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Farming Pirate Island

Sarah Swadling takes a ferry to Clare Island on Ireland's west coast. In storms and sunshine she meets Joe O'Malley and his neighbour, who farm the island's rugged landscape.

Clare Island, off Ireland's west coast, was once the home of the legendary Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley who negotiated a peace treaty with Elizabeth I. Nowadays the residents lead quieter lives, with farming and tourism the main sources of income. More than 40 farms still survive on Clare Island. Sarah Swadling meets a modern day O'Malley, Joe, who combines farming with work on the local ferries. She also catches up with one of Clare Island's youngest farmers, Christian Pinder, as well as farmer and fisherman James O'Toole.

Available now

22 minutes

Last on

Sun 25 Feb 2018 06:35

Broadcast

  • Sun 25 Feb 2018 06:35