Innisfallen Island: A Hidden Gem in Killarney with Ancient Monastery and Beautiful Fauna

Discover the hidden gem of Innisfallen Island in Killarney. Explore the ancient monastery, admire the beautiful flora and fauna, and uncover the ruins of a 12th-century priory. Limited access, book now!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Innisfallen Island - Innisfallen Island is 1.5 km from Ross Castle, a monastery was founded here in 640 AD making it older than the monastery on Skellig Michael! Ruins of a 12th century Augustinian Priory & Romanesque Church are still on the Island today.
    Our tours leave daily on our traditional red boats at Reen Pier (near Ross Castle) from…
What's Included
  • Scenic boat trip to Innisfallen Island
Additional Information

Innisfallen Island, tucked away in Killarney, is a truly exquisite site to behold. The monastery established on Innisfallen in the 7th century is older than the one found on Skellig Michael. Innisfallen provides an enchanting experience with its stunning flora and fauna. You may even be lucky enough to spot some of the Sika deer inhabiting the island….

Location
Visit Innisfallen Island
We are the red and black boats. Follow the signs to Reen Pier Boat Trips. Reen Pier is a 2 minute walk from Ross Castle. You will see two red boathouses when you arrive at the pier.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(39 Ratings)
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840courtneyj
Jul 1, 2025
Quick trip from Ross Castle- worth it!! - Gorgeous, mystical island with beautiful monastery ruins. Take the boats from behind Ross castle with no reservations. Hike around, see the deer and ruins
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiffany_h
Jun 10, 2025
Experience not just see - An amazing experience and place to experience. Not just see but experience. Mike with Ross Castle Boat Tours was excellent with his knowledge and captain skills.
Review provided by Viator
Compass625633
Oct 31, 2024
Superb excursion - Our guide was perfect, on time and took the time to give us information during the boat crossing then on the island. We stayed 1 hour on the island before the guide picked us up. It was a great time of calm and tranquility, crossing deer, visiting the ruins and different landscapes on the island. To do as a couple or family, I highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jpaddo2
Oct 18, 2024
Magical Island - This was one of our highlights on our recent Ireland trip. We were dropped off on the island and left for about an hour to explore at our leisure. The Abby was great to walk around with deer that would walk right up to us. We explored the entire island in the hour we were there before the boat returned to pick us up. It was amazing being the only two people on the island, just left to explore. The boat captain asked if we got to see everything we wanted when he came to pick us up. He asked if we had a chance to see the carvings in the old library and then offered to go show us. We then got another 15 min tour of the ruins with a knowledgeable local. The entire ride back to Ross castle, he gave us more recommendations for things to see in the National park. Needless to say, his recommendations filled our next two days and made this an unforgettable trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Teegarooney
Oct 8, 2024
Worth the visit - If you love exploring and learning about ancient ruins, this will be something you enjoy. This is a self-paced activity, there is no official tour guide. The boat driver will share some information, but that's it. There is also a forest area beyond the ruins that is pretty. Word of warning, be mindful of where you walk so you can go back out the same way! I got lost and eventually had to pull out Google Maps to see where I was in relation to the ruins, lol.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachel_s
Sep 20, 2024
Magical! - This is a really magical place. We enjoyed the boat ride over, and the ruins are amazing. So special! Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Maree_r
Sep 12, 2024
Highly recommend - Loved the traditional boat ride and having a small group. There were just three of us on the island. Amazing. Our skipper made the trip fun and informative.
Review provided by Viator
Liefie2000
Aug 5, 2025
Not a good experience. - They cancelled at the last minute. They could have provided other options for that time or had another boat. You should always have a plan B.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carly_j
Jun 28, 2025
Tour didn't happen - Well, the tour we booked through Viator didn't happen. The local guide there told us that the boats we booked were no longer running and we were never notified. We called and spoke with Corey and he assured us of a refund and to find out what happened with our tour but we have yet to receive either the refund or the explanation. We just visited the island using the boats provided by the site and they were fantastic. Do not book this tour through Viator.
Review provided by Viator
Elizabethhj9657jy
Apr 28, 2025
Untrustworthy, not reliable - This business cancelled our booking the day of our trip for “maintenance.” There was no one at the dock. I was promised a refund, but 2 weeks later and I have not heard from the business nor have I received my refund. This business is shady and untrustworthy. DO NOT BOOK AHEAD OF TIME. We used a different boat tour company that was operating off the docks at the castle, and they were lovely and gave us a great deal to take us to the island. DO NOT USE THIS BUSINESS.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $23
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).