The Islands |
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| Spanish Island Inis Bhreac means Spotted or Striped Island. Spanish visitors often took residence here. Quarantine Island This island was used for cattle quarantine from visiting ships, which might have contagious diseases. Sandy Island Oileán na Gaineamaha, does not contain any sand! The Catalogues Na Ceirtleoga meaning little balls of yarn or rags. Heir Island Inis Uí Drisceoil = O’Driscoll’s Island. Heir Island is accessible by boat all year round. The current population is around 20 and Heir Island is well known for its sandy beaches. The Skeams The Skeams consist of two islands. Skeam East has an impressive rock arch on the western coast. Skeam West has a 9th Century church ruin. Horse Island Each Inis = Horse Island is a low-lying island situated east of Castle Island. The island can accommodate summer visitors since the refurbishment of old houses. Copper and other minerals were formerly mined on the island. Castle Island Meadhon Inis = Middle Island and derives its name from an O’Mahony castle, the ruins of which are near the east end. Carthy’s Islands Oileáin Uí Charthaigh which means O’Carthy’s Island. It derives its name from an Irish clan inhabiting the west Cork area. Long Island Inis Fhada = Long Island. This low lying island has a maximum elevation of 29m and is situated at the mouth of Schull Harbour. The only activity on the island is farming. The current population is around 10. The Calf Islands The West, Middle and East Calf Islands form a chain in the very centre of Roaringwater Bay. All three islands are exposed and treeless. The last inhabitants left only in the 1940s. East Calf is occupied in the summer. Cape Clear Oileán Cléire = island of the clergy. Cape Clear is the largest and hilliest island in Roaringwater Bay situated 13km from Baltimore. The current population is around 130. The main income on the island is from farming, tourism and fishing. Sherkin Island The island is home to a historic Franciscan Friary and the ruins of an O'Driscoll clan castle, both of which date back to the 14th century. The diverse flora and fauna of the island, together with the intriguing rock formations, make Sherkin Island the gem of the West Cork Islands. Home to several world-renowned artists, writers and sculptors, visitors will enjoy the solitude and fun on Sherkin's wonderful sandy beaches at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, repairing to the island's hostelries for excellent artisan food and drink with the locals. |
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