Best Islands to Visit near Schull

"This horticultural miracle of an island was created in the early 20th century when the island's owner commissioned architect Harold Peto to design a garden on the then-barren outcrop. Topsoil was shipped in, landscaped gardens laid out, and subtropical species planted; camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons now provide a seasonal blaze of colour. The 10-minute boat trip to the island departs from the village pier and passes colonies of basking seals and a nesting site for white-tailed eagles, which were reintroduced to Ireland in 2007."

"This horticultural miracle of an island was created in the early 20th century when the island's owner commissioned architect Harold Peto to design a garden on the then-barren outcrop. Topsoil was shipped in,... Top ChoiceFort in Kinsale"

"Many visitors head to Glengarriff because of that Irish Eden, Ilnacullin. On Garnish Island, offshore from Glengarriff and beyond islets…"

"Only 12km by 7km, Bere Island has around 200 permanent residents and attracts scores more to summer holiday homes. There are ruined Martello towers, craggy coves good for swimming, and a 19km loop of the Beara..."

"Visit For: Historic Sites, Whale Watching, Walking Trails.Distance: 1.5 Hours (95KM) from Clonakilty to Castletown - Bearhaven. Transport to the Island: 30 minute ferry from the Pontoon. (Photo: @angelatbyrne)"

"Sherkin Island is situated very southwest of Cork and a perfect location if you want to go camping without getting disturbed, especially since the island has a population of around 111 people. To get to the island, you can take a 10 minute ferry from Baltimore harbour. Silver Strand tends to be where people pitch up for a night."

"Visit For: Art, Walking Trails, Retreat.Distance: 40 Minutes (43KM) From Clonakilty to Baltimore Pier. Transport to the Island: 10 Minute Ferry from Baltimore Pier. (Photo: @sallyannewade)"

"Visit For: Bird Watching, Whale Watching, Culture.Distance: 40 Minutes (43KM) From Clonakilty to Baltimore Pier. Transport to the Island: 40 minutes ferry from Baltimore Pier. (Photo: @cape_clear_island)"

"Visit For: Cookery Classes, Sailing Classes, Retreat.Distance: 45 minutes (45KM) from Clonakilty to Cunnamore Pier. Transport to the Island: Short ferry from Cunnamore Pier (Photo: @heirislandretreat). Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty."

"Visit For: Historical Sites, Birdwatching, Water Activities. Distance: 50 minutes (50KM) from Clonakilty to Bantry Harbour. Transport to the Island: 15 minutes ferry from Bantry Harbour"

"More than 20 years in the making, this interactive sculpture garden is imaginative, thought-provoking and humorous, with nature and art working together to provide an unforgettable walk in the woods."

"No visit to Bantry could be considered complete without a visit to the stately Bantry House & Gardens. Bought by the White Family in 1765 and enlarged by Richard White, the 2nd Earl of Bantry,it is now lived in and owned by the Shelswell-White family, descendants of the Earls of Bantry. The house has an eclectic collection of tapestries, furniture and art treasures."

"One of Ireland's most famed manors is noted for its picture-perfect perch, on a hillock above the south shore of Bantry Bay. The fine…"

"Visit For: Cookery Classes, Sailing Classes, Retreat.Distance: 45 minutes (45KM) from Clonakilty to Cunnamore Pier. Transport to the Island: Short ferry from Cunnamore Pier (Photo: @heirislandretreat). Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty."

"Allihies Copper Mine Museum - The objective of the museum is to recognise, research, preserve and celebrate the rich mining heritage of Allihies. The museum achieves this through the display of artefacts, the use of photographs, illustrations, original drawings and documents, diagrams and maps, as well as a number of key large-scale models together with text panels. The location of the museum is a key factor being the Methodist chapel built in 1845 for the Cornish miners working in the mines.The Mountain Mine copper vein in Allihies, was discovered in 1813."

"In 1812, life in Allihies changed utterly when a rich copper deposit was discovered in the area and the biggest copper mining enterprise in Ireland was established by the Puxley family which saw the Industrial Revolution spread its tentacles to this most remote corner of Ireland. Visit Allihies Copper Mine Museum and discover this extraordinary story of exemplary engineering coupled with less than exemplary social conditions. For more information visit www.acmm.ie"

"Superbly located overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the Wild Atlantic Way and Mizen Peninsula; the Schull Harbour Hotel is a fantastic place for a romantic weekend break, a family getaway, self-catering holiday or an adventure weekend. Address: East End, Schull, Co.Cork"

"This one is slightly different to the other options on the list but come on who doesn't want to go walking with alpacas?. This special farm allows you take an alpaca for a 40 minute walk while walking along a trail that runs past gorgeous fields, forestry and past the stunning waterfall. As well as the alpacas you can visit the rescued rabbits, donkeys, Shetland ponies, hens, cats and fogs."

"West Cork's adorable alpaca walk is a must for this summer's bucket list. Waterfall Alpaca Farm in Castledonovan, near Drimoleague, is a magical place where you can visit the cutest of furry mammals and even take them out for a hike. The nature-loving owners even rent out cabins for those who want the full wild experience."