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.
