If you want magic, you have to head out in search of it.

And if you head west this week, you’ll find it in spades – especially if you take a four-minute ferry ride from Cunnamore Pier.

Heir Island, a sliver of land just off the Mizen Head in West Cork, is accustomed to the rhythms of the sea. But a different kind of melody took over the past few days as a pop-up orchestra brought a touch of classical grandeur to the island’s rugged charm.

The Festival of Music on Heir Island (FOMOH) is back for the third year with special concerts taking place on the island and in Baltimore throughout the week.

Made up of musicians from the Irish and European Doctor’s orchestras, the sometimes impromptu concerts for locals and visitors alike are raising funds for Lisheens House, a local community mental health charity.

While the musicians have been filling Heir with music all week, today, Friday they will take to the water and perform on Sherkin Island at 1.30pm at the community centre before getting the boat back to Baltimore for an intimate gig in the beautiful setting of St. Matthew’s Church in the village at 7.30pm (tickets here).

Saturday will see them perform their final concert on Heir at 12.30pm… it’s an unticketed event so it’s first come, first served for the best seats – well worth the €6 ferry ride.