Islands of Ireland: 'Tanks' for the memories Corkbeg

Corkbeg Island near the mouth of Cork Harbour is today an industrial location with Ireland’s only oil refinery whose silver cylinders dominate the low-lying island like giant mugs, writes Dan McCarthy.

The refinery mostly occupies the mainland a few hundred metres away at Whitegate with Corkbeg Island holding seven of the giant storage tanks. A long jetty, like the proboscis of a foraging animal, extends to a landing, where huge tankers berth.