Saltee Islands

The Saltee Islands are a pair of rocky islands off the southern coast of County Wexford, Ireland, consisting of Great Saltee and Little Saltee. They are best known as an offshore seabird and marine wildlife area and are largely uninhabited.

The islands host large concentrations of breeding seabirds and provide haul-out sites for seals, making them a frequent destination for wildlife boat trips and coastal birdwatching. Visits are commonly day trips from the nearby mainland and landing is regulated by local operators.

Historically the islands have had only temporary or seasonal habitation and have been used mainly for grazing and as bird and seal habitat; ownership has been private in recent centuries. Their remote, rocky terrain and steep cliffs have limited permanent development.

Geographically the Saltees lie off the southern Wexford coast, roughly a few kilometres offshore from Kilmore Quay, forming conspicuous rocky islets in the Irish Sea.

• Access: Most boat departures to the islands run from Kilmore Quay on the County Wexford coast, with crossings typically taking under 30 minutes. Landing is seasonal and usually organised by local boat operators.
• Wildlife season: Noted for large seabird colonies and seal haul-outs, with the best birdwatching from spring through summer when colonies are most active.

What to See #

• Great Saltee: The larger of the two islands and the main landmark visited by day boats; largely uninhabited and important for seabird nesting.
• Little Saltee: Smaller island immediately adjacent to the Great Saltee, separated by a narrow channel and also used by nesting seabirds and resting seals.