The Islands of Ireland: The lure of the less-visited

Great Saltee: nearly unpopulated, save the family of the island's late king.

When the ferryman pulls away from the pier and the salty spray of the sea hits your face, the feeling of release from the mainland is deeply pleasurable. Your island awaits. Whether for a day trip or a holiday, the lure of the islands is as magnetic as ever.

Here are six of our lesser-visited islands. So get out that map and get booking.