I lived in Claddaghduff just a few km from the western most point past Clifden for 5 months from August to December (a temporary work posting in Clifden - 1989).
I thought I'd love it but the weather was awful.
I didn't see the sun for 4 months. Nothing to do after work especially after September when everything shut except the pubs.
Bad for the mind, liver and general health.
If the sun shone, the scenery is fabulous but it didn't while I was there, and as a neighbor said, 'You can't eat the ******* scenery'
Island life must be even harder. I could drive to Westport or Galway in an hour or hour and a half to meet some civilization.
Residents on the smaller islands are dependant on irregular boats and the weather.
Nice to visit once in a while but give me my adopted home in the sunny South East any time!!