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 settlement on the islands is documented from the 9th‑10th centuries, and an Ogham stone discovered in 1925 suggests even earlier activity, possibly a monastic site now displayed at Ferns Castle.

The islands first appear in written records around 1177 when Hervey de Montmorency granted them to Canterbury; they were later transferred to the Cistercian monks of Tintern Abbey (charter of 1245). Over the centuries the islands hosted hermits, a small monastic farm and, in the 16th century, were leased to local families such as the Ishams and later the Grogan‑Morgans of Johnstown Castle.

During the 1798 rebellion United Irishman Bagenal Harvey fled to Great Saltee before his capture. From the 17th to the early 19th centuries the islands were a notorious haunt for pirates, wreckers and smugglers – several shipwrecks still litter the surrounding rocks.

In the 19th century the Parle family cultivated wheat, barley and potatoes and the islands supported a modest permanent population (about 20 people on Great Saltee). The bird colonies attracted shooting parties, and the islands became a celebrated bird‑watching destination.

Michael Neale bought Great Saltee in 1943, declaring himself “Prince Michael of the Saltees”. The Neale family still reside part‑time on Great Saltee and have erected a throne, flag‑staff and obelisk in memory of Michael the First.

Geology

The islands sit on pink‑coloured Saltees Granite, formed around 480 million years ago, which intrudes into the older gneiss of the Rosslare Formation. The bedrock dates back to the Pre‑Cambrian (600 million‑2 billion years old), giving the islands a rugged, weather‑worn character and steep sea‑cliffs.

Folklore

Local legend tells that St Patrick chased a devil from Tipperary to Wexford; the devil took a bite out of a mountain and spat two mouthfuls into the sea, creating the Saltee Islands. Another tale recounts Bagenal Harvey and John Colclough hiding in a cave after the 1798 defeat before being discovered by soldiers.

Wildlife

The Saltees lie on a major migratory route, so spring and autumn see huge numbers of passage birds. In addition to puffins, gannets, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes, the islands host manx shearwaters, fulmars, shags and occasional storm‑petrels. Grey seals breed in the sheltered bays – up to 120 individuals in autumn, with around 20 pups each year. Dolphin species such as Risso’s dolphins and harbour porpoises are regular visitors, and fin whales have been sighted on rare occasions.

What to See & Do

Birdwatching

The breeding season (April‑July) is the prime time for puffins (peak in June‑July) and gannets (south‑west rookeries). Binoculars and a camera are essential; remember that disturbing nesting birds is an offence.

Seals & Marine Life

Grey‑seal colonies are best observed in autumn. Look out for dolphins and, on lucky days, a fin whale.

Walking Trails & Historic Ruins

A well‑marked, roughly one‑hour loop circles Great Saltee, passing the throne of Michael the First, the stone obelisk and the remains of 19th‑century farm buildings. The trail includes stairs and steep sections, offering panoramic sea views, sea‑cave glimpses and occasional ship‑wreck debris.

Photography & Quiet Contemplation

The ever‑changing Atlantic light, dramatic cliffs and abundant wildlife make the islands a photographer’s paradise. Stay on the designated path and keep a respectful distance from nesting sites.

Practical Information

Visiting Hours & Admission

Day visitors are welcome on Great Saltee between 11:00 am and 4:30 pm (April – September). Little Sallee 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; the service is suspended from 1 October to 31 March. Capacity is limited (24 passengers per sailing), so booking ahead online is essential, especially during the puffin season.

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 with a QR code is required for boarding.

Arrival & Landing

The ferry drops passengers about 50 m from shore; a small dinghy ferries visitors the final stretch to the landing beach. Depending on tide and weather the landing may be sand, seaweed or slippery rock. Waterproof shoes or wellies are strongly recommended.

Facilities & Amenities

There are no permanent facilities on the island – no toilets, café or waste bins. Bring a sealed bag for all litter and pack a picnic if you wish. Public toilets are available at Kilmore Quay harbour.

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 should 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 (link to be added once the correct URL is confirmed). After payment you will receive an email with your sailing time and QR code. Because capacity is limited, popular summer weekends often sell out weeks in advance.

Visiting Tips

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure – parking can fill quickly in summer.
• Check the tide timetable; the landing area can be wet and slippery.
• Bring a wind‑breaker, hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Binoculars and a good zoom lens enhance wildlife spotting.
• Respect the Wildlife Act – do not disturb birds, feed wildlife or take photos of protected birds at nesting sites without a licence.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your Saltee trip with a visit to other Wexford highlights: the historic Duncannon fort and harbour, the scenic Baginbun Beach on the Hook Peninsula, or a stroll through the charming streets of Ballyhack. All are within a short drive from Kilmore Quay and offer additional coastal scenery, cafés and heritage sites.

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