Islands of Ireland: Rolling hills and peek-a-boo goats at Hog Island, County Clare

Legend has it that Gráinne defeated her lover, Diarmuid, in a stone-throwing contest from Kilrush. The winning rock measured 8 feet by 8 feet and landed on Hog Island — and it's still there

Hog Island County Clare

If ever an island were overshadowed by an illustrious neighbour then Hog Island, County Clare is the prime example. Not even possessed of a nice-sounding name, the island in the further reaches of the Shannon Estuary is the poor relation of Scattery Island which has the ruins of seven churches and a round tower.

Scattery also has a lovely lighthouse. In contrast, Hog Island has a broken-down cow shed.