Islands of Ireland: Arranmore is a magnet for hillwalkers, birdwatchers, anglers, swimmers, divers... and island fans

One trail here leads to the northwest of the island where the lighthouse can be found. Like all our other lighthouses, it is unmanned and automated. Since 1865 it has directed ships away from its rocks

Arranmore, County Donegal has several walking trails which start at the pier and lead around the island

Among the more appealing descriptions of Arranmore in County Donegal is one from the kayaker who circumnavigated Ireland a couple of decades ago. Jasper Winn described the seventh largest Irish island thus: “In my mind I’ve recreated Árainn Mhór as a mix of Dingle, Dublin and my own idea of the garden of earthly delights.”

The appeal is threefold: the vibrancy of a coastal community; enough urbanity to slake that demand, and a beautiful island in the Atlantic Ocean with enough nature to satisfy the keenest David Attenborough.