IT is considered, with justifiable reason, to be the most visually spectacular spiritual occasion of the year in Kerry and the rare sunshine was considered an extra bonus at the annual Mass celebrated on Innisfallen Island on the Lakes of Killarney.

Close on 300 pilgrims made the majestic journey by boat from Ross Castle to the ancient Island on Friday evening where Fr Liam Lynch led the prayers at the site of the former Franciscan Friary.

Local boatmen, glad of the extra income during an otherwise quite end of May Friday evening, lined up to ferry the faithful on the short journey across the magnificent lakes.

On reaching the island they prayed, they sang and they witnessed at close quarters the breathtaking scenery from one of the most historic vantage points in Killarney.

The Mass on the Island is an ageold custom in Killarney and, although numbers had dwindled considerably in recent years, there was no shortage of participants on this occasion with the warm embrace of the evening sunshine an added attraction.