The islands of Ireland: Moynish Beg a sinking feeling

THE obliteration of the Hawaiian East Island in Hurricane Walaka in the last few weeks serves as a timely reminder to the vulnerability of many low-lying islands, writes Dan MacCarthy.

There are reputedly 365 islands in Clew Bay, one for each day of the year and many of them are low-lying. In his exhaustive study entitled Croagh Patrick and the Islands of Clew Bay, Michael Cusack says at high tide there are about 100 islands visible. However, sonar analysis has revealed twice that many drowned drumlins and rock outcrops just beneath the surface.