Tearaght Island

Island Remote Atlantic island off Ireland's coast, seabird colony

Remote and sea-battered, Tearaght Island lies off Ireland’s southwest coast with a working lighthouse and sheer cliffs. Boat trips bring wildlife enthusiasts for seabird colonies, rough sea views and the feel of offshore navigation.

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Tearaght Island is a small, uninhabited rock island off the western end of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland, and is part of the offshore island group in that area. It is noted for steep sea cliffs and for supporting seabird colonies rather than for human settlement.

There are no regular ferry services or facilities on the island; most visitors see Tearaght from sightseeing or wildlife boats that operate around the Dingle coast. Landing is exposed and generally not undertaken by casual visitors.

The island lies off the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula near other offshore islets, with the town of Dingle the nearest gateway for boat trips and coastal viewpoints. The surrounding marine environment features steep cliffs and strong ocean swells.

  • How to visit: The island is uninhabited and best viewed from boat trips along the Dingle Peninsula or on wildlife cruises that operate from Dingle and nearby harbours.
Tearaght Island
Tearaght Island (Tearaght/An Tuairín), Atlantic off County Kerry, Ireland
52.0758, -10.6562
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How to Get to Tearaght Island #

Tearaght Island lies off the western tip of County Kerry, near the Blasket Islands. Access is by private boat from ports on the Dingle Peninsula or from Portmagee; landings are weather-dependent and should be attempted only with experienced local skippers.

Tips for Visiting Tearaght Island #

  • Sea conditions can be rough around Tearaght; only experienced boat operators should attempt a landing.
  • The lighthouse and the island are uninhabited; any visit is strictly for experienced sailors and birdwatchers.
  • Bring a VHF radio or reliable local skipper - contact with mainland ports is essential in rough weather.

Best Time to Visit Tearaght Island #

Best attempted in late spring-summer with an experienced skipper; seas around the Blasket region are changeable year-round.

Late spring-summer
May-August · 8-16°C
Longer daylight and more stable weather windows for sea crossings, though Atlantic seas remain unpredictable.
Autumn
September-October · 7-14°C
Fewer maritime visitors; storm-watching can be dramatic but requires caution.

Weather & Climate near Tearaght Island #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

0.0
UV Index
Low
8.1h daylight

February

Weather

0.1
UV Index
Low
9.7h daylight

March

Weather

0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

Weather

0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.8h daylight

May

Weather

1.2
UV Index
High
15.5h daylight

June

Weather

1.4
UV Index
High
16.5h daylight

July

Weather

1.3
UV Index
High
16.0h daylight

August

Weather

1.1
UV Index
High
14.5h daylight

September

Weather

0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

Weather

0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

November

Weather

0.1
UV Index
Low
8.6h daylight

December

Weather

0.0
UV Index
Low
7.5h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Tearaght Island

Blasket Islands
Blasket Islands
Remote Atlantic islands off Ireland, famed for heritage
Islands 2.8 km
Inishnabro
Inishnabro
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Inishvickillane
Inishvickillane
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Inishtooskert
Inishtooskert
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Island 8.1 km
Great Blasket Island
Great Blasket Island
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Beginish
Beginish
Small Irish island known for seals and birdlife
Island 10.9 km
Gallarus Oratory
Gallarus Oratory
Early medieval stone oratory on Ireland's Dingle Peninsula
Religious Site 23.5 km
Fogher Cliff
Fogher Cliff
Sea cliff offering coastal views in Munster
Cliff 26.6 km