The Islands of Ireland: Pining for the island in the river

The jetty is a bit shaky and the timbers are rotted in places, but the wooden structure is sound enough to permit visitors to Illaunslea, Kenmare Bay, Co Kerry.

A wall of dense foliage meets any alighting seafarer. There seems no way through. There is though. Crouching really low allows the visitor to make out some stone steps and an entrance of sorts to a wide expanse, a small garden perhaps? No, just a very small clearing with a view of a beautiful old house with unusual architecture, Swiss in appearance. Hidden away, among the boughs and the fronds a much-loved house, still dignified.