FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some questions one might have as a visitor to Heir Island.

  1. Can I bring my car to the island?
  2. What is the ferry timetable?
  3. Where are the visitor moorings?
  4. Can I buy food and drinks on the island?
  5. What should I do about my rubbish?
  6. Where are the walks and beaches?
  7. What kind of wildlife will I see?
  8. Where is the defibrillator located?
  9. Where are the public toilets?

Click here if you are interested in learning more about the island’s residents and what it is like to live and work on Heir Island.



1. Can I bring my car to the island?
No, you cannot bring your car onto the island. You will have to park your car at Cunnamore Pier. The only way to reach the island is by by boat. The M.V. Thresher is Heir Island’s official passenger ferry and provides crossings every two hours.


2. What is the ferry timetable?
See Ferry Timetable for the ferry schedule. For questions, please call 086-8092447.


3. Where are the visitor moorings?
There are four visitor moorings located just south of the east pier (main Heir Island pier) and they are available for a fee. For more information, contact the Harbour Master at +353 (0) 87 235 1485.


4. Can I buy food and drinks on the island?
Yes, every July and August, Fuzzy Duck Cafe (10am to 6pm) and Pizzheiria (2pm to 8pm; booking advised) are open from Thursday through Monday. During the other months of the year, please bring a picnic, your own food and refreshments, and come prepared for weather.


5. What should I do about my rubbish?
There are no rubbish bins on the island. Please bring your rubbish back home with you for recycling and disposal. We appreciate your efforts in helping us keep the island litter free.


6. Where are the walks and beaches?
See Walking Map for the trails and directions to the beaches. Heir Island is the perfect place to go walking. The scenery is beautiful and the country roads, or boreens, are safe and pretty much traffic free.


7. What kind of wildlife will I see?
Read the Nature & Wildlife page for more information. Heir Island is a haven for flora and fauna, with an astonishing number of wildflowers to be observed along the boreens. Heir is second only to Sherkin Island in the number of flowers and ferns to be found, several of which are nationally rare. Our panoramic views over Roaringwater Bay and to the other islands will also allow you to observe sea birds in action, such as shags with nests on the cliff of the Dún on the western side of the island.


8. Where is the defibrillator located?
The defibrillator is located at the ferry adjacent to the notice board.


9. Where are the public toilets?
Public toilets are located at the back of Heir Island House, also know as the Pink House. See Walking Map for directions.