Visiting Garnish Island: The Ferry, What To Do + History

Garnish Island is a 37-acre garden island in Glengarriff Harbour, West Cork, known for its Italian gardens, Martello Tower views, and unique microclimate that supports exotic plants.

Reached by ferry from Glengarriff, with a seal colony welcoming you en route, this 37-acre island is a masterpiece of early 20th-century design, born from a collaboration between architect Harold Peto and the visionary Bryce family.

What was meant to be a grand mansion became an elegant cottage instead, with the island evolving into a retreat for writers and artists.

Visiting Garnish Island

Garnish is one of the first stops for many exploring the Beara Peninsula and, as you’ll discover, it’s a starting point that sets the bar incredibly high for everything that follows.

1. Location

Garnish Island is located in the sheltered waters of Glengarriff Harbour in Bantry Bay along the Ring of Beara. It’s not to be confused with another nearby island garden in County Kerry also called Garnish. 

2. The ferry

The Garnish Island Ferry is the only way to reach the island and there are 3 different ferries operating out of the Blue Pool and from Glengarriff’s pier. The ferry takes around 15 minutes each way.

3. Admission

So, there are 2 costs that you encounter when visiting the island – the cost of the ferry (varies by provider) and the cost to enter the island (you’ll need cash):

• Adult: €5
• Group/Senior: €4
• Child/Student: €3
• Family: €13

4. Opening hours

• March to April 1st: 10am to 3:30pm
• April 1st to Oct 31st: 10am to 4:30pm
• July and August: 9:30am to 4:30pm

How to get to Garnish Island via the ferry

Taking a Garnish Island ferry is fairly straightforward, once you’ve booked in advance. There are three main ferry providers servicing Garnish Island from Glengarriff.

The Blue Pool Ferry leaves from the Blue Pool Amenity Area which is next door to Quills Woollen Market in the middle of town. They have departures every 30 minutes during the entire season from April until October. 

The Harbour Queen Ferry leaves from the main pier opposite the Eccles Hotel. These waterbuses depart every 30 minutes (quarter past and quarter to the hour) from April until October. 

Ellen’s Rock Boat Service leaves from Ellen’s Rock about a mile outside of Glengarriff on the Castletownbere Road. Kevin O’Sullivan operates an open-air boat with varying departure times depending on numbers. 

Things to do on Garnish Island

There’s a handful of things to do on Garnish Island, but even before you set foot on land, the trip offers a treat or two.

Here’s what to expect, from lazy seals to lush gardens and towers with mighty views.

1. See the seals on the way over

On the way over, the boat detours to Seal Island where around 250 seals laze on the rocks. They’re well used to ferry boats, so you’ll get a close-up look as they sunbathe and shuffle about.

2. Explore the gardens

Garnish Island’s gardens are a packed with exotic plants thriving in a rare microclimate. A map you’ll get on arrival lays out the paths, leading you through lush sections like the famous Italian Garden, home to colonnades, a reflecting pool, and a pavilion. Most people cover the island in about 90 minutes.

3. Soak up the views from the Martello Tower

Built in 1805, this squat, stone tower watches over the northwest of the island. Climb up for panoramic views of the gardens, island, and bay beyond.

4. Ramble through the walled garden

Tucked near the heart of the gardens, this quiet spot is a visitor favourite. Plants spill over old stone walls, creating a secluded, storybook feel. Don’t miss the nearby clock tower while you’re there.

What to do nearby

One of the beauties of Garnish Island is that it’s a short spin away from many of Cork’s top attractions, like:

• Glengarriff Nature Reserve: A 300-hectare woodland near the village with forest trails
• The Beara Peninsula: Explore via the scenic Ring of Beara drive, looping the coastline with Garnish Island as an easy side trip
• The Healy Pass: A very bendy mountain pass with stunning views from the top
• Whiddy Island: A peaceful wildlife haven a short ferry ride from Bantry
• Bantry House: One of the most popular places to visit in West Cork