lambay island boat trips

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Skerries Sea Tours runs two passenger trips daily; to Rockabill Lighthouse (1 Hour & 15 mins, €35 per person) and Lambay Island (2 Hours, €50 per person). Skerries Sea Tours incorporates a unique and often stunning exploration of the rich bird and wildlife as well as an informative guide to the local history, culture and heritage of the area:

Lambay Island ,Rockabill Lighthouse ,Skerries Islands

Seatour lambay island.

Lambay Island is situated about six miles from Skerries. It is the largest island off the east coast of Ireland and is about 1,371 acres in size. The ancient Greek writers Pliny and Ptolemy knew about the island and referred to it as Limnus or Limni. Implements and other objects from the New Stone Age and early Bronze Age have been found on the island. Gold ornaments from the Iron Age have also been found on the island.

This indicates that Lambay was inhabited at a very early period. Its early Irish name,”Reachra,” was eventually replaced by the Danish Lambay, meaning Lamb Island. This name probably originated with the practice sending over ewes to the island in spring and allowing them to remain there until the Autumn. In early Christian times it was the site of a monastery which was reputed to be the first place on the coast of Ireland to be attacked by the Danes, in the year 795 A.D. Later for some centuries it seems to have been the haunt of pirates. In the 15th century the king of England, who then bore the title of ”Lord of Ireland,” granted the island to the prior of Holmpatrick.

In 1551, after the dissolution of the monasteries it was given to John Challoner and his heirs, provided that he built a village to house the fishermen, a place of refuge for them in case of attack, and a harbour for their boats. Challoner did this. He brought from England a colony of “the king’s subjects” to inhabit the island and make it free from pirates and smugglers. A curious many sided building, raised on arches, with battlements and spike holes, which commands a view in all directions, is still standing on the island. This seems to be the “place of refuge from attack” which was built by Challoner. During the Williamite wars the island was used as an interment camp for Irish soldiers. More then one thousand of them were imprisoned there after the battle of Aughrim in 1691. Early this century a castle was built on Lambay Island with Milverton limestone.

Each stone was shaped from an individual template supplied by the architect, Sir Edwin Luytens. The castle has no right angles. Luytens was a famous English architect and town planner. He planned the principal buildings of New Delhi, in India. At one time there were 62 stone cutters at work on the island as the building progressed. To day the island is a bird sanctuary. It is now owned by Lord Revelstoke. Permission to visit must be obtained from his steward on the island.

Lambay supports the only colony of Grey Seals on the east coast. Although it is a long established breeding site for this species, it remains relatively small (45-60 individuals) probably because of the restricted area suitable for breeding. Grey Seals are listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. A herd of Fallow Deer (up to c. 80) roams the higher parts of the island, and a small number of wallabies (c. 10).

Lambay Island is internationally important for its breeding seabirds. The most numerous species is the Guillemot, with almost 52,000 individuals on the cliffs. Razorbills (3,646 individuals), Kittiwakes (5,102 individuals), Herring Gulls (2,500 pairs), Cormorants (605 pairs),Shags (1,164 pairs), Puffins (235 pairs), and small numbers of Great and Lesser Black-backed Gulls also breed (all figures from 1995). Between 1991 and 1995 Fulmar numbers varied between 573-737 pairs. There is a small colony (<100 pairs) of the nocturnal Manx Shearwater on the island and up to 20 pairs of Common Terns have bred in recent years. A few Black Guillemots have been recorded on Lambay, but it is not clear if they breed. A pair of Peregrines are known to breed on the island.

Seatour  Rockabill Lighthouse

Rockabill lies about five kilometres off the shore in an easterly direction, and is clearly visible from Skerries. The name comes from the Irish name for the rock – Carraig Dá Bheola, meaning “Two Lips Rock”. The depth of the sea around Rockabill is between 7 and 9 fathoms, and the rock was obviously a danger to shipping, especially at night. A light was sought for the rock by the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners in 1837, and they stated that the shipping which frequented Drogheda would cheerfully pay a toll towards a light on Rockabill. The authority, which controlled the building of lighthouses at that time was called the Trinity Board, and in 1838 they refused to build a lighthouse on Rockabill. However fifteen years later, in 1853, the Board changed its mind and granted permission. Plans were prepared for the lighthouse, and in 1855 the work began.

The builders were two brothers from Limerick, William and James Burgess. The chief materials used were granite from the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down and limestone from the local quarry in Milverton. The tower was built 83 feet high and the total cost of all the buildings, and apparatus, was £13,248 .The building was completed and the light was first operated on 1st. July 1860. Coal gas, supplied from a gas producing plant on the rock, provided the light until 1905. Throughout those years the lightkeepers had trouble from the gas system, as it regularly suffered damage from storms and corrosion.

From 1905 the light was powered by paraffin until 1980, when it was converted to electricity. A fog signal was established on Rockabill in 1918, and a radio telephone was installed in 1952. The lighthouse was relieved by a local boat from Skerries, or by one of the vessels owned by the Trinity Board, until 1970. From then it was relieved by helicopter. There were a total of six lightkeepers doing duty on the rock. Three were stationed on the rock doing four weeks duty at a time, while the other three had four weeks liberty. The keepers and their families lived in houses specially built for them in Harbour Road. These houses were sold in 1975, and sadly the lighthouse became fully automatic, and was demanned in March 1989.

Rockabill is an internationally important breeding site for Roseate Tern and is the most important colony in Europe.

In 2000, 614 pairs bred, an increase from 366 in 1991. Common Terns also breed with 607 pairs and 88 pairs of Arctic Tern. Other breeding seabirds are Black Guillemot (36 pairs) and Kittiwakes (160 pairs). Egg predation by Turnstones and probably Gulls was more noticeable than in previous years, but is seems like the Roseate have fared better than the Common and Arctic Terns, with 1.43 young successfully fledged from each egg laying pair. Nest boxes are provided by Eugene Macken’s class in Balbriggan Community College.

Since 1989 the site has been wardened by NPWS and BWI during the breeding season, and research and habitat management have been carried out. The site is owned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights and is a Refuge for Fauna and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive.

Seatour  Skerries Islands

The Skerries Islands are a group of three islands situated between 1 km and 2 km east of Skerries. Shenick’s Island is connected to the mainland by sandflats at low tide. The other two islands are St. Patricks’s and Colt. Shenick’s is composed of lower Palaeozic rocks consisting of Ordovician volcanic, siltstones and shales. On the south-east of the island there is a patch of red breccia which rests unconformably on the Ordovician strata. The underlying strata are not horizontal – which is most frequently the case where an unconformity exists.

The islands are important bird islands. In 1992 15 pairs of Fulmar bred on Shenick’s and three pairs on St.Patrick’s Island. A recently established Cormorant colony on St. Patrick’s Island was discovered in 1992 and had at least 35 pairs. Shags also breed on St. Patrick’s, with 112 pairs in 1986. Large gulls breed on all three islands. Between 1984-86 the following were recorded: 89 pairs of Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls, mostly the former on Shenick’s; c.250-300 pairs of Herring Gulls, c.200 pairs of Great Black-backed Gulls on St.Patrick’s; 232 pairs of Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls, mostly the former on Colt.

In winter, the islands are frequented by geese and some waders. Brent Geese have been regular in recent years, usually in numbers less than 50. Barnacle and Greylag Geese also occur on occasions, seldom more than 50, these birds being from the Lambay populations. In January 1992, 250 Oystercatchers, 500 Golden Plover, 400 Lapwing and 600 Curlew were present. Up to three Short-eared Owls are regular each winter, though as many as six have been seen. The owls occur most often on Shenick’s and St. Patrick’s Islands. The Shenick’s Island is now a bird reserve managed by the Irish Wildbird Conservancy.

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Friday, April 19, 2024 Copyright Malahide Charter Boat

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Malahide Charter Boat

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There is something mystical about islands. County Dublin’s offshore islands are peaceful havens where nature and wildlife can thrive undisturbed by the city's influence. Cliffs, beaches, rocky outcrops, shrubs and grassland provide perfect habitats for a whole plethora of birds. There are endless opportunities for bird-watching with the added possibility of seeing dolphins and seals.

Malahide Charter Boat has three different offerings; sightseeing and marine wildlife tours around Lambay Island, summer mackerel fishing trips, and sea angling for the more experienced angler.

The vessel, Naomi Leigh, is fully licensed and insured to carry twelve passengers and has all the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment. Available for group and individual bookings.

Malahide itself is an established and popular visitor attraction with ample car parking and the area is serviced by both bus and rail. For bookings please call, text or email.

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Lambay Island

Let's explore.

Nestled in the Irish Sea just four miles off the coast of County Dublin, the island is a sqaure mile in extent making it the largest island off the east coast of Ireland and the largest privately owned island in North- West Europe. It is a paradise of fine architecture, birds, flowers, cattle, seals, fallow deer and even a mob of wallabies! Lambay welcomes a limited number of pre-arranged guests between the months of April and September. Visits to Lambay are arranged on a private basis only, and there are set fees for groups of up to six or 12 people. Boat transfers between Malahide and Lambay are organised by Lambay and included as part of part of the tour package. Boat timings are tide dependent and the open sea crossing takes approximately 20 minutes.

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Lambay Island Walking Tour - Skerries Sea Tours

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I've grown up in the north of County Dublin and like many people gazed across the sea at the... read more

A magical day. I flew over from London for the day knowing that a friend’s invitation to tour... read more

Lambay Island Walking Tour

This 6 hour round trip has it all, and is a MUST see if you are living or visiting north county Dublin. A sea tour, 3 hour island walk, wallabies, cattle and a castle all steeped in mystery and history. 30 mins by boat from Skerries followed by a guided walking tour of the privately owned Lambay Island including limited access to some of the grounds of the currently occupied castle and associated buildings. The walk takes you from the pier on Lambay Island past the farm house and castle to the highest point on the Island. You will walk past tame cattle, a Gannet colony wild Wallabies and deer. The views of Howth Head, Ireland's Eye, The Rockabill and the North Dublin coastline are fantastic. Our guide was Gerry Grimes from Skerries his knowledge of the Island both historical and ecological was substantial. There are not many opportunities to visit a privately owned Island with the owner in residence in a castle built in the 1500's, this is what makes Lambay Island special Lord Revelstoke lives here and his family and their castle are steeped in history and mystery it's a pleasure to visit and get a small insight into their island lifestyle. If like boats, walking, castles, history or wildlife then there will be something to interest you on this tour I cannot recommend it highly enough it is money well spent. Bring a packed lunch and good walking shoes and finish off the day with a pint in Joe Mays pub on the Harbour Rd Skerries.

Five of us had a brilliant trip around Rockabill Lighthouse with Eoin from Skerries Seatours. We had the pleasure of seeing roseate terns, common terns, kittiwakes, black guillemots, greater black-backed gulls, herring gulls, cormorants, shags, common guillemots and razorbills and up close views of 2 puffins. We also had several views of grey seals starting from skerries harbour and all round Rockabill. Eoin was a fantastic guide, he knew everything from the history of Rockabill, Lambay and the Skerries Islands to the wildlife that occupies the islands. I will definitely recommend Skerries seatours to all my wildlife enthusiast friends. I can't wait to take a trip to Lambay island next.

Four of us enjoyed our sea trip with Eoin of Skerries seatours. We went to see and photo the Roseate Terns. Eoin gave us excellent opportunities to do that. We also saw and photographed Gray Seals, Black and Common Guillimots, Puffins, Kittiwakes, Shags, Arctic and Common Terns, etc. Eoin is an excellent guide. He shared his knowledge of the area - the various islands including the lighthouse. This was a really enjoyable couple of hours. This is a special experience that can be followed up with a wonderful dinner at "Stoop your Head" in Skerries.

Enjoyed this tour very much in January 2014. Captain was very helpful and friendly but not too pushy. Really enjoyed all the wildlife. Would recommend to all.

The day was beautifully sunny with a calm sea. The boat was great and safe for the three young children we had in our party of seven. The sea tour of Lambay island does not take you to the island, but around it, so there is no opportunity to witness its historic sites. This was disappointing as their website promises differently. The skipper we had (not Eoin) failed in his duties by not explaining the safety features and procedures on board or how to operate the life jackets. The skipper was also not very knowledgeable about the wildlife that we observed, although he was engaging enough in non-related chit chat. We did see nesting birds from a distance, as the skipper would not get close to the shore in spite of the very flat conditions. We did not see seals. All in all, I consider that the cost of the two hour trip was excessive for the experience that we got. I will not recommend this tour as for me it was a waste of time and money.

Hello Jan, I have just seen your review from our Lambay island tour.I am extremely sorry that the tour did not live up to your expectations.As you can see from our other reviews this is very rare.The skipper who was working that day has been informed,Safety is our number one issue onboard our boats.I apologies for the inconvience caused.Your money has been refunded. Eoin

My family & I had a wonderful few hours with Eoin on the boat last summer. Went around St. Patrick's Island, Colt, and Rockabill. Saw things I hadn't seen after years of living in the area and overlooking the islands, and Eoin is very knowledgable about the wildlife. It was slightly pricey - can't remember how much exactly, but maybe the price of a meal - but I didn't mind paying it really, as it was so different than our usual family outings, and definitely more memorable than a meal out, and it lasted quite a long time. We will definitely do it again.

Lambay Island

Top ways to experience Lambay Island and nearby attractions

• James`s • 2 min walk
• Fatima • 4 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Lambay Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Skerries Sea Tour

Skerries Sea Tours runs two passenger trips daily; to Rockabill Lighthouse (1 Hour & 15 mins) and Lambay Island (2 Hours). The trips are run by local RNLI crewman Eoin Grimes, aboard an 8.4 metre Redbay Rib with a single 300 HP engine. The boat can carry 7 passengers and 1 crew member, is fully insured and carries the required P3 license from the Department of Transport.

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Skerries Harbour, Skerries, Co.Dublin

+353 (0) 86 304 3847

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http://www.skerriesseatours.ie/index.html

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Walking tour of Lambay Island via... - Lambay Island

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Walking tour of Lambay Island via Skerries Sea Tours.

We had the good fortune to participate in a small group walking tour of Lambay Island yesterday via Skerries Sea Tours. It was outstanding. Starting with safety first on the boat, it was a quick trip over to the Island. Gerry, our Captain and guide was great. After landing on the Island, Gerry took us on a three plus hour tour of the Island. I ended up taking notes as he was very informative and made a number of good suggestions on resources to investigate after getting home. Since the Island is very restrictive in regards to visitors, our group felt fortunate to be able to walk around such amazing history. The walled gardens, the White House, the Castle and the tennis courts were all fascinating however for me, walking through beautiful fields with great vistas were the highlight. Wallaby sightings were fun too along with many many birds. I cannot recommend this highly enough!!

I have always wanted to visit Lambay Island as my house overlooks it. Skerries Sea Tours are now running boat trips on weekends though one must book in advance The inflatable rib leaves from Malahide Marina and seats about 10 people .It is a wonderful jaunt but is weather dependant. Eoghan Grimes and his father Gerry are the main men and both have a great love for the sea and the local area. The island is a haven for all sorts of seabirds, ,sheep ,black angus cattle and wait for it ....wallabies.. !! It is incredible to see these animals hopping about in such an usual place. The Bering family own the island and conduct tours of their magnificent castle for groups of 10 at various times during the year. The famous architect Lutyens designed the buildings ,walls and beautiful white oak gates .He was a remarkable man and has buildings all over the world . Bring a picnic and admire the beautiful coastline . Lambay is a magical place and I would highly recommend this worthwhile trip in the capable hands of Eoin the skipper and his knowledgeable father Gerry Grimes. The Lambay beef and indeed Wallaby steaks are now available in Kerrigans butchers Malahide . Go experience the wonder that is Lambay fellow travellers,and ye wont be disappointed.. .

We had a wonderful gathering on Lambay with family and friends to celebrate my husband’s birthday. The island is unique - a total break from busy lives on the mainland, pitch black at night, the only sounds sea birds and waves. The hosts, Millie and Alex, couldn’t have been more welcoming - they went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect. The accommodation has been thoughtfully spruced up in recent years and was comfortable and cozy - perfect for this type of gathering. Food and music were absolutely first class. Kids had a blast playing on the beaches and spotting wallabies and seals. We had dozens of compliments from friends saying they couldn’t imagine a more fun celebration. We will be back!

I have never experienced anything like this. The island is off the grid, and beautiful. The castle with its Lutyens designed wing, rooms and furniture is special and incredible. The island is lovely to explore, with views all the way to Northern Ireland. Pack a sense of adventure and sensible shoes and pyjamas.

Lambay is not a public venue and not, in my opinion, a place that should be featured on TripAdvisor. However, having been lucky enough to visit this magical island last week, I feel compelled to respond to this review, which is, to me, entirely inaccurate. What an incredible place - the stunning Lutyens architecture, furnishings and fittings; the other-worldly feel of the Castle woods; the warmth and kindness of the islanders... this is not a hotel, nor a corporate venue. It is for discerning people who wish to get away from the relentlessness of modern day city life. The super-king beds are extremely comfortable, the bathrooms beautifully appointed, and the heating / hot water is all off-grid, with the electricity powered entirely by renewable energy from the island's wind turbine and solar panels. Comfort, elegance and environmental responsibility wrapped into one - perfect!

We didn't like the place. First it is hard to get in there- only by boat. Buildings is very old and extremely cold. Heating was turned off at night. We had to take off shoes and walk on cold ground. Carpets were terrible. Room had no bathroom, there was one bathroom per four rooms only. No basic cosmetics in the bathroom. Food was horrible and cold. On breakfast when you came in late you had nothing left. Service was friendly but when we asked for tea/ coffee we were told that we can get it later not now. Island is dangerous. First we were told that we have to be careful while walking there because of animals, slippery rocks, fallen trees, fallen cliffs, dangerous buildings and holes on island. The worst place we've ever been.

Lambay Island

Top ways to experience Lambay Island and nearby attractions

• James`s • 2 min walk
• Fatima • 4 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

LAMBAY ISLAND: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.19 mi) Herberton Apartments
• (0.50 mi) Ashling Hotel Dublin
• (0.60 mi) easyHotel Dublin City Centre
• (0.50 mi) Tipperary House
• (0.70 mi) Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, Tivoli
• (0.00 mi) Toss'd
• (0.09 mi) Bell Pesto Cafè
• (0.12 mi) Coffee District
• (0.13 mi) Leopold Coffee House St James Hospital
• (0.16 mi) Yu cafe

PRIVATE ISLAND

Overnight stays on Lambay are limited to preserve the island's unspoiled ecosystem and are subject to the approval of the Lambay Estate directors.  It is possible to stay on the island between the months of April and September, either by applying to privately book O'Connells Cottage (6 guests) or the White House (12 or 16 guests); or by booking on one of our unparalleled retreats.