Main image

Joseph Mischyshyn CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Owey Island

Island

Off County Donegal, Owey Island offers Atlantic cliffs, seabird colonies and ruined cottages reached by local boats. Visitors come for shoreline walks, photography and the raw, exposed coastline rather than amenities.

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In this guide

Owey Island essentials

Country: Ireland
Driest months: Apr-Jun
Pay in: Euro (€)
Language: English

Owey Island at a Glance

Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Owey Island

Best visited in the Irish summer months when sea conditions are most forgiving and daylight hours are long.

Summer
June-August · 10-18°C
Milder weather and longer daylight; best for island visits and boat transfers.
Late spring/early autumn
May, September · 8-15°C
Fewer tourists and calm seas can make landing easier, but weather is variable.

Weather & Climate near Owey Island

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1575 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 22 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
0°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 4° - 9° 2° 176 mm overcast 84% 7.8 m/s 0.0 low 7.6h
February Poor 4° - 8° 2° 123 mm overcast 84% 7.6 m/s 0.1 low 9.4h
March Poor 4° - 9° 3° 128 mm overcast 83% 7.2 m/s 0.3 low 11.7h
April Acceptable 5° - 10° 4° 83 mm overcast 83% 6.2 m/s 0.7 moderate 14.0h
May Acceptable 7° - 13° 10° 82 mm overcast 84% 5.8 m/s 1.1 high 16.0h
June Acceptable 9° - 15° 12° 89 mm overcast 85% 5.6 m/s 1.3 high 17.1h
July Acceptable 12° - 16° 14° 105 mm overcast 86% 5.4 m/s 1.2 high 16.6h
August Acceptable 12° - 17° 14° 121 mm overcast 85% 5.4 m/s 1.0 moderate 14.8h
September Acceptable 11° - 15° 13° 142 mm overcast 85% 6.2 m/s 0.6 moderate 12.6h
October Poor 9° - 13° 11° 175 mm overcast 84% 6.8 m/s 0.2 low 10.3h
November Poor 6° - 11° 5° 175 mm overcast 83% 7.0 m/s 0.1 low 8.1h
December Poor 5° - 10° 4° 176 mm overcast 84% 7.2 m/s 0.0 low 6.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Owey Island

Access requires a private boat or arranging passage with a local operator from the Donegal coast. Landing can be difficult in rough weather; check local conditions before travel.

Tips for Visiting Owey Island

  • If visiting, use a local ferry or arrange passage with a licensed boat operator from the Donegal mainland-landing options are limited.
  • Expect basic ruins and overgrown paths rather than developed trails; sturdy footwear with good ankle support is useful.
  • Respect private property and seasonal grazing-many islands are intermittently used for sheep or goats.