Islands of Ireland: The most difficult island to reach in this entire series... Illauneina

This small wooded island is in a Kerry lake that is almost sealed off by a ring of foreboding mountains

Illauneina in Cloonaghlin Lough in the heart of the Dunkerron Mountains, County Kerry. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

The concept of remoteness in Ireland is somewhat overstated. We have a small country and nowhere is that difficult to reach. Except, (there is always an 'except') where nature throws up such obstacles that crossing them makes the journey very difficult or precarious, or both.

Among the most difficult places to get to for this columnist was Frehill Island under Mweelrea, the highest peak of Connacht in County/ Mayo [link below]. However, that task was a mere traipse down to the shop in comparison to Illauneina in County Kerry.