Mainlanders to sample island life

Fancy becoming an islander for the weekend? If so then those living on the inhabited islands off West Cork would be more than delighted to meet you.

The people of the islands are hosting an open weekend on June 23-24 and are hoping as many mainlanders as possible will come and share in a taste of their lives.

Every day, students board early-morning ferries to school, a hospital check-up might entail a car journey and for some a trip to the shops might mean a quick cable car ride over the Dursey Sound.

The theme of the weekend is to come and be an ‘islander’ where visitors can avail of reduced prices on ferry services and all of the events being staged on the islands, as well as enjoying many free activities.

The weekend will have a festival atmosphere, with a variety of activities and events on offer — from live traditional music, guided walks, holistic treatments, a photography competition, water-based activities, live theatre and a bake-your-own pizza demonstration.

Islanders are organising and participating in many of the events throughout the weekend, and will be on hand to socialise and chat about their experiences of island life.

For those who just want to get away from it all, there are quiet country lanes to wander, and hilly outcrops to relax and take in the spectacular scenery.

Cork is one of only six counties in the country to have permanent island communities.

The open weekend is part of an interagency initiative to brand and strengthen links between the seven inhabited West Cork islands.

* www.Westcorkislands.com has a brochure with full listings for each island available for download.