Capel Island
Capel Island (Gaeilge: Oileán an Cháplaigh[1]) is a small island in County Cork, Ireland located a short distance from Knockadoon Head, near Youghal. FeaturesCapel Island and Knockadoon Head were legally protected as a national nature reserve by the Irish government in 1985.[2] Most of the reserve, 314 acres (1.27 km2), is owned by the state, with a small part in private ownership 40 acres (0.16 km2). The reserve includes Capel Island, Knockadoon Head and the area of sea between.[3] The tower on the island is an incomplete 19th century lighthouse. The island is home to a herd of goats.[4][5] A story is told of how the island got its name. There was a swimming race to reach the island for ownership. As one man was about to touch land the other reached forth his sword and pipped him at the post. A name associated with this story is De Capel Brookes.[citation needed] Permission from BirdWatch Ireland is required in order to land on the island.[4] References
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