Tory Island is tiny, only 5 km long and 1 km wide, but with four towns and a number of historical sites, it remains a strong community. Rugged, treeless, bleak and buffeted by wind, Tory Island is also remarkably beautiful in its way. Both mystical and remote, this granite rock rises from the sea off the north-west coast of Donegal.

In the past the island’s economy relied on fishing and farming, but today it is reliant on governmental support. Few people visit Tory Island, and the most of those who do, come to see the group of artists who work there. In 1956 the painter Derek Hill arrived on the island. A local man James Dixon, looked at Hill’s painting and said he thought he could do better himself. This led to the birth of Tory Island school of painting, and today not only does the island have its own gallery, but its artists have been shown internationally. Patsy Dan Rodgers, one of the artists, has been designed Tory’s ‘King’ and representative. He is an honorary member of New York University where an exhibition of these depictions of a fast disappearing way of life was shown to great acclaim.

The islanders are very traditional, Gaelic – speaking, and they live simply. Tory Island is an extraordinary place to visit and to enjoy the various sights, such as the 12th century Tau Cross, one of the only two in Ireland, or Dun Bhaloir, Balor’s Fort, situated on a peninsula with high cliffs on three sides, it is reached by crossing a narrow isthmus. Otherwise why not just watch the seabirds, marvel at the shifting hight on the cliffs and sea, and socialize with the locals?

When to go: June to September for the best weather. Population: 170 (2001). How to get there: Ferries run from four ports on mainland Donegal from June to September.