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Displaying items by tag: Dufour

Dufour Yachts and Crosshaven Boatyard have a portfolio of special offers for the September Show season.

But hurry as these will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The boats are located on Marina stands - M313, 315, 317, 321, & 325

Dufour 470

Winner of the 2021 Cruising Yacht of the Year Award, the Dufour 470 is described by reviewers as having bags of room and a “very high stability design ….that certainly doesn’t disappoint.”

Available in three models, Easy, Performance and Ocean, it is an Ocean model at the show. With a very high spec including 3 cabins & 2 heads, forward galley, oak interior, bow thruster, upgraded 75 Hp engine.

Dufour 37Dufour 37

Dufour 37

This latest model launched by Dufour Yachts was unveiled at Cannes Yachting Festival and doesn’t have time to reach the Southampton Boat Show. However, she’s a spectacular boat and has already received great media interest.

Hugh Mockler from Crosshaven Boatyard will be happy to discuss your needs and will be available for the full duration of the Show.

Hugh will also be commuting back and forth to the equally impressive Rodman Stand.

Dufour 32Dufour 32

Dufour 32

As described in the media, this “impressive new smaller yacht” is aimed at a more active audience.

The Dufour 32 comes with bags of attitude and fun placed at the heart of its design. With many space-saving innovations, it has a unique inflatable transom that doubles up as a floating bathing platform, and a cockpit table that converts to become a full-sized day-bed for sunbathing.

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard
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Crosshaven Boatyard, Irish distributors for Dufour Yachts, have shared their excitement at the upcoming debut of the Dufour 37.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, this unique, high-performance and spacious sailing boat will be on display afloat for her world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 6-11 September.

“The new Dufour 37 is a stunning looking yacht,” Crosshaven Boatyard’s Hugh Mockler tells Afloat.ie. “She comes with a number of new features that will appeal to a variety of sailors.

“Her standard keel has a draft of 1.90m with the option of a deeper keel for more performance. There is excellent flexibility in relation to how the boat is set up for any potential owner.

“Speed and comfort are very much to the fore with the Dufour 37,” Mockler adds. “Her forward cabin is amazing for this size boat with her double berth easily accessible from either side. She will certainly fit the needs of the Irish sailor whether it be for racing or cruising.

“This model along with a number of the Dufour models are nearly sold out already for the 2023 season.”

The Dufour 32 makes its UK debut at September’s Southampton International Boat Show 2022 | Credit: Dufour YachtsThe Dufour 32 makes its UK debut at September’s Southampton International Boat Show 2022 | Credit: Dufour Yachts

Just days after Cannes, the compact new Dufour 32 will make its UK debut at the Southampton International Boat Show 2022 — where it will be on show alongside the Dufour 390, 430 and the British Yachting Awards cruising yacht of the year winner, the Dufour 470.
 
Mockler previously shared with Afloat.ie that the launch of this ultra-modern, sporty sailing yacht is exciting news for the Irish market.

For more on these yachts and the rest of the Dufour range, get in touch with Dufour’s Irish agents at Crosshaven Boatyard, Hugh Mockler or Donal McClement at 021 483 1161 or [email protected].

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard
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The Dufour Yachts Shipyard is delighted to announce the launch of a new model, the Dufour 37.

This unique, high-performance and spacious sailing boat will be on display afloat for her world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 6-11 September 2022, with a press launch preceding the festival from 5pm local time on Monday 5 September at the Radisson Blu 1835 Hôtel.

Continuing on in the line of other recent models in the range, this boat was designed as a collaboration between the Dufour design team and Umberto Felci.

“We are extremely proud of this new project because the new Dufour 37 represent a new point of arrival reached after an intense work of rethinking and redesigning the whole complexity of a modern 10m yacht,” the Italian designer said.

The Dufour DNA
The Dufour 37 has a modern and stable hull as can be seen on offshore racing boats, but with a slightly rounded lower hull that favours her passage through the water and improve marine performance.

The Dufour 37 has a modern and stable hullThe Dufour 37 has a modern and stable hull

True Plaisir During Every Navigation
On board the Dufour 37, there are large outdoor living spaces. This new model has a larger cockpit than other yachts of this size for even greater comfort on board.

There are larger outdoor living spaces for even greater comfort on boardThere are large outdoor living spaces for even greater comfort on board

An Optimised Bow Area
The bow area of the Dufour 37 also offers a real relaxation area with her inflatable sundeck, a real innovation on this new model.

The bow area offers real relaxationThe bow area offers real relaxation

A Large Saloon and Cabins, Bathed in Light
The Dufour 37, in her two or three cabins version, has an owner’s cabin whose size and comfort is rarely found on a yacht of this length and even more light into the convivial living space of the saloon.

Light is a major feature of the living space insideLight is a major feature of the living space inside

Don’t miss your chance to see the new Dufour 37 up close in Cannes this September — and for more, get in touch with Dufour’s Irish agents at Crosshaven Boatyard, Hugh Mockler or Donal McClement at 021 483 1161 or [email protected].

Dufour 37 at sunset

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard

With the cancellation of boot Düsseldorf back in January and other boat shows due to COVID, Dufour Yachts have been making more use of online events to showcase its range of yachts.

Following the first two events in its Dufour Nautic Days series, the French brand will hold its third this Wednesday 30 March.

Click HERE to register your interest and find out more about the event.

The programme will include Nicolas Bérenger, Dufour commercial director and Figaro sailor, taking us on board a new Dufour to talk about the pleasure of helming, DNA and reactivity.

There are eight models in the Dufour range including the latest models, the Dufour 32 and Dufour 61 at either end of the range.

The new-look, Felci-designed Dufours are well known for their performance and quality. So it should be no surprise that the order book is almost full for the 2023 season already.

Dufour 390

Adding to that demand will be the Dufour 430 and Dufour 390 which will join the line-up of performance cruising yachts at the South Coast Boat Show in Southampton on 6-8 May.

This is a great opportunity to get an insight into the Dufour range in person, as both yachts borrow styling, design features, equipment and smart layout ideas used in their larger and smaller sister yachts.

Crosshaven Boatyard are the Irish agents for Dufour Yachts. Get in touch with Hugh Mockler or Donal McClement on 021 483 1161 or email [email protected].

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard

Dufour Yachts and Crosshaven Boatyard are back with a bang at Southampton Boat Show, presenting five yachts, including the fabulous new Dufour 470 and the Dufour 56.

Crosshaven Boatyard is announcing amazing Boat Show 'bundle' offers for all yacht orders placed at the show or before 31 November. These free equipment packs are worth between €10,000 and €50,000, depending on the model, and will enhance the features, onboard facilities and the overall value of your new Dufour.

Hugh Mockler of Crosshaven Boatyard explains, "The demand for new yachts has increased everywhere and our amazing value Autumn equipment bundles are timed to help owners secure a new build slot for Autumn 2022 for guaranteed sailing in the 2023 sailing season. Plus, they will benefit from fabulous free extras, such as enhanced sail controls, additional electronics and audio equipment, interior and cockpit furnishings.

Dufour 470Dufour 470

Dufour Yachts are also taking every precaution for show visitors to have a safe and comfortable visit and are running a private appointment system. These half-hour slots mean visitors can view a boat at their leisure and speak directly with one of the team. Book a viewing slot here https://bit.ly/2YAt5KB

The free high spec equipment bundles with all Dufour Yachts ordered at the Southampton Boat Show – berths M315-325

Dufour 470Dufour 470

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard

The launch of the new Dufour 32 is exciting news for the Irish market, says Irish Distributor Hugh Mockler of Crosshaven Boatyard in Cork Harbour.

"This new model from Dufour Yachts comes with a single long rudder and tiller steering, which will make her a fun boat to sail", Hugh tells Afloat.

She will have a number of sail configurations with the option of the mainsheet in the cockpit or on the coachroof and will also have the option of an inflatable swim platform, which is much lighter than the traditional GRP drop-down swim/boarding platform.

The Dufour 32 saloon table can transform into a very large double berth (sleeping athwartships)The Dufour 32 saloon table can transform into a very large double berth (sleeping athwartships)

The other novel ideas include a cockpit table that can transform into a sun-lounger and a saloon table that can transform into a very large double berth (sleeping athwartships).

"The Dufour 32 is a great addition to the Dufour range of yachts and she comes hot on the heels of both the new Dufour 470 and the Dufour 61, all designed by the excellent Felci Yacht Design team", Hugh adds.

The Dufour 32, a new addition to the 2022 range, will be on show afloat, making her World Première at the La Rochelle Grand Pavois Boat Show.

The designer of the new Dufour 32 Umberto Felci says the aim of the D32 project was to add fun to sailing. "Everything on board had been thought for you to enjoy the sailing part of the day and to appreciate the relaxing part of it", he says.

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard
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Dufour’s new Flagship, the sleek-looking Dufour 61 designed by Felci Yacht Design, will be undertaking sea trials in the next few weeks in La Rochelle. The new Dufour 61 will be quick but stable and very easy to handle, according to Irish agent Hugh Mockler of Crossghaven Boatyard in Cork Harbour.

Her sail controls are lead back to each helm station for easy access. Her mainsheet is on an arch which allows a better sheeting angle and keeps it clear of the cockpit. She has an excellent choice of sail configurations, including the option of in-mast furling mainsail and self-tacking jib.

Dufour 61 aft cockpit bed and table. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-loungerThe Dufour 61's aft cockpit bed and table. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger

Her many advantages include a large dinghy garage, spacious cockpit, sunbathing areas, two cockpit tables and large windows giving loads of light to her amazing saloon. She has a number of layout options below including the forward galley which Dufour have perfected with the option of an aft galley. Dufour have also given her an even more luxurious feel below by adding extra soft furnishings and more upmarket fittings. She also has an endless list of option i.e. bow and stern thrusters, generator, water-maker the list goes on!

Dufour 61's bathing platform, bbq and garage.There is easy access direct to the aft bathing platform and large dinghy garage, suitable for housing a tender and life raft.Dufour 61's bathing platform, bbq and garage.There is easy access direct to the aft bathing platform and large dinghy garage, suitable for housing a tender and life raft.

Mockler says that as soon as travel restrictions are lifted and travel is safe, it will be possible to set up a sail test in La Rochelle. Dufour’s plan at the moment is to present the yacht at Boot Dusseldorf in April and then undertake a tour of the Mediterranean. The new Dufour 61 with an overall length of 63 feet will certainly turn a few heads”.

Dufour 61's aft sunbeds. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger, situated between the two helm stations, and  cleverly designed to also convert into another table with bench seatsDufour 61's aft sunbeds. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger, situated between the two helm stations, and cleverly designed to also convert into another table with bench seats

Design and build process

On smaller yachts, typically their design incorporates an inner matrix system that is bonded to the hull to create the required core strength. With the increased loads of a yacht the size of the '61 it is necessary to create a much stronger, rigid structure that will sail upwind without deflection or movement of the internal components. To create this, the hull has been made from a monobloc structure using an 'infusion process' which allows exact control of the production process. The main bulkheads are made from solid GRP and laminated directly onto the hull and deck, all of which create a highly robust single structure, stiff hull and deck for ultimate sailing performance which Dufour consider essential for a yacht of this size.

Hull & sail plan

Long hull chines offer a stable hull with increased performance as well as creating added volume below decks, all set off with Dufour's signature half-butterfly portholes.

With an overall sail area of 170m2, the yacht is supplied with optional in-mast or a traditional mainsail, self-tacking or overlapping headsails plus options to fly a variety of downwind sails from the integrated fixed bowsprit.

Deck layout

The coach roof ends at the mast base to create a clean and spacious foredeck and wide side decks allow easy movement around the deck. Importantly, the hull to deck joint is fully hidden with the teak side decks elegantly disguising the moulding lines

Numerous hand-holds together with a raised bulwark give greater security when moving around the deck at sea. Integrated in the bulwarks are smart courtesy lights to illuminate the decks at night.

Generous natural light floods below decks through a single moulded black plexiglass roof, which contrasts beautifully with the side decks and coachroof.

Cockpit layout

The cockpit has been carefully designed to separate the functional elements of sailing with other areas offered for relaxation.

All the hidden control lines run under the decks and are led aft to each helm station, both with large seats offering better comfort when sailing and all the necessary instrumentation equipment to ensure safe and easy navigation.

Movement around the cockpit is simple and unhindered, with large, moulded steps integrated into the coaming for safe and easy access up to the side decks.

An innovative split bimini allows easy circulation on board, without ducking or restricted headroom. The black carbon fibre arch clears the cockpit and entrance below as well as allowing the mainsheet control system to be at the end of the boom for less pressure and easier control.

With a spacious cockpit, fully enclosed on both sides, there is easy access direct to the aft bathing platform and large dinghy garage, suitable for housing a tender and life raft.

There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger, situated between the two helm stations, and cleverly designed to also convert into another table with bench seats. It's the perfect spot, at the back of the cockpit, for breakfast or refreshments after a swim from the generous bathing platform. Beneath this rear bench sits the now legendary Dufour exterior galley, with barbeque, sink and fridge – for relaxed alfresco catering and socialising.

Below decks

The key distinction between the two layouts is the option to choose between a forward or aft galley layout.

In broad terms, the forward galley layout is intended for those owners not requiring a dedicated skipper's cabin aft. Generously appointed, the galley integrates with the main living space enabling sociable catering and hospitality, perfect for hosting families and friends. With a traditional layout of 2 aft double guest cabins, a generous master cabin forward and optional side Pullman cabin, there is also the option for a crew cabin forward, that is accessed from on deck.

Alternatively, the discreetly positioned port side aft galley which leads to a dedicated skipper's cabin, is the ideal layout for onboard catering and hosting. Again, there are additional Pullman cabin options to maximise accommodation.

On all models the master cabin is as luxurious as it is spacious, offering private relaxation space, as well as plenty of large wardrobe and storage cupboards. The beds are full 'home-sized' and come with real mattresses and optional slatted bases for support and ventilation.

Both layouts offer a generous and spacious interior living area and galleys with excellent storage space and a high-capacity fridge/freezer.

As is a now a familiar signature of all modern Dufour models, the cabins and living areas are flooded with plenty of natural daylight through large windows, deck hatches and portholes.

A dedicated navigation table is situated in the main saloon, along with a large bench sofa and an extendable dining table with extensive seating capacity. High quality wood is used throughout with a choice of interior woods and finishes.

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard

The new Dufour 470 is the shape of things to come from the French sailboat brand.

Set for her world premiere in the New Year at boot Düsseldorf 2021, the 470 balances contemporary design with Dufour’s iconic elegance and performance.

“The new Dufour 470 is another new departure for Dufour Yachts,” says Hugh Mockler of Crosshaven Boatyard, the Irish agents for Dufour Yachts.

“She looks fast and, like her 53-foot sister [the Dufour 530], she is available in three different variations, which covers every aspect of sailing.

Dufour 470 cockpit deck layout

The Easy version “is for the sailor that wishes to keep sailing simple. Her coachroof is clear of any obstructions with control lines coming back to the two winches at the helm”.

The Ocean version is suitable for the ‘traditional’ sailor who likes to do a bit of tweaking with winches on the coachroof and beside the helm, along with the mainsail traveller on the coachroof.

And the Performance version, Hugh says, is “for the sailor who wishes to have more performance and also likes do a bit of racing around the cans and still have all the comforts from home down below”.

Available with three-, four- and five-cabin options, with up to four heads and a front or side galley, the layout choices can accommodate larger or reduced crew numbers, sailing styles and comfort options.

D470 Cabin layout 1

The space below decks is flooded with natural light, especially in the generous aft cabins, and there is creative use of ambient lighting in the living areas.

Plenty of storage is available in both the saloon and cabins, with there is also an integrated bench sofa and separate table and seating area.

There’s more storage above decks, where you will also find an electronically operated bathing platform towards the stern, and a large cockpit area.

An exterior galley, with barbecue, sits between the two helm stations, while the cockpit table can seat up to eight guests.

“The Dufour 470 will certainly turn heads when she hits the water,” Hugh adds.

Get in touch with Crosshaven Boatyard to confirm your interest — call Hugh Mockler or Donal McClement on 021 483 1161 or 086 254 6123 or email [email protected]

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Dufour’s new Flagship is the sleek-looking Dufour 61. She is designed by Felci Yacht Design, who has been designing all of Dufour’s yachts since 2002. Felci is noted for not compromising on performance. So, as a result, the new Dufour 61 is quick but stable and easy to handle. Irish agents for the Dufour range is Cork Harbour's Crosshaven Boatyard.

The company has produced a new video on the 61.

All her sail controls lead back to the after part of the cockpit. Her mainsheet is on an arch which allows a better sheeting angle and is also clear of the cockpit. She has a number of sail configurations including the option of the in-mast furling mainsail and self-tacking jib.

Her many advantages include decent dinghy garage, large cockpit, loads of sunbathing areas, two cockpit tables and big windows giving loads of light down below.

She has a number of layout options below including the forward galley which Dufour have perfected with the option of an aft galley. Dufour has made an extra effort to make the boat feel even more luxurious than previous models adding extra soft furnishings and more upmarket fittings etc. The new Dufour 61 with an overall length of 63 feet will certainly turn a few heads”.

More details from Hugh Mockler at Crosshaven Boatyard on [email protected]

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard

French yacht builder Dufour has launched a ‘virtual marina’ where customers can visit the brand’s models at a safe distance, and in the comfort of their own homes.

“In this springtime period when everyone should be able to sail and go to boat shows, the priority today is to stay at home,” said the company based near La Rochelle.

“Our departments are also protected and they are already preparing with all our partners the return to full activity and stay with you.

“In this expectation, we have designed this virtual marina to visit all the Dufour yachts while staying at home. It’s the best way for us to continue to inspire you, to make you dream, and to share our common passion.”

The Dufour website hosts the virtual guided tour not unlike the real-life experience, where you can ‘walk’ along a CGI jetty and explore the full range of boats, inside and out.

And Dufour’s Irish dealers at Crosshaven Boatyard have welcomed the initiative, with broker Hugh Mockler saying: “No matter where in the world you are, we all love to walk the marinas to admire what’s on offer. Dufour’s new virtual marina offers you just that.

“Just follow what looks like a yellow brick road and click on the yellow spot. This will then bring you on board each yacht to have a nose. It really is very clever and brings us into a dream for the future.”

Hugh added: “Our hearts go out to all the people that have suffered and are suffering during this awful time. We all look forward to a better and kinder future.”

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard
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Ireland's offshore islands

Around 30 of Ireland's offshore islands are inhabited and hold a wealth of cultural heritage.

A central Government objective is to ensure that sustainable vibrant communities continue to live on the islands.

Irish offshore islands FAQs

Technically, it is Ireland itself, as the third largest island in Europe.

Ireland is surrounded by approximately 80 islands of significant size, of which only about 20 are inhabited.

Achill island is the largest of the Irish isles with a coastline of almost 80 miles and has a population of 2,569.

The smallest inhabited offshore island is Inishfree, off Donegal.

The total voting population in the Republic's inhabited islands is just over 2,600 people, according to the Department of Housing.

Starting with west Cork, and giving voting register numbers as of 2020, here you go - Bere island (177), Cape Clear island (131),Dursey island (6), Hare island (29), Whiddy island (26), Long island, Schull (16), Sherkin island (95). The Galway islands are Inis Mór (675), Inis Meáin (148), Inis Oírr (210), Inishbofin (183). The Donegal islands are Arranmore (513), Gola (30), Inishboffin (63), Inishfree (4), Tory (140). The Mayo islands, apart from Achill which is connected by a bridge, are Clare island (116), Inishbiggle (25) and Inishturk (52).

No, the Gaeltacht islands are the Donegal islands, three of the four Galway islands (Inishbofin, like Clifden, is English-speaking primarily), and Cape Clear or Oileán Chléire in west Cork.

Lack of a pier was one of the main factors in the evacuation of a number of islands, the best known being the Blasket islands off Kerry, which were evacuated in November 1953. There are now three cottages available to rent on the Great Blasket island.

In the early 20th century, scholars visited the Great Blasket to learn Irish and to collect folklore and they encouraged the islanders to record their life stories in their native tongue. The three best known island books are An tOileánach (The Islandman) by Tomás Ó Criomhthain, Peig by Peig Sayers, and Fiche Blian ag Fás (Twenty Years A-Growing) by Muiris Ó Súilleabháin. Former taoiseach Charles J Haughey also kept a residence on his island, Inishvickillaune, which is one of the smaller and less accessible Blasket islands.

Charles J Haughey, as above, or late Beatle musician, John Lennon. Lennon bought Dorinish island in Clew Bay, south Mayo, in 1967 for a reported £1,700 sterling. Vendor was Westport Harbour Board which had used it for marine pilots. Lennon reportedly planned to spend his retirement there, and The Guardian newspaper quoted local estate agent Andrew Crowley as saying he was "besotted with the place by all accounts". He did lodge a planning application for a house, but never built on the 19 acres. He offered it to Sid Rawle, founder of the Digger Action Movement and known as the "King of the Hippies". Rawle and 30 others lived there until 1972 when their tents were burned by an oil lamp. Lennon and Yoko Ono visited it once more before his death in 1980. Ono sold the island for £30,000 in 1984, and it is widely reported that she donated the proceeds of the sale to an Irish orphanage

 

Yes, Rathlin island, off Co Antrim's Causeway Coast, is Ireland's most northerly inhabited island. As a special area of conservation, it is home to tens of thousands of sea birds, including puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemots. It is known for its Rathlin golden hare. It is almost famous for the fact that Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, retreated after being defeated by the English at Perth and hid in a sea cave where he was so inspired by a spider's tenacity that he returned to defeat his enemy.

No. The Aran islands have a regular ferry and plane service, with ferries from Ros-a-Mhíl, south Connemara all year round and from Doolin, Co Clare in the tourist season. The plane service flies from Indreabhán to all three islands. Inishbofin is connected by ferry from Cleggan, Co Galway, while Clare island and Inishturk are connected from Roonagh pier, outside Louisburgh. The Donegal islands of Arranmore and Tory island also have ferry services, as has Bere island, Cape Clear and Sherkin off Cork. How are the island transport services financed? The Government subsidises transport services to and from the islands. The Irish Coast Guard carries out medical evacuations, as to the RNLI lifeboats. Former Fianna Fáíl minister Éamon Ó Cuív is widely credited with improving transport services to and from offshore islands, earning his department the nickname "Craggy island".

Craggy Island is an bleak, isolated community located of the west coast, inhabited by Irish, a Chinese community and one Maori. Three priests and housekeeper Mrs Doyle live in a parochial house There is a pub, a very small golf course, a McDonald's fast food restaurant and a Chinatown... Actually, that is all fiction. Craggy island is a figment of the imagination of the Father Ted series writers Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews, for the highly successful Channel 4 television series, and the Georgian style parochial house on the "island" is actually Glenquin House in Co Clare.

Yes, that is of the Plassey, a freighter which was washed up on Inis Oírr in bad weather in 1960.

There are some small privately owned islands,and islands like Inishlyre in Co Mayo with only a small number of residents providing their own transport. Several Connemara islands such as Turbot and Inishturk South have a growing summer population, with some residents extending their stay during Covid-19. Turbot island off Eyrephort is one such example – the island, which was first spotted by Alcock and Brown as they approached Ireland during their epic transatlantic flight in 1919, was evacuated in 1978, four years after three of its fishermen drowned on the way home from watching an All Ireland final in Clifden. However, it is slowly being repopulated

Responsibility for the islands was taking over by the Department of Rural and Community Development . It was previously with the Gaeltacht section in the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.

It is a periodic bone of contention, as Ireland does not have the same approach to its islands as Norway, which believes in right of access. However, many improvements were made during Fianna Fáíl Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív's time as minister. The Irish Island Federation, Comdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, represents island issues at national and international level.

The 12 offshore islands with registered voters have long argued that having to cast their vote early puts them at a disadvantage – especially as improved transport links mean that ballot boxes can be transported to the mainland in most weather conditions, bar the winter months. Legislation allowing them to vote on the same day as the rest of the State wasn't passed in time for the February 2020 general election.

Yes, but check tide tables ! Omey island off north Connemara is accessible at low tide and also runs a summer race meeting on the strand. In Sligo, 14 pillars mark the way to Coney island – one of several islands bearing this name off the Irish coast.

Cape Clear or Oileán Chléire is the country's most southerly inhabited island, eight miles off the west Cork coast, and within sight of the Fastnet Rock lighthouse, also known as the "teardrop of Ireland".
Skellig Michael off the Kerry coast, which has a monastic site dating from the 6th century. It is accessible by boat – prebooking essential – from Portmagee, Co Kerry. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was not open to visitors in 2020.
All islands have bird life, but puffins and gannets and kittiwakes are synonymous with Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. Rathlin island off Antrim and Cape Clear off west Cork have bird observatories. The Saltee islands off the Wexford coast are privately owned by the O'Neill family, but day visitors are permitted access to the Great Saltee during certain hours. The Saltees have gannets, gulls, puffins and Manx shearwaters.
Vikings used Dublin as a European slaving capital, and one of their bases was on Dalkey island, which can be viewed from Killiney's Vico road. Boat trips available from Coliemore harbour in Dalkey. Birdwatch Ireland has set up nestboxes here for roseate terns. Keep an eye out also for feral goats.
Plenty! There are regular boat trips in summer to Inchagoill island on Lough Corrib, while the best known Irish inshore island might be the lake isle of Innisfree on Sligo's Lough Gill, immortalised by WB Yeats in his poem of the same name. Roscommon's Lough Key has several islands, the most prominent being the privately-owned Castle Island. Trinity island is more accessible to the public - it was once occupied by Cistercian monks from Boyle Abbey.

©Afloat 2020