| Capel Island | |
| Native Name: | Oileán an Cháplaigh |
| Native Name Link: | Irish language |
| Native Name Lang: | Irish language |
| Map: | island of Ireland |
| Location: | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates: | 51.8826°N -7.8533°W |
| Country: | Ireland |
| Country Admin Divisions Title: | Province |
| Country Admin Divisions: | Munster |
| Country Admin Divisions Title 1: | County |
| Country Admin Divisions 1: | Cork |
| Population: | 0 |
Capel Island (Gaeilge: Oileán an Cháplaigh[1]) is a small island in County Cork, Ireland located a short distance from Knockadoon Head, near Youghal.
Capel Island and Knockadoon Head were legally protected as a national nature reserve by the Irish government in 1985.[2] Most of the reserve, 314acres, is owned by the state, with a small part in private ownership 40acres. 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.
Permission from BirdWatch Ireland is required in order to land on the island.