Deserted Island Private Landing Tour

Leave the mainland behind for a while. This private boat trip from Roundstone Harbour takes you across Roundstone Bay to Inishlacken, a deserted island with rough beauty, open beaches, wildlife, and views toward Roundstone and the Twelve Bens. I like the small private format, which keeps the outing personal, and I like the freedom to walk, swim, fish, or simply sit on the shore.

The main drawback is the fixed weather risk. The tour needs good conditions, and the booking is non-refundable if you cancel for your own reasons. Still, at $180.72 per group of up to five, it can be strong value for a family or group that wants a private island outing rather than a standard sightseeing cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Inishlacken is the main event: You get time to walk the deserted island, enjoy its beaches, and take in views of Roundstone and the Twelve Bens.
• The boat ride is part of the fun: The route through Roundstone Bay offers a chance to watch for wildlife and enjoy the coast from the water.
• Lobster-pot fishing can be added: You may pull a lobster pot over the side and see what comes up.
• The group stays private: Only your party takes part, with a maximum of five people.
• You control the island time: Walk around, relax on a beach, swim, or simply enjoy the views at your own pace.
• The host adds local character: Damien has been praised for his friendly manner and strong knowledge of the coast.

Crossing Roundstone Bay from Roundstone Harbour

Your meeting point is Roundstone Harbour in County Galway, and the trip returns there after about two and a half hours. That simple out-and-back plan makes the tour easy to fit into a day in Connemara, especially if you are already visiting Roundstone.

The crossing is not just transport to the island. Roundstone Bay gives you an early look at the coast, and the boat ride lets you see the area from a different angle than you would from the road. Keep your attention on the water and shoreline, since wildlife may appear along the way.

This is a private trip, so you are not placed with a large crowd or rushed through a set group schedule. That matters if you are traveling with children, older family members, or people who have different ideas about how to spend their island time.

One especially appealing feature is the chance to pull a lobster pot during the journey. This adds a hands-on bit of coastal life to what might otherwise be a simple boat transfer. It is not presented as a guaranteed catch, so think of it as a fun part of the outing rather than a promise of dinner.

Inishlacken, a deserted island with room to breathe

Inishlacken is the reason to book this experience. The island is described as deserted, rugged, and full of wildlife, with beaches that give you space to wander or rest. You will not be following a packed sightseeing route with one photo stop after another. Instead, you get a short landing on an island where the appeal is the lack of development.

I like that the island time is not reduced to a quick shore stop. You can walk around, look for wildlife, relax on one of the beaches, or take in the views. If you enjoy places that feel open and quiet, this is much more appealing than a tour built around constant commentary.

The views also give the outing a clear sense of place. From Inishlacken, you can look back toward Roundstone and the Twelve Bens. That combination of island, bay, village, and mountain views makes the trip feel tied to Connemara rather than like a generic boat ride.

You should set your expectations correctly, though. This is a wild island visit, not a polished attraction with facilities and an organized program of activities. The value comes from the setting and the freedom. If you prefer museums, cafés, paved paths, or a long list of scheduled stops, the experience may feel too spare.

Time for a walk, a swim, or a quiet beach stop

The flexible pace is one of the tour’s best features. You can walk around Inishlacken if you want to see more of the island, or you can settle on a beach and enjoy the views without trying to fill every minute.

Swimming is also possible. One family outing included a swim at Inishlacken, while other members of the group enjoyed the boat and island in their own ways. That tells you something useful about the trip: it can work for a mixed-age group, since not everyone needs to choose the same activity.

Children may also get more involved than they would on a standard cruise. On one outing, the children were allowed to steer the boat, while an adult pulled up a lobster pot. You should treat these details as dependent on the host and conditions, but they show how the private format can turn the trip into an active family experience.

An older family member can enjoy the social side and scenery without needing to complete a long walk. An 80-year-old passenger was able to take part in the fun with Damien, which makes this a more flexible choice than an excursion that depends on strenuous hiking.

The island itself does require sensible preparation. The available information does not list facilities, so I would plan for a short outing in a natural setting rather than count on shops or services after leaving Roundstone. Bring what you need for the time outdoors, and choose footwear and clothing that suit an island with rugged ground and changeable coastal weather.

Damien and the personal feel of the trip

The guide can make or break a small boat tour, and Damien receives particularly warm praise for his hosting. His local understanding of the coast adds value during the crossing, while his friendly approach helps the trip feel relaxed rather than formal.

That personal style is important here because the tour is short. With about two hours and thirty minutes in total, you do not have time for a long formal presentation. A good host helps you notice the coast, understand what you are seeing, and make the most of the island stop without turning the outing into a lecture.

The private setup also lets you ask questions and shape the experience around your group. A family with children might focus on the boat, wildlife, and lobster pot. Another group might prefer a quiet walk and a beach stop. You are not locked into the interests of a busload of people.

The language offered is English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the departure point is close to public transportation. Most people can take part, although the natural island setting means you should consider your own comfort with boat travel, shore landings, and uneven outdoor ground.

What the $180.72 group price really buys

The listed price is $180.72 for up to five people, not a per-person rate. That changes the value calculation.

For five people, the cost works out to about $36.14 each. For four, it is about $45.18 each. For a couple, the same private price works out to about $90.36 per person. The tour therefore offers its best value for a family or small group, while couples may need to place a higher value on privacy and flexibility.

You are paying for more than a boat ride. The price includes a private outing, the crossing through Roundstone Bay, an island landing, time to explore Inishlacken, and the possibility of adding fishing to the route. It also avoids the compromises of a large shared boat, where you may have little control over the pace.

At two and a half hours, this is not an all-day island expedition. That can be a benefit if you want to see Inishlacken without giving up the rest of your day in Connemara. It can be a drawback if you expect a long hike or several island stops.

I see the price as fair for a group of up to five, especially if you use the private format well. Bring a family, include different ages, and let each person choose how active to be. For a couple, I would book it mainly if the private island setting is the reason for the trip.

Weather, timing, and the cancellation risk

Good weather is required, and poor conditions can lead to cancellation. If the operator cancels for weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is a reasonable protection, but it still means you need some flexibility in your Galway plans.

Your own cancellation policy is much stricter. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. Since the tour is often booked about 13 days in advance, think about your schedule before committing.

I would avoid placing this tour on the only day you have available in the region if possible. A spare day gives you a better chance to move the outing if weather interrupts the plan. That is particularly important in coastal Ireland, where conditions can affect boat trips even when the morning looks promising.

The short duration helps with planning, but you still need to arrive at Roundstone Harbour ready to leave at the scheduled time. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you can continue your day from Roundstone afterward.

Who will enjoy Inishlacken most

I would recommend this outing to:

• Families who want children to take part rather than sit quietly on a boat
• Small groups seeking a private coastal experience
• People who like beaches, wildlife, open views, and uncrowded places
• Visitors already exploring Roundstone and Connemara
• Mixed-age groups that want flexible activity levels
• Anyone interested in a simple island escape with a local host

It is less suitable if you want a guaranteed wildlife sighting, a long guided walk, extensive facilities, or a fully scheduled tour. The island is the attraction, and its appeal depends on your enjoyment of natural surroundings and unstructured time.

The trip also suits people who want a taste of island travel without giving up a full day. Two hours and thirty minutes is enough to cross the bay, spend time ashore, and return to Roundstone while leaving room for other Connemara plans.

Practical advice before you book

Think about your group first. Five people make the price attractive, while a couple will pay more per person for the same private boat. If your party includes children, the hands-on elements may help keep them interested, especially if conditions allow them to steer or help with the lobster pot.

Plan for the outdoors. The information confirms beaches, wildlife, walking, and swimming, but it does not describe on-island facilities. I would carry any personal items you need for the short trip and prepare for a natural, exposed setting.

Keep the weather rule in mind. If the boat operator cancels, you can move to another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel, however, you lose the payment, so do not book until your plans are firm.

Roundstone Harbour is the start and finish, and the activity is offered in English with a mobile ticket. Most people can participate, but you should consider your own ability to manage a boat trip and a rugged island landing.

Should you book the Deserted Island Private Landing Tour?

I would book this tour if you want a personal, low-key island outing and can accept the weather and cancellation limits. The combination of Inishlacken’s beaches, the views back to Roundstone and the Twelve Bens, the bay crossing, and the optional lobster-pot stop gives the trip more character than a simple coastal cruise.

For families and groups of up to five, the price is especially reasonable. For couples, it is still appealing if privacy matters and you want time on a deserted island rather than a crowded attraction.

Skip it if you need certainty, indoor facilities, or a packed program. But if your ideal Connemara experience includes a boat, a wild shore, a friendly local host such as Damien, and enough free time to set your own pace, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the Deserted Island Private Landing Tour start?

The tour starts at Roundstone Harbour in Roundstone, County Galway, Ireland.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point, Roundstone Harbour.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours and thirty minutes.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers one group of up to five people, and only your group participates.

Can fishing be added to the trip?

Yes. You can choose to add fishing, including the opportunity to pull a lobster pot during the boat trip.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.