Treshnish Isles
Scotland's Island CoastThe Treshnish Isles are formed from 8 principal islands varying in size, with Lunga being the largest island in the archipelago.
Located at its closest 3km west of Mull, the Treshnish Isles archipelago extends along a northeast-southwest for a distance of 11km. The most accessible island for visitors is Lunga.
Apart from the scenery of the Isles, their mystique as a group of uninhabited islands holds nationally important treasures in the form of a medieval castle as well as a thriving community of wildlife.
Inhabited by huge colonies of seabirds, the islands have attracted travellers and visitors for at least 1000 years and some place names are rooted in the Viking language, reflecting their Hebridean rule.
Good to know!
Plan ahead to make the most of your visit.- Location: The Treshnish Isles are a collection of 8 uninhabited islands and many more skerries off the coast of Mull.
- Ferry: There is no public ferry to the Treshnish Isles, including Lunga. Visitors are recommended to join a guided boat tour.
- Toilets & Facilities: There are no visitor facilities, toilets or formal footpaths on Lunga.
- Drone Photography: Lunga and the Treshnish Isles are a ‘no-drone zone’ between 1 April and 31 July to protect breeding seabirds.
- Camping regulations: Wild camping is not permitted on the Treshnish Isles to protect its nesting seabird colonies.
- Dogs not allowed: Lunga and the Treshnish Isles are a haven for ground-nesting birds such as puffins and storm petrels. Keeping dogs away from their breeding sites is one way to help relieve any additional stress on these populations. Dog-sitting services are available on Mull.
- Avian flu: Avian flu (H5N1) is still potentially affecting seabirds. The risk to human health is very low , but you may see dead birds on your visit. To stay safe, do not touch dead birds or pick up shells, wash your hands before eating and inform a member of staff (your tour guide or local National Trust staff) when spotting dead birds. Thank you!
Unique Wildlife Experiences on an Archipelago of Hebridean Islands
Boat trips are run from Oban or closer by from Mull at Fionnphort, Ulva Ferry and Iona.
A Historic Stronghold
Archaeology of the Treshnish IslesAlthough uninhabited today, the Treshnish Isles used to be home to people from the Iron Age until 1857. You can still find a handful of archaeological sites scattered across the islands that provide a glimpse of human lives lived there in centuries gone by.
The names of some of the islands still reflect their importance to the Vikings, who once ruled in the Hebrides. The islands, and especially Cairnburgh Castle on the islands of Cairn na Burgh Mòr and Cairn na Burgh Beg, gave the Vikings and subsequent inhabitants, such as the MacDougall, MacDonald and Maclean clans, a strong strategic position until it was abandoned in the late 1700s.
Image Credit: National Trust
How to get to the Treshnish Isles
Join a boat tour
The best way to visit the Treshnish Isles is by joining a guided tour with a local boat tour operator. You have a choice of departing from Mull or Oban.
The largest island (Lunga) of the Treshnish Isles is the most accessible to visitors. However, even landing on Lunga is highly dependent on suitable weather conditions.
Boat trips are run from Oban or closer by from Mull at Fionnphort, Ulva Ferry and Iona.
There are no public ferry services to the Treshnish Isles.
ISLE OF MULL
Mull has it all: towering peaks, ancient castles, sparkling sands and rich cultural life. It also has Tobermory, easily the most attractive fishing port on the west coast of Scotland.
IONA
This tiny island is famed for its serenity, tranquillity and beauty. The unique history of Saint Columba and Iona Abbey makes Iona a place of pilgrimage.
STAFFA
Staffa is an entirely volcanic island with dramatic basalt columns and caves. Regular boat trips bring visitors to experience the outstanding Fingal’s Cave and spot some puffins!
ULVA
This community-owned island is an idyllic escape from modern life where the Boathouse offers delicious home cooking. Ulva is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful walker's paradise with impressive archaeological and geological features.
