Islands of Ireland: in West Cork on the search for Drake's gold

Glengarrif beauty spot was rumoured to hold  hidden treasure trove

Brandy Island, Glengarriff, Co Cork. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

Looking out from the woods at Glengarriff you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the Tropics: towering hardwoods as far as the eye can see, on both sides of the harbour and quite often, a warm atmosphere to accompany this microclimate. On the western side lies an eyrie of eagles.

The harbour is dominated by Garinish Island, of course, with its exotic gardens and Martello tower. Along the eastern side of the bay are a string of islands: Calf, Garranboy, and Illauncreeveen from where semaphorists once signalled to the British navy.