Eyedealtarheel

My adult son (21 yrs) and I are interested in spending a week on one of Ireland's islands in a self catering cottage in August. We like to hike/walk whether its through a small village, along the beach or in the hills as well as sea kayaking. What island do you suggest and any advice on cottages would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

jaja

Look into Achill Island, the only one I am familiar with. I think you will like it.

Eyedealtarheel

Thank you, I will check it out

littlejane

The other possibilities are the Aran Islands - Inis Mór (the big island), Inis Meáin (the middle island) or Inis Oirr (the Easterly island).

There is probably more going on in Achill in terms of watersports etc than on Aran (last time I was in Achill there was a major surfing competition taking place).

Aran has more of an island feel - Achill is connected to the mainland so you can drive onto the island, whereas Aran is reachable only by sea or air. Similarly, it would be easier to do day trips from Achill to the mainland whereas on the Aran islands you would more or less have to "stay put" for the week. It depends what type of experience you are looking for.

You should find opportunities for sea kayaking on Inis Mor and Achill but maybe not on the other smaller islands.

MmePerdu

I spent time on Valentia Island in the far SW, very rural and beautiful. You can get there by car ferry to the village of Knightstown on the eastern tip or from the Portmagee to the south which has more services and a bridge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentia_Island

There are, of course, beautiful coast walks, a small but interesting museum concerning the first transatlantic cable which landed there, Glanleam House & Gardens, a fascinating weather station which is not strictly open to the public as far as I could see but we showed up and were given a personal tour. Skellig Michael is very nearby and can be reached by boat.