Have you ever dreamt of visiting a place that feels like nothing you have ever seen before? This small island in Ireland is a picturesque gem offering immense natural beauty and diversity. The area’s unique climate, impressive landscapes, and stunning architecture make Garnish Island a must-visit place on your travel itinerary.
Today, we are here to introduce you to the amazingness of Ireland’s jewel and tell you why it is worth travelling here!
Garnish Island, Ireland
Located in Glengarriff Harbour, in County Cork, Garnish Island(also referred to as Garinish Island) is perhaps the most whimsical place in the whole of Ireland. It is nestled near the shores of Beara Peninsula and provides incredibly picturesque views of the surrounding area. Moreover, the island is situated only 1.5km away from the infamous Bantry Bay, known for its crystal clear waters and well-developed mariculture.
Despite occupying a rather small area of only 37 acres, this place’s untouched beauty definitely makes it worth visiting. The main reason why so many people are attracted to this place is the impressively landscaped botanical gardens. They were built about eighty years ago, and they still attract large crowds of tourists to this day.
The place radiates incredibly tranquil and whimsy vibes, thanks to the rich and colourful vegetation, which changes continuously with the seasons. In there, you will discover a great diversity of unusual plants that make the gardens world-famous. In addition, many pathways cross over Garnish Island on Bantry Bay, leading to a number of fascinating buildings. A few of the architectural marvels you should visit are the Grecian Temple, the Clock Tower, as well as the original Martello Tower. The latter is located on the south of the island, providing breathtaking views over the Bantry Bay.
If you need a few more reasons to convince you why visiting Garnish Island is totally worth it, here is what else you need to know about this place:
- See the seals
You will need to take a ferry or a boat ride to reach Garnish Island in Ireland, which gives you the incredible opportunity to encounter the seal colony. About 250 seals in the colony are used to the boats and are quite happy to bask as you observe them closely.
- Enjoy the views from Martello Tower
Built in 1805, the Martello Tower features the most amazing views over the bay. You can easily reach this place by following one of the garden’s paths.
- Bantry House
This is a historic house and gardens estate which directly overlooks Bantry Bay. It was the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry and is open to visitors from April to October.
Fun fact: the home is still owned by the descendants of the first Earl of Bantry, who still live on the premises!
Planning a trip to Garnish Island will make for an unforgettable venture that you definitely need to embark on. If you want to extend your itinerary with a few other top attractions in Ireland, don’t hesitate to read the rest of our articles for inspiration!
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!