Canada is taking a lead role in seeking Unesco World Heritage status for a residential Irish island.

The sound of crashing waves is the norm for Valentia Island off south Kerry and Loop Head off west Clare, where lighthouses guide mariners to safe havens.

An American who fell in love with Valentia, Co Kerry, on a visit 12 years ago is to set up an enterprise on the island, leading to 22 new jobs.

Direct descendants of the men whose vision helped bring the transatlantic cable to Valentia Island, Co Kerry, in 1866 will meet for the first time this weekend on the Co Kerry site of the historic achievement.