Dursey Island
Coordinates: 51°36′N 10°12′W / 51.600°N 10.200°W
Dursey Island (Irish: Baoi Bhéarra or Oileán Baoi) lies at the southwestern tip of the Beara Peninsula in the west of County Cork in Ireland. Dursey Island is 6.5 km long and 1.5 km wide. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water called Dursey Sound which has a very strong tidal race, with the submerged Flag Rock close to the centre of the channel near the cable car. This peaceful island with only approximately six or so permanent wintertime residents is connected to the mainland by Ireland's only cable car, and one of the only cable cars which traverses the sea in all of Europe, spanning the Dursey Sound, one of its main attractions. Dursey has no shops, pubs or restaurants.[1]
It is also well known for the nesting colonies of seabirds. Dolphins, whales and the harmless basking shark are also regular visitors to the rich seas that surround the island.
Townlands
- Ballynacallagh
- Kilmichael
- Tilickafinna
Archaeological sites
- Ballaun Stones, Killowen, Ballynacallagh
- Castle Site, Ballynacallagh O'Sullivan garrison 1602
- Cup Marked Stone, Ballynacallagh
- Graveyard/Ruined Church, Ballynacallagh
- Hut Site, Killowen
- Radial Stone Enclosure, Maughanaclea
- Signal Tower, Tilickatina
Bull Rock
The Bull Rock sits off the western point of the Island in a tidal race. Currently the site for an automated lighthouse which was built in 1888 and which became automated in March 1991.[2]
Cow Rock
The Cow Rock sits off the western point of the island and lies between the Bull Rock and the Calf Rock.
Calf Rock
The Calf Rock sits off the western point of the Island in a tidal race. Formerly the site of a manned lighthouse, it was destroyed in a storm in 1881 and the remains of the lighthouse can still be seen today. [3]
Gallery
-
Ireland's only cable car
-
Sign on the mainland next to Dursey
-
Diarmaid Ó Suileabháin built a castle on Dursey island
-
Notice on the mainland next to Dursey cable car