Photo Essay: Cape Clear faces crossroads to avoid becoming ‘glorified old folks home’

The population of Cape Clear may be ageing — but fiercely loyal locals, seduced by its stunning scenery and community spirit, believe that modern industries like renewable energy and its popular gin distillery will secure the island's future.

Goat herder Ed Harper at his home on Cape Clear Island.

From starting a distillery that makes award-winning gin to harnessing renewable energy that can be sold into the national grid, the residents of Ireland’s most southerly island are not short of ideas to maintain the community, says Neil Michael

For a blind man, Ed Harper has a lot of vision for the future of Cape Clear.