Islands of Ireland: Surging seas, foam, and treacherous reefs surround Govern Island

The enormous and appropriately-named White Strand is the best place from which to approach the island

Govern Island, County Mayo. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

It has been claimed here in a previous article that Frehill Island is Mayo’s most inhospitable island with the best embarkation point on the mainland situated on a remote beach which is itself quite difficult to access. Therefore, its neighbouring island, Govern Island can’t be the most inhospitable, but it sure runs a close second.

At 12metres high it may seem like an insignificant splotch but when you are that far from the mainland in a rough sea it appears like a benign sanctuary and very sizeable indeed. However, you are unlikely to find space to camp as it is a barren outpost of the county.