The Islands of Ireland: Both Goat Islands worth a visit

Goat Island and Goat Island Little form an L-shape at the western end of Roaringwater Bay in West Cork

Dan MacCarthy rows to Goat Island Little near Schull, Co Cork. Pictures: James Cunningham

While the Beacon in Baltimore, Co Cork, gets all the attention from walkers and photographers, there is another beacon, less significant maybe, but nonetheless interesting, lying about 20 nautical miles due west of the village. On a visit to Goat Island Little recently I discovered a pleasant spot in a becalmed sea. Well, almost. A forceful breeze and a strong current pushed through the gap that separates it from its big brother, Goat Island. Just imagine the kilowatts of energy that pounded this island last Wednesday when Storm Ellen ripped through the sky and the sea like a demented monster.

The island, where no one could ever have lived, is surrounded by jagged steep rocks, except for a tiny inlet where a kayak or other small craft can attempt a landing. And while many goats can be seen boldly grazing on the larger island, it is extremely unlikely that they frequent the little island to which they give their name.