and mid-July. The surrounding sound attracts wintering Whooper and Bewick’s swans, while migratory waders like Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, and Curlew arrive from September through March. Gulls, terns, and occasional gannets are visible year-round.
Diving & Water Activities
Clear visibility and rich marine ecosystems make the Maharees one of Ireland’s most reliable diving locations. The underwater landscape features extensive kelp forests, rocky reefs, and channels teeming with wrasse, pollack, and occasional dolphin pods. Waterworld Dive Centre, a family-run operation based nearby, has been running boat dives and PADI courses since 1963. As Ireland’s first National Geographic Dive Centre, it offers everything from introductory bubble-maker sessions for children to instructor-level training.
If you prefer to stay above water, the Maharees Peninsula is an established spot for surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, with several schools operating out of Castlegregory. Local operators also run sea-safari tours from Sandy Bay that circle the islands and Brandon Bay, offering a relaxed way to view the seabird colonies and coastal cliffs from a RIB or cabin cruiser.
Boat Trips & Access
There is no regular ferry service to the Maharees Islands. All visits are arranged through private boat operators or the Castlegregory Information Centre, which coordinates group trips and private charters. Departures run from Scraggane Pier, the closest mainland landing point. Because the schedule is entirely weather and tide-dependent, trips are most reliable from late May through early September.
When booking, confirm the landing plan with your operator. Some trips focus on diving and will only stop at specific reefs, while heritage or wildlife tours will aim for Illauntannig’s beach. Operators provide life jackets and safety briefings before departure.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Getting there: Drive to Castlegregory, roughly 28 km north of Tralee via the N86 and R560. Follow signs to Scraggane Pier. A small car park serves the pier, but it fills quickly during July and August.
- Admission: The islands themselves are free to visit. Boat operators charge for transport and guiding services.
- Facilities: There are no toilets, shelters, or shops on the islands. Pack sufficient water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. The nearest amenities, including cafes and toilets, are in Castlegregory village.
- Dogs: Dogs are permitted on boats and landing beaches but must be kept on a short lead at all times. They are strongly discouraged during the Little Tern breeding season (May–July) and around grazing livestock.
- Accessibility: Access is strictly by boat. The landing beaches consist of uneven shingle and rock, making the islands unsuitable for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility.
- Nearby accommodation: Options range from the Harbour House & Leisure Centre at Scraggane Pier, which features an indoor pool and wellness facilities, to seasonal caravan parks like Anchor and Green Acres. For a unique experience, a farmhouse on Illauntannig is available for weekly rental from April to September, subject to availability.
The Maharees Islands reward visitors who plan ahead. Book your boat trip at least a few days in advance during peak summer weeks, check the tide tables before heading to Scraggane Pier, and bring a pair of sturdy boots for the shingle beach landings. The islands operate on nature’s schedule, not a tourist timetable, and that is exactly what makes them worth the journey.