Ireland

High seas and unsafe piers force families to abandon west-coast island for school term

A viral video of parked vehicles being lashed by sea swells shows the risks to families relying on Atlantic quays for island life

Waves crash over the walls of the pier at Roonagh Quay near Louisburgh, Co Mayo on August 25th. Photograph: Carl O’Grady
Waves crash over the walls of the pier at Roonagh Quay near Louisburgh, Co Mayo on August 25th. Photograph: Carl O’Grady
Áine Ryan
Sat Sept 13 2025 - 06:00 • 6 MIN READ
MayoDara CallearyDonegalJack ChambersGalway