Islands for Sale in Ireland

Latest listing added: February, 2023

Itself the third largest island in Europe – ceding only to Great Britain and Iceland – Ireland is bound to the image of rich soils and rocky bluffs surrounded by swirling waters. These characteristics, alongside few restrictions on foreign investment, encourage an active market for private islands in Ireland.

Most of the country’s 80 islands are in coastal waters; however, internal lake systems mean that recursive islands are typical too. 

All six of the market’s current listings hold freehold titles – an agreement for the absolute and permanent ownership of land. 

Ireland boasts a temperate climate – moderate wind patterns and proximity to the Gulf Stream help to keep the island relatively mild. Summers are hot, though not unbearable, and winters are cold but rarely extreme. Unpredictability is arguably the climate’s defining characteristic.

4 Private Islands for Sale in Ireland

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Ardoilean – High Island (€1,250,000)

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• Location: West coast of Barnanrusheen, south of Inishbofin, North Atlantic Ocean
• Size: ~79 acres, ~31.9 hectares
• Description: 4km from shore, 5.5km from Barnanrusheen, Western Ireland
• Ownership: Freehold
• Development: Non-developed (ruins)
• Listed on: Spencer Auctioneer
• Map: See on Google Earth

Ardoilean Island is a unique investment opportunity. The property, also known as High Island, is an expanse steeped in history, with archaeological artefacts inundating the ~79-acre plot. Foremost, church remnants on the island correlate with early Iron Age settlements. There is also the foundation of a monastery on Ardoilean’s southwestern edge that dates back to the seventh century. Other examples of historical relics are the remains of an old water mill, a granite globe, and a long-disused copper mine shaft.

Beyond its historical reputation, Ardoilean endures as an island of immense natural value – serving as a haven for a vast array of birdlife. Fulmars, petrels, shearwaters, gulls, and oyster catchers live on the island. Barnacle geese also visit during the winter.

Other natural features of note on the island are two freshwater lakes – the rest of the land is low grassland.

There is a more modern building near Ardoilean’s southern landing area. A septic tank also suggests future building potential, though any construction would be subject to the necessary planning constraints.

Due to its historical value, the resident monastery is not part of the sale. Regardless, the opportunity to own the surrounding island – one of such historical significance – is nothing short of rare.

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Shore Island (€800,000)

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• Location: Near Cloonakilla and Kildysart, County Clare, North Atlantic Ocean
• Size: ~30 acres, ~12.1 hectares
• Description: 300m from shore, 2.3km from Ballynacally Pier, Western Ireland
• Ownership: Freehold
• Development: Non-developed
• Listed on: Dominic Daly
• Map: See on Google Earth

What currently exists as agricultural land also presents an intriguing opportunity for development – pending the relevant bureaucratic processes.

Shore Island, a 30-acre island within the Shannon Estuary, currently finds purpose as year-round grazing land for cattle. But several ruins that remain on the island have the potential to help planning permission applications for new, inhabitable residences. There is already a pipe supplying fresh water to the island.

Deep tidal waters surround the island, making Shore Island only accessible by boat.

Though the vicinity to various towns and transport links eases any concerns about accessibility and convenience – once on land, it takes 40 minutes by car to reach Shannon Airport.

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Middle Calf Island (€750,000)

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• Location: Near Schull and Baltimore, North Atlantic Ocean
• Size: ~64 acres, ~25.9 hectares
• Description: 5km from Cunnamore Pier, 3.3km from Cape Clear Island, Southwest Ireland
• Ownership: Freehold
• Development: Non-developed (ruins)
• Listed on: Vladi Private Islands
• Map: See on Google Earth

Nestled between its sibling islands – West Calf and East Calf – Middle Calf Island offers a prime location in the middle of County Cork’s Roaring Water Bay.

Of similar size to its western neighbour, which is also listed on the private island market, Middle Calf has a history of human habitation and agricultural usage. Once home to numerous families and a school, the island now only supports a herd of grazing Kerry Bog ponies – though numerous ruins endure as reminders of the land’s heritage.

The paperwork did exist to support the reconstruction of dwellings on the island, but those applications have since expired – new investors would be encouraged to renew any development paperwork.

Of the island’s natural bounty: several small lakes proliferate the ~64-acre landscape, as well as several beaches.

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Inis Saimer Island (€450,000)

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• Location: South of Abbey, North of Milltown, River Erne
• Size: N/A
• Description: 100m from shore, 500m from Ballyshannon, Northern Ireland
• Ownership: Freehold
• Development: Developed
• Listed on: Daft
• Map: See on Google Earth

Inis Saimer is a residential island on the River Erne – an area noted for its serene atmosphere and high quality of life. The town of Ballyshannon is within eyeshot of the island and offers convenient access to shops and restaurants.

Foremost, purchasing the plot includes an established residence – a spacious home boasting open-plan living spaces and national grid connections. Three bedrooms also provide generous living capacity.

The island benefits from a private jetty – The Mall Pier (Ballyshannon’s quay) is just 100 metres upriver. The Erne Estuary, within which the property resides, is prime sea trout angling territory. 

Inis Saimer is an investment ready for immediate enjoyment.