The Islands of Ireland: Former East Skeam resident recalls life on the island in West Cork

Overlooking Roaringwaterbay in West Cork is a house on a hill. A couple of Scots pine trees stand by the house as if on guard. The setting is majestic — the island of East Skeam. The views are otherworldly, writes Dan MacCarthy.

The house commands a view of Carbery’s Hundred Isles: The companion West Skeam; the big brother Heir Island.

The island fragments of Goose, Coolin and Illaungawna. Sherkin is glimpsed over the low escarpment of Heir.