The Kerry island where Mass was timed to coincide with the high tide

The issue of access to Fenit island remains unresolved

At low tide, it is possible to drive to Fenit Island, which is connected to the Kerry mainland by a sandbar that can be traversed nearly all the time, though during spring tides the island is truly untethered. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Fenit is another island attached to the mainland by a short isthmus, as if the mainland can’t bear to part with it. Bell’s Isle in Co Donegal and Bullock Island in West Cork are two of many such islands, where prevailing tides over time have deposited large quantities of sand and stone to allow access.

In Fenit’s case, it is possible to drive to the island at low tide. Otherwise, the sandbar can be traversed nearly all the time, except at spring tides when the island is truly untethered.