Saltee Islands

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The Great Saltee, the biggest of the two Islands.

The Saltee Islands (Oileán an tSalainn in Irish) are a pair of small islands lying 5 kilometres off the southern coast of County Wexford in Ireland. The two islands are Great Saltee (89 hectares) and Little Saltee (40 hectares). They have been uninhabited since the early 20th century and privately owned by the Neale family since 1943.

1 The islands' name
2 Geology and human history
3 Wildlife
4 Popular culture
5 External links

[edit] The islands' name

The name of the Saltees suggests a Norse origin (salt ey - salt island), possibly derived from the salty spray which sweeps across the islands at times of high winds and waves, especially during the winter.

[edit] Geology and human history

The islands are based on Pre-Cambrian bedrock, between 600 and 2000 million years old. There is archaeological evidence that Neolithic man settled there, and traces of religious settlements exist. There is also evidence of buccaneering and smuggling. From about 1500 to 1800 the islands were a base for pirates, wreckers and smugglers. The waters around the islands can be treacherous, hence the area is know as the "Graveyard of a Thousand Ships" and the islands their tombstones.

Since December 1943 the Saltees have been privately owned by the Neale family. "Prince Michael the First" died in January 1998 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Michael the Second. Camping is not allowed and visitors are only allowed between the hours of 11am and 4:30pm. Boat trips are available, leaving from the village of Kilmore Quay on the mainland.

[edit] Wildlife

Together, the islands form one of Ireland's largest bird sanctuaries. Many species of seabirds are found there, including gannets, cormorants, puffins, razorbills and guillemots, as well as a colony of grey seals. The Saltee Islands St. Georges Channel are situated approximately 5 kilometres off the coast of Kilmore Quay Co.Wexford. The larger island, Great Saltee, is very popular with both day-trippers and birdwatchers.

They also lie on an important migratory route and a popular stopping-off place for spring and autumn migrants. The Great Saltee also has a breeding population of Grey Seals, one of the very few in eastern Ireland. Up to 120 animals are present in autumn and up to 20 pups are produced annually.