Island of Ireland: The conundrum of this Kerry island

Dan MacCarthy visited Foughil Island in Co Kerry which is defined by what it hasn't, rather than what it has

Foughil Island, Caherciveen, Co Kerry. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

As the Bard of Avon wrote in Macbeth... this is a Co Kerry island defined by what it hasn’t, rather than what it has and thus captures the paradox. Foughill's neighbours have an embarrassment of riches but it itself has very little to bring to the table. Foughil Island lies just off Caherciveen in the estuaries of the River Ferta and the River Carhan which flow into the sea from the east and the south of the town of this magnificent spot on the southwestern seaboard.

A few kilometres landward is Reenard Point which is connected to Valentia Island by car ferry and which knocks off a good 20km for those driving to the island.