Overview
The Saltee Islands are a pair of rugged, pre-Cambrian landmasses lying roughly 5 km off the southern coast of County Wexford, directly opposite the fishing village of Kilmore Quay. Great Saltee covers about 89 hectares, while its smaller neighbour, Little Saltee, spans 37 hectares. Since 1943, the islands have been privately owned by the Neale family, who maintain them as a protected bird sanctuary. The surrounding waters are designated as both a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation, safeguarding an exceptional concentration of seabirds, grey seals, and marine life. With more than 220 bird species recorded, the Saltees rank among Europe’s most significant breeding grounds for puffins, gannets, razorbills, and guillemots.
History & Folklore
The name Saltee comes from the Old Norse saltey, meaning “salt islands”, a nod to the heavy sea spray that coats the cliffs in winter. Viking presence dates to the 9th and 10th centuries, and an Ogham stone found in 1925 hints at even earlier monastic activity. By the late 12th century, the islands had passed through the hands of Canterbury and later the Cistercian monks of Tintern Abbey. Over the centuries, they hosted hermits, seasonal farmers, and, during the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates and wreckers who exploited the treacherous surrounding rocks.
The islands also feature in Irish folklore. Local legend claims St Patrick chased a devil from Tipperary to Wexford; the devil took a bite from a mountain and spat two mouthfuls into the sea, which hardened into the Saltees. More recently, the islands played a role in the 1798 Rebellion, when United Irishman Bagenal Harvey took refuge here before his capture. In the 19th century, the Parle family ran a small agricultural community of around 20 residents, growing wheat, barley, and potatoes on the windblown soil.
Michael Neale purchased Great Saltee in 1943 and declared himself “Prince Michael of the Saltees”. His descendants still live on the island part-time, maintaining a throne, flagstaff, and stone obelisk in his memory.
Geology & Landscape
The islands are composed of distinctive pink Saltees Granite, formed roughly 480 million years ago when magma intruded into the older Rosslare Formation gneiss. The underlying bedrock dates back to the Pre-Cambrian era, giving the landscape a rugged, weathered character. Steep sea cliffs, sheltered bays, and narrow coastal paths define the terrain, offering sweeping views across the Irish Sea and the Wexford coastline.
Wildlife
The Saltees sit on a major Atlantic migratory route, making spring and autumn the busiest seasons for passage birds. The breeding season (April to July) draws the largest colonies of puffins and northern gannets to the south-west rookeries. Other regular residents include razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, manx shearwaters, fulmars, and shags.
Grey seals are a major draw, with up to 120 individuals gathering in the sheltered bays during autumn to breed and pup. Risso’s dolphins and harbour porpoises frequently surface in the surrounding waters, and fin whales have been spotted on occasion. The combination of land and marine life makes the Saltees a focal point for naturalists and photographers.
What to See & Do
Walking the Island
A well-marked, roughly one-hour loop trail circles Great Saltee. The route passes the throne of Michael the First, the stone obelisk, and the ruins of 19th-century farm buildings. Expect stairs, uneven ground, and cliff-edge sections. The path offers continuous sea views, glimpses of sea caves, and occasional remnants of historic shipwrecks.
Birdwatching & Photography
April through July is prime time for puffins, while gannet activity peaks slightly earlier. Binoculars and a zoom lens are highly recommended. The islands’ dramatic light and rugged coastline provide excellent conditions for landscape photography. Visitors must stay on the designated path and keep a respectful distance from all nesting sites, as disturbing protected birds is an offence under the Wildlife Act.
Practical Information
Opening Hours & Admission
Great Saltee welcomes day visitors between 11:00 and 16:30 from April to September. Little Saltee remains closed to the public. Entry to the island itself is free; the only cost is the ferry crossing.
Ferry Service & Booking
The ferry operates daily from 1 April to 30 September, departing from Kilmore Quay harbour. The service closes for winter maintenance from 1 October to 31 March. Each boat carries a maximum of 24 passengers, so online booking is essential, particularly during the puffin season.
Typical departure windows vary by month:
- April: Weekends only (10:00, 12:00, 13:00 departures)
- May: Weekdays (11:00, 12:00) and weekends (10:00–13:00)
- June–July: Daily (10:00–13:00)
- August: Weekdays (11:00–13:00) and weekends (10:00–13:00) Return sailings run from 14:00 to 16:30 throughout the season.
Return fares are €30 for adults and €15 for children under 12. Tickets are non-refundable unless the ferry company cancels due to weather. A confirmation email with a QR code is required for boarding.
Arrival & Facilities
The ferry docks approximately 50 metres from shore, and a small dinghy transfers visitors to the landing beach. Depending on the tide, you may step onto sand, seaweed, or slippery rock. Waterproof footwear is strongly advised. There are no permanent facilities on Great Saltee – no toilets, café, or waste bins. Pack a picnic, bring a bag for all litter, and use the public facilities at Kilmore Quay harbour before departure.
Accessibility & Safety
The island is not wheelchair-accessible. The trail includes stairs, uneven terrain, and exposed cliff edges that can become muddy or slick in wet weather. Camping is prohibited, and visitors must not approach the owners’ private residence. Keep a safe distance from nesting birds and avoid lighting fires.
Getting to Kilmore Quay
Kilmore Quay is about 20 km south of Wexford town, accessible 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 daily services) and regular train connections to Wexford from Dublin.
Visiting Tips
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to secure parking and complete check-in.
- Check the local tide timetable before booking; low tide can expose slippery rocks at the landing point.
- Pack a windbreaker, hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as there is no shelter or refreshments on the island.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife spotting.
- Book your ferry tickets online as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, as summer weekends often sell out weeks in advance.
Nearby Attractions
If you have time to explore the surrounding coastline, pair your island visit with the historic Duncannon fort and harbour, the sweeping sands of Baginbun Beach on the Hook Peninsula, or a quiet walk through Ballyhack. All are within a short drive of Kilmore Quay and provide additional coastal scenery, heritage sites, and local cafés.
The Saltee Islands require advance ferry booking and a willingness to walk uneven coastal paths, but the trade-off is an unspoiled Atlantic landscape where puffins, seals, and centuries of maritime history unfold just a short boat ride from the mainland. Check the tide chart before you pack, and aim for a morning departure to catch the best light on the cliffs.