Discover the lighthouse that never was

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. 

Ballycotton Island in east Cork is a standout island, with its lighthouse providing safe navigation for shipping for over 150 years. Nearby, and around the same distance offshore, is Capel Island, just along the coast from Youghal and the mighty River Blackwater.

The island lies 500m off Knockadoon head (which itself has a striking Napoleonic-era watchtower which forms part of the superb new 7.5km walking trail built thanks to the efforts of the Knockadoon Enhancement Project. The island is a few kilometres along the road from the village of Ballymacoda. Boats fish the waters here for lobster, bass and plaice — the remnants of a much larger industry.