Living on an island

Teenagers from Cape Clear, Sherkin and other offshore locations tell Rita de Brun about the stormy crossings, the strong sense of community and the difficulty of finding dates

PEOPLE travel to islands for all sorts of reasons: business, romance, solitude, fun. But for those who live there, it’s different, as while their lives are enriched by the gifts of close community and shared tradition, they’re challenged by the compromise that offshore living demands.

Among teens who grew up on the majestic islands off Ireland, there’s an appreciation of the freedom and privilege that brought. Playing care-free in wildflower-filled isles, with the sound of cowbells ringing in the air, is for most, the stuff of fairy tales. Not for them; they lived the childhood dream.