6 islands you absolutely need to visit out west

Brought to you by Rockshore.

Island-hopping but make it local.

Staycations are the name of the game for 2020 and although we've just said goodbye to summer that doesn't mean the adventures have to stop. Also, Irish summers are nothing to write home about (one week of sun I believe?) so let's keep the adventure going in true Irish spirit whatever the weather! Speaking of islands, this is your friendly neighbourhood reminder that time is ticking away to enter an incredible competition that could see you and three of your housemates hopping across our beautiful islands out west. Yes, Rockshore are sending a lucky winner and three of her/his housemates to get outdoors, explore and have some almighty craic on Clare Island, Achill Island, Inis Mór and Collanmore (you'll hear more from these islands later). So what are you waiting for? Enter here for a chance to win, but be quick! The competition closes on September 4. Now... back to business, we're here to talk about islands.  Inis Mór                                                                                            Glamping on Inis Mór Inis Mór is the largest of the Aran islands in Galway Bay. Famous for its strong culture and love of the Irish language it's the perfect place to reconnect with your roots while enjoying the beautiful landscape our islands have to offer. If you're going there we 100% recommend glamping and a bike tour of the island (both on offer if you win the competition *wink*), it's the only way to truly take in the breathtaking scenery and you may bump in to one of the 840 locals while you're at it! Inis Meáin Another of the Aran islands located in Galway Bay is Inis Meáin, nestled in between the bigger and smaller of the Aran Islands Inis Meáin boasts the lowest population so if you're looking for a remote adventure... this is the island for you. This island, like its neighbours, is predominantly Irish-speaking and one of the remarkable things about Inis Meáin is that on one island it has eight national archaeological sites... that's a lot of history for one small island! Among these are some incredible ring forts such as Dooonbeg and Dún Fearbhaí. The stunning stone work on view across the island will make you feel like you've stepped back in time and is truly a sight to behold. Achill Island  Don't forget your surfboards if you're heading to Achill Island. With this island comes the undeniable feeling of freedom. Whether you're exploring the rugged coastline, attempting to get up on a paddle-board (it's harder than it looks lads, believe me) or forgetting about the stresses of the world while surfing on Keem Beach, Achill Island is as close to perfect as you'll get. Also, don't worry if you can't paddle-board, Rockshore's partners Pure Magic are on the island and ready and willing to guide you through the different techniques, tell them we sent ya! Clare Island  Potentially not as high profile as the islands we've highlighted before but DAMN is this place stunning! With its mountainous terrain, this island not only boasts spectacular views but did you know that it is the home of the famous Irish pirate queen of the 16th Century, Gráinne O'Malley? I mean, if not for the views you need to go there to learn about this kick-ass matriarch who was a politician as well as a WARRIOR queen. If you're a winner of the Rockshore competition you'll also be lucky enough to stay in the Clare Island Lighthouse... check out the views below! [caption id="attachment_509531" align="alignnone" width="2048"]                                                                                                             Clare Island Lighthouse[/caption] Inishbofin Inishbofin (or island of the white cow if you want to get technical) is an island just off the coast of Connemara, Co.Galway. With a multitude of landmarks to visit this is the destination island if you're looking for an action-packed few days. The island boasts three hotels as well as a hostel and with walking trails, sailing, horse-riding, snorkelling and angling to name a FEW you certainly won't get bored on Inishbofin. Although we love an adventure, we're also pretty mesmerised with the sunsets on this beauty of an island. If we do say so ourselves, there's nowhere better than home! Collanmore  We couldn't list off glorious islands off the west coast of Ireland and not mention Collanmore. Set amidst an archipelago of islands in the heart of Clew Bay, Co.Mayo, Collanmore Island is the ultimate west-coast getaway. Privacy and space is guaranteed if you visit here as The Collanmore Island Lodge gives you exclusive access to the island for the duration of your stay. This  offers a unique experience for people who want to truly embrace island life and it's perfect if you're dreaming of  kayak filled adventures during the day and murder mystery evenings by night!   [caption id="attachment_509532" align="alignnone" width="2048"]                                                                                                            Collanmore Island Lodge[/caption]   All who enter the above competition must be housemates of one another and all entrants must be over the age of 18. 

Brought to you by Rockshore.