Cape Clear Island, Co Cork

This is the most southerly island in Ireland. Residents include an Irish-speaking community, farming in traditional ways. Cross the island to get good views to the south of the famous Fastnet Lighthouse, and return along the clifftop to reach the South Harbour, where there is a glamping site. This is a good location to stop and watch seabirds flying past and maybe dolphins or large whales surfacing. While waiting for the return ferry, visit the longest running bird observatory in Ireland at the North Harbour — which holds more than 60 years’ worth of records on migratory birds.

Practical

Take the R595 from Skibbereen to Baltimore, where a daily ferry goes to the island. Start at the North Harbour and walk east along narrow roads.