Islands of Ireland: Illaungorm North in Galway was once home to two families

There are the remains of a quay on the northern shore of the island near a few houses where the two families were recorded as living

Illaungorm North in Galway. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

In the inner reaches of Bertraghboy Boy in Connemara where the hulking masses of the Twelve Bens and Maumturk mountain ranges dominate the skyline there is another bay hidden away. Cashel Bay has a myriad of small islands scattered around its edges (Illaunaknock, Corn Island, Illaunaguilky) while a few large ones occupy centre stage. It is a quiet place, with scant sea traffic, and a joyful escape from the city.

One of the larger islands is Illaungorm North which was once home to two families but they have been gone for about 100 years and the island now looks a little worse for wear in their absence.