Islands of Ireland: Mizen Head's Bird Island is really tricky to get to — and that's great

'This is just the fourth island in this series to defeat the attempt of this columnist to land'

There are many Bird Islands in the country including at Kilmakilloge Harbour, Ardgroom Harbour, Dunworley near Clonakilty, and Cape Clear. All are appropriately named as they provide breeding grounds and shelter for myriad bird species. Picture: Larry Cummins

There is remote and then there is remote. Bird Island is the only island along the northside of the furthest reaches of the Mizen Peninsula and is so isolated it can barely be seen from the peninsula itself. Even from the opposite Sheep’s Head it is hard to see as it blends in seamlessly with the Mizen landscape.

Further back towards the village of Durrus there is a small archipelago with Carbery Island the largest. However, on the northern cliffs heading towards the glorious Three Castles Head there is just the lonely Bird Island.