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.

The reserve includes Capel Island, Knockadoon Head and the area of sea between.

As one man was about to touch land the other reached forth his sword and pipped him at the post.

[citation needed] Permission from BirdWatch Ireland is required in order to land on the island.