Islands of Ireland: 32 unoccupied acres off Galway's coast — besides sheep and gulls

Galway's Birmore Island doesn't appear on Google Maps and there isn't a ferry to this island but it was once home to 17 people

Ruin on Birmore Island, Kilkieran Bay, Connemara. County Galway. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

The eastern sea approach to Birmore Island in Connemara is blocked by a giant reef of imposing seaweed-covered rocks with much foaming water around. It is as if the island forbids visitors with this formidable defence. 

Still, an attempt at landing must be made. After a channel opens up at the back of the reef, a calm lagoon gives way to more seaweed and an awkward clamber over the rocks. As a plentiful sward appears, a throng of sheep hold court.