Saltee Islands

Overview

The Saltee Islands are a pair of rugged, pre‑Cambrian islands – Great Saltee (about 89 ha) and Little Saltee (about 37 ha) – lying roughly 5 km off the southern coast of County Wexford, opposite the fishing village of Kilmore Quay. Since 1943 the islands have been privately owned by the Neale family, who have kept them as a protected bird sanctuary. The surrounding waters form a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation, safeguarding a spectacular array of seabirds, grey seals and marine life. More than 220 bird species have been recorded, making the Saltees one of Europe’s most important breeding sites for puffins, gannets, razorbills, guillemots and many others.

History

The name Saltee derives from the Old Norse saltey, meaning “salt islands”, a reference to the salty spray that blankets the cliffs in winter. Viking settlers left the name, and the islands later appear in medieval charters – first recorded in the 13th century when they were granted to the monks of Tintern Abbey. Over the centuries the islands hosted hermits, a small monastic settlement, and, in the 16th century, were leased to local families. During the 1798 rebellion United Irishman Bagenal Harvey briefly fled to Great Saltee before his capture. By the early 19th century a handful of families lived on the islands, but they were largely abandoned by the early 1900s. In 1943 Michael Neale purchased Great Saltee and, together with his descendants, transformed the islands into a wildlife sanctuary. Today the Neale family still reside part‑time on Great Saltee and maintain the historic throne, flag‑staff and obelisk erected by Michael the First in the 1950s.

What to See & Do

Birdwatching

The islands are a magnet for ornithologists. During the breeding season (April‑July) puffins return to nest in burrows on the southern cliffs; the colony peaks in June and July. Gannets dominate the far‑southwest rookeries, their dramatic plunge‑dives audible from the shore. Razorbills, guillemots, shags, kittiwakes and fulmars add colour and sound to the cliff‑top walks. The island’s designation as an Important Bird Area underscores its global significance.

Seals & Marine Life

Grey seals use the island’s sheltered bays for breeding; up to 120 individuals can be seen in autumn, with around 20 pups born each year. From the cliffs you may also glimpse Risso’s dolphins, harbour porpoises and, on rare occasions, fin whales.

Walking Trails & Historic Ruins

A well‑marked, roughly one‑hour loop circles Great Saltee, passing the historic throne of Michael the First, a stone obelisk, and the remnants of 19th‑century farm buildings. The trail is uneven, with stairs and steep sections, but rewards walkers with panoramic sea views, sea‑cave glimpses and occasional ship‑wreck debris.

Photography & Quiet Contemplation

The dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife and the ever‑changing Atlantic light make the Saltees a photographer’s dream. Remember to stay on the designated path and keep a respectful distance from nesting birds – disturbance is an offence and can jeopardise fragile colonies.

Practical Information

Visiting Hours & Admission

Day visitors are welcome on Great Saltee between 11:00 am and 4:30 pm. Little Saltee remains closed to the public. There is no admission fee; the only cost is the ferry crossing.

Ferry Service

The Saltee Islands ferry departs from Kilmore Quay harbour. Boats run daily from 1 April to 30 September; frequency varies by season (see table). Spaces are limited (24 passengers per sailing), so booking ahead online is essential, especially during the puffin season (June‑July).

Ticket prices (return)

Tickets are non‑refundable and non‑transferable; refunds are only issued if the ferry company cancels due to weather. A confirmation email is required to board.

Arrival & Landing

The ferry drops passengers about 50 m from the shore; a small dinghy ferries visitors the final stretch to the landing beach. Depending on tide and weather, the final step may be onto sand, seaweed or slippery rock. Wet gear and sturdy, waterproof shoes (wellies are popular) are advisable. There are no permanent facilities on the island – no toilets, no café, and no waste bins – so bring a sealed bag for all litter and pack a picnic if desired.

Accessibility & Safety

The island is not wheelchair‑accessible; the path includes stairs, uneven ground and cliff‑edge sections that can become muddy or slick. Visitors are asked to stay on the marked trail, keep a safe distance from nesting birds, and avoid lighting fires. Camping is prohibited and the owners’ house must not be approached.

Getting to Kilmore Quay

Kilmore Quay lies about 20 km south of Wexford town and is reachable by car via the N25. A free car park sits next to the harbour, a two‑minute walk from the ferry slip. Public transport options include Wexford Bus route 390 (four services daily) and regular train connections to Wexford from Dublin.

Booking

Online bookings are handled at the official ferry site salteeferry.com. After payment you will receive an email with your sailing time and a QR code needed for boarding. Because the vessel’s capacity is limited, popular summer weekends often sell out weeks in advance.

The Saltee Islands offer a rare combination of dramatic geology, rich wildlife and a touch of eccentric history. With a short boat ride, a modest fee and a commitment to respect the birds, a day on Great Saltee becomes a memorable slice of Ireland’s natural heritage.