The Italian Garden and casita
Relax amid the Italian garden's sunken pool and Bath-stone teahouse or 'casita', and marvel at the marble sarcophagus of Roman origin.
Garinish Island (Oileán Garinis)
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About
A tiny island garden in Glengarriff harbour, where a mild Gulf-Stream climate grows Italian terraces, a walled garden and a Martello tower — reachable only by a short boat trip past a seal colony.
Things to Do
The Walled Garden
Sheltered by the island's mild, humid micro-climate, the walled garden holds spectacular planting that flourishes all year round.
Bryce House guided tour
Learn how owner Annan Bryce and architect Harold Peto created this world-renowned garden. Bryce House opens only for very limited guided tours in the shoulder season.
Grecian Temple and viewpoints
Walk up to the roofless Grecian Temple rotunda, which overlooks the sea and the Caha Mountains, then on to the viewing point for a panorama of the island's finest features.
Cross by boat from Glengarriff
Small ferries and 60-seater waterbuses run to Ilnacullin regularly from Glengarriff village. The 15-minute crossing often includes a detour past the harbour's seal colony and a chance to spot the resident white-tailed eagles.
Climb the Martello Tower
Built in 1805 against a feared Napoleonic invasion, this vertical-walled tower sits at the island's highest point and is open to visitors, with fine views over Bantry Bay.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open 20 March – 4 November 2026. 20–31 Mar daily 10:00–15:30; 1 Apr–30 Jun daily 10:00–16:30; 1 Jul–31 Aug daily 09:30–16:30; 1 Sep–31 Oct daily 10:00–16:30; 1–4 Nov daily 09:30–15:30.
- Admission: OPW island admission: adults €5, groups/seniors €4, children/students €3, family €13 — payable on arrival
- Parking: Free parking is available in Glengarriff village, where the ferry departs; cycle parking is also available in the village.
- Food: A café on the island, close to the arrival point, serves food and drink with tables to sit at; Glengarriff village has cafés, shops and a summer outdoor food market.
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