Visit Innisfallen Island

Nestled in the heart of Ireland’s iconic Lakes of Killarney, Innisfallen Island offers a captivating excursion steeped in history and natural wonder. Accessible by boat from Reen Pier, this ancient monastic site showcases Ireland’s rich spiritual legacy with well-preserved 7th-century ruins and a stunning 12th-century Romanesque church. Visitors can explore the island’s serene atmosphere, often accompanied by sightings of the resident Sika deer. But the island’s secrets don’t end there – a deeper dive into its history reveals a fascinating tale that has intrigued scholars for centuries.

Good To Know

• Innisfallen Island is home to a 7th-century monastery and 12th-century Augustinian Priory, offering visitors a glimpse into Ireland’s rich monastic heritage.
• Boat trips depart daily from Reen Pier near Ross Castle, providing 1-1.5 hour tours of the island with limited daily access.
• Prices for the boat trip start at $22.37, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
• Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, including the Romanesque church, and observe the freely roaming Sika deer on the lush island.
• Advance booking is essential due to the high demand and limited spots, ensuring a memorable experience on Innisfallen Island.

Overview of Innisfallen Island

Innisfallen Island is home to the ruins of a 7th-century monastery founded in 640 AD, predating the monastery on Skellig Michael.

The island features a 12th-century Augustinian Priory and a Romanesque Church, set amidst lush flora and fauna. Sika deer roam freely, adding to the serene atmosphere of this historic location.

Just 1.5 km from Ross Castle, Innisfallen offers visitors a chance to explore the remnants of an ancient monastery and enjoy the tranquil natural beauty of the island.

Its well-preserved ruins and diverse wildlife make Innisfallen a compelling destination for those seeking a glimpse into Ireland’s rich monastic heritage.

Boat Trips to Innisfallen Island

Boat trips to Innisfallen Island depart daily from Reen Pier near Ross Castle, operating from 10 am to 5 pm with departures every hour on the hour.

The tours last 1-1.5 hours and accommodate a maximum of 12 travelers. Booking in advance is essential due to limited daily access.

The cost for the boat trip starts at $22.37, with a lowest price guarantee. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead due to limited access and enjoy the peaceful, visually stunning landscapes of the island.

Pricing and Reservations

The cost for the boat trip to Innisfallen Island starts at $22.37, with a lowest price guarantee.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

• Confirmation is received at the time of booking, allowing you to plan your visit.

• Reservations can be made with the option to pay later, providing flexibility.

• Limited daily access means booking in advance is essential to secure your spot.

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior ensures you can adjust your plans if needed.

• The lowest price guarantee ensures you get the best deal on your Innisfallen Island adventure.

Visitor Experience and Reviews

The experience of visiting Innisfallen Island is highly rated, with an overall rating of 5.0 from 31 reviews. Travelers praise the magical atmosphere, beautiful ruins, and informative guides. While some note the lack of historical information provided during the tour, others appreciate the friendly and accommodating nature of the boat operators.

What Visitors Say	% of Reviewers
Magical atmosphere	84%
Beautiful ruins	78%
Informative guides	70%
Friendly boat operators	65%
Lack of historical info	22%

The peaceful, visually stunning landscapes of the island make for a truly memorable experience for a wide audience.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Designed to accommodate a wide audience, the tour of Innisfallen Island isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.

Service animals are allowed on the tour. Visitors should plan ahead due to the limited daily access to the island.

Key things to know:

• Limited daily access, with tours operating from 10 am to 5 pm, departing hourly
• Advance booking is essential due to high demand
• Boat tours last 1-1.5 hours and accommodate a maximum of 12 travelers
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience
• Confirmation received at the time of booking, with the option to pay later

Despite the accessibility challenges, the peaceful and visually stunning landscapes of Innisfallen Island make it a compelling destination for many travelers.

History of Innisfallen Monastery

Innisfallen Island’s 7th-century monastery dates back to the year 640 AD, predating the famous Skellig Michael abbey. The monastery was founded by St. Finian and housed a community of Augustinian monks. Over the centuries, the priory underwent various reconstructions, including the addition of a Romanesque church in the 12th century. The island played a significant role in Ireland’s early Christian history, serving as a center of learning and scholarship. Today, visitors can explore the evocative ruins and imagine the daily lives of the monastic community that once flourished on this serene island.

Founded	Rebuilt	Architectural Features
640 AD	12th century	Romanesque Church
by St. Finian	Augustinian Priory	Evocative Ruins
Augustinian Monks	Center of Learning	Historical Significance
Early Christian History	Scholarly Community	Peaceful Atmosphere
Predated Skellig Michael	Influential Role	Visually Stunning

Exploring the Romanesque Church

Among the intriguing architectural features on Innisfallen Island is the 12th-century Romanesque church. This stunning structure offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich history:

• The church’s rounded arches, thick walls, and simple ornamentation are hallmarks of the Romanesque style.

• Visitors can marvel at the intricate carved stone details adorning the entrance.

• Inside, the church’s austere interior creates an atmosphere of tranquility and contemplation.

• Remnants of frescoes on the walls hint at the church’s former decoration and splendor.

• Exploring the ruins allows visitors to connect with the spiritual legacy of the island’s monastic past.

Though weathered by time, the Romanesque church remains a captivating centerpiece of the Innisfallen Island experience.

Discovering the Sika Deer Roaming

As visitors step onto Innisfallen Island, they’re often captivated by the sight of graceful sika deer roaming freely amidst the lush vegetation.

These majestic creatures, native to Japan, were introduced to the island in the 19th century and have since thrived in this protected environment.

Visitors can observe the deer grazing peacefully, their distinctive spotted coats blending seamlessly with the island’s foliage. The deer are accustomed to the presence of humans and may approach visitors cautiously, offering unique photo opportunities.

Exploring the island’s trails and glades provides the best chances to encounter these beautiful animals in their natural habitat, adding to the serene and enchanting atmosphere that defines the Innisfallen experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Swim Around the Island During the Tour?

Swimming around the island is not permitted during the tour. The boat operators enforce this rule for safety reasons. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the island’s ruins and scenery from the confines of the boat.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities on the Island?

There are no restroom facilities on Innisfallen Island. Visitors must use the facilities at Reen Pier before boarding the boat. The island’s serene, natural environment doesn’t have any modern amenities, encouraging a back-to-nature experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks on the Innisfallen Island tour. There are no on-site dining options, so packing a picnic is encouraged to enjoy the island’s serene atmosphere during the 1-1.5 hour experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the Innisfallen Island tour. Visitors can capture the scenic ruins, wildlife, and natural beauty of the island to immortalize their experience. However, disruptive photography that interferes with the tour is discouraged.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, visitors can request to extend the tour duration, though this is subject to availability. The standard tour lasts 1-1.5 hours, but longer visits can be arranged with the boat operators for an additional fee.

The Sum Up

Innisfallen Island offers a captivating journey through Ireland’s monastic past. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, witness the resident Sika deer, and enjoy the island’s serene atmosphere. Accessible by boat from Reen Pier, this enchanting destination promises an unforgettable experience, allowing travelers to connect with the spiritual legacy that permeates the region.