Off the south coast of Iceland, famous for its wind-swept black beaches and picturesque landscape, sits the small, isolated island of Heimaey. Part of the Westman Islands, the dominating hills and threatening volcanoes frame the harbour, where fishing provides the main source of income. Some describe it as "the place that makes no sense", yet it is where Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson calls home. In January 1973, when he was five, the Eldfell volcano erupted without warning and forced the entire 4,000-strong town to evacuate to the mainland. While some of the town was ruined, brave locals used sea water to cool the lava and slow its flow, which saved it, and crucially the harbour, from total destruction.

Source: BBC March 24, 2026 19:38 UTC