Welcome to Dursey Island
Dursey (Irish: Oileán Baoi) is one of the few inhabited islands off the southwest coast of Ireland. Situated at the western tip of the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, the island is approximately 6.5 km long and 1.5 km wide.
Dursey is separated from the mainland by the narrow Dursey Sound, whose strong tidal race makes it one of the most distinctive stretches of water along the Beara coast. A reef of rocks lies in the centre of the channel and is submerged at high tide.
This peaceful island currently has six permanent residents and is connected to the mainland by Ireland’s only cable car. There are approximately 15 habitable houses on the island, as well as seven farmers who keep livestock here. Many of these farmers were born in one of the island’s houses and regularly stay overnight, although families with school-age children generally maintain their main residence on the mainland.
Historically, the island comprised three villages, or clachans: Ballynacallagh, Kilmichael and Tilickafinna, situated respectively from east to west.
The rich waters surrounding Dursey are regularly visited by dolphins and whales, while the island itself supports a remarkable variety of seabirds, butterflies and other wildlife.
At least one café usually operates on the island during the summer. At other times—and particularly if you plan to walk any distance—you should bring your own food and water. Dursey is a true walker’s paradise, but visitors should come prepared for changeable weather and exposed terrain.
The Dursey Island Cable CarOriginally opened in 1969, the Dursey Island cable car remains the principal means of crossing the turbulent waters of Dursey Sound. Ireland’s only cable car, it offers visitors a truly memorable journey and has become one of the island’s best-known attractions.
Visitors should check the latest operating times and travel information before setting out.
Dursey (Irish: Oileán Baoi) is one of the few inhabited islands off the southwest coast of Ireland. Situated at the western tip of the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, the island is approximately 6.5 km long and 1.5 km wide.
Dursey is separated from the mainland by the narrow Dursey Sound, whose strong tidal race makes it one of the most distinctive stretches of water along the Beara coast. A reef of rocks lies in the centre of the channel and is submerged at high tide.
This peaceful island currently has six permanent residents and is connected to the mainland by Ireland’s only cable car. There are approximately 15 habitable houses on the island, as well as seven farmers who keep livestock here. Many of these farmers were born in one of the island’s houses and regularly stay overnight, although families with school-age children generally maintain their main residence on the mainland.
Historically, the island comprised three villages, or clachans: Ballynacallagh, Kilmichael and Tilickafinna, situated respectively from east to west.
The rich waters surrounding Dursey are regularly visited by dolphins and whales, while the island itself supports a remarkable variety of seabirds, butterflies and other wildlife.
At least one café usually operates on the island during the summer. At other times—and particularly if you plan to walk any distance—you should bring your own food and water. Dursey is a true walker’s paradise, but visitors should come prepared for changeable weather and exposed terrain.
The Dursey Island Cable CarOriginally opened in 1969, the Dursey Island cable car remains the principal means of crossing the turbulent waters of Dursey Sound. Ireland’s only cable car, it offers visitors a truly memorable journey and has become one of the island’s best-known attractions.
Visitors should check the latest operating times and travel information before setting out.
A Walker’s Paradise
Dursey is best explored on foot, either along the island road or by following the hill-walking route.
The first village, Ballynacallagh, can be reached by road in approximately 20 minutes, depending on walking pace. Kilmichael is about another 10 minutes farther on, while the final village, Tilickafinna, is approximately another 45 minutes beyond Kilmichael.
Near the cable car, on the left-hand side of the road as you walk west and close to Illanebeg—or Little Island—you will find the old graveyard and the ruins of an ancient monastery.
The hill route is more demanding but exceptionally scenic. It offers magnificent views towards the Skelligs and the Kenmare River to the north, and towards Black Ball Head, Sheep’s Head and Mizen Head to the south. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
The hill walk also leads naturally to two of Dursey’s historical highlights: the signal tower and the ÉIRE neutrality sign. Separate pages on this website tell the story of each site.
Both landmarks can also be reached by initially following the road to a point approximately 1 km beyond Kilmichael. From there, a grassy path climbs the hillside and joins the main hill route leading to the tower. At a brisk pace, the journey from the cable car takes approximately one hour.
Connections between the road and the hill path can be found near both Ballynacallagh and Kilmichael, allowing walkers to create shorter loops or vary their route.
Dursey is best explored on foot, either along the island road or by following the hill-walking route.
The first village, Ballynacallagh, can be reached by road in approximately 20 minutes, depending on walking pace. Kilmichael is about another 10 minutes farther on, while the final village, Tilickafinna, is approximately another 45 minutes beyond Kilmichael.
Near the cable car, on the left-hand side of the road as you walk west and close to Illanebeg—or Little Island—you will find the old graveyard and the ruins of an ancient monastery.
The hill route is more demanding but exceptionally scenic. It offers magnificent views towards the Skelligs and the Kenmare River to the north, and towards Black Ball Head, Sheep’s Head and Mizen Head to the south. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
The hill walk also leads naturally to two of Dursey’s historical highlights: the signal tower and the ÉIRE neutrality sign. Separate pages on this website tell the story of each site.
Both landmarks can also be reached by initially following the road to a point approximately 1 km beyond Kilmichael. From there, a grassy path climbs the hillside and joins the main hill route leading to the tower. At a brisk pace, the journey from the cable car takes approximately one hour.
Connections between the road and the hill path can be found near both Ballynacallagh and Kilmichael, allowing walkers to create shorter loops or vary their route.
Birdwatching on Dursey
Dursey attracts birdwatchers for two principal reasons.
Firstly, Bull Rock, situated offshore, supports a large gannet colony. Thousands of seabirds can be seen in the surrounding waters, including gannets, Manx shearwaters, guillemots, razorbills and puffins. Choughs also breed on Dursey itself.
Secondly, the island is an important location for observing migrating birds. Over the years, Dursey has attracted rare visitors from the west, east and south. These have included North American species such as Wilson’s warbler and ovenbird; birds from Siberia and the Far East, including eastern olivaceous warbler and red-flanked bluetail; and southern European species such as hoopoe and bee-eater.
Migrating birds can appear almost anywhere on the island. The landscape consists mainly of open grassland and low hedgerows, with a small number of private gardens. Most birds can be observed from the public roads and paths. Visitors must not enter private gardens or other private property without the owner’s permission.
Dursey attracts birdwatchers for two principal reasons.
Firstly, Bull Rock, situated offshore, supports a large gannet colony. Thousands of seabirds can be seen in the surrounding waters, including gannets, Manx shearwaters, guillemots, razorbills and puffins. Choughs also breed on Dursey itself.
Secondly, the island is an important location for observing migrating birds. Over the years, Dursey has attracted rare visitors from the west, east and south. These have included North American species such as Wilson’s warbler and ovenbird; birds from Siberia and the Far East, including eastern olivaceous warbler and red-flanked bluetail; and southern European species such as hoopoe and bee-eater.
Migrating birds can appear almost anywhere on the island. The landscape consists mainly of open grassland and low hedgerows, with a small number of private gardens. Most birds can be observed from the public roads and paths. Visitors must not enter private gardens or other private property without the owner’s permission.
The Beara Peninsula
The Beara Peninsula is one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland with a host of historical and other attractions. Villages in the local area include Allihies, famous for its stunning views and its copper mines, and Eyeries, one of the most picturesque villages in Ireland and winner of the national award for "Best Kept Town 2012". Additional information about the Beara Peninsula can be found at
http://ringofbeara.com/
http://www.bearatourism.com/
or on Wikipedia at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beara_Peninsula
http://ringofbeara.com/
http://www.bearatourism.com/
or on Wikipedia at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beara_Peninsula
