WHEN you think of Ireland's capital you may think the hustle and bustle that goes with any city.
What many may not know, however, is that within the county of Dublin is a stunning island with breathtaking views.
Lambay Island is a family-run private island that offers day-trips and short stays to enjoy the unique scenery.
It provides a sanctuary for nature, history and creativity, the owners said, while celebrating a brilliant heritage.
Just 20 km from the centre of Dublin and 5 km off the coast of Rush, it is the largest island off the east coast of the country.
It has gorgeous landscapes and a range of wildlife unique to the island.
Lambay Island is home to a range of flora and fauna including birds, sheep, seals and fallow deer.
There is also a mob of wallabies on the island.
It is home to a variety of seabirds and also boasts the largest breeding colony of Atlantic Grey Seals on the east coast of Ireland.
The Natural 2000 site is designated for its birdlife and seal colonies and has been the site of pioneering biological investigations by naturalist Robert Lloyd Praeger in 1906.
For history buffs, you can immerse yourself in the historical architecture made by Sir Edwin Lutyens and the Baring family.
The island also produces its own whiskey, and provides retreats for those looking to get away.
Visitors can choose from wellness or creative retreats, or can simply opt for an escape to an off-grid paradise.
It even has the remnants of a huge volcano - a nod to it's origin.
The island was made after two continents joined to create Ireland, though it's early history is described as being "obscure" on the website.
After the two joined, the island of Lambay formed from a flecked green stone called Porphyry.
Neolithic ancestors used this stone to create axes over 7000 years ago.
The island attracted many saints, hermits and pirates, and is even thought to be one of the first places that the Vikings landed.
Proof of its ancient history and early settlements found around the harbour date back to the 1st Century AD.
Some of the artefacts found were moved to the Dublin Museum.
The island has steep cliffs on the northern, easter and southern sides, while the western shore is slow-lying.
To visit the island, you can choose from a number of options.
You can choose an individual booking on Eamon McGrattan's Nature and History Walking Tours from €x but ti is not suitable for kids under 12.
It should also be noted that a "reasonable" level of fitness is required.
For a private group booking, Eamon also caters for up to 12 people and offers a bespoke offering, catering to what you would prefer to see on the tour.
There are set fees for groups of six people, 12 people and bigger, and must be arranged on a private group basis.
Lambay organises boat trips between Malahide and the island, included as part of the package for the day trip.
Boat timings are tide dependent and it takes around 25 minutes.
The island is closed to visitors in the winter months.
Lambay Island is described as "a truly unique corner of the earth" and is not to be missed.
