Magharee Islands

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The Maheree Islands, also known as "The Seven Hogs" are a group of uninhabited islands located just off Rough Point at the northern tip of the Maheree Peninsula in West Kerry. The Islands are part of the parish of Castlegregory are well known as excellent diving and snorkelling destinations.

The islands were inhabited up until the early 80's but now serve only as summer grazing for the livestock of several local farmers, indeed, up until recently, many farmers would swim their cattle and sheep across to the islands at low tide, rowing alongside them inside Currachs or other small boats. If an animal got into difficulty it was hauled aboard or tied to a boat. Nowadays, a modified cage with several flotation devices attached to it, is pulled behind a boat and the crossing is much less taxing on the animals and their owners