Compared with the west coast, the south coast has a mere smattering of islands. From Hook Head in Co Wexford to Cape Clear in Co Cork, there are a few clusters of islands at Glandore, Cork Harbour, and Kilmore Quay, writes Dan MacCarthy. 

Whale and dolphin spotters were training their binoculars on seas around Ireland today in the hope of spotting a glimpse of the country’s largest visitors.