Dursey Island (Irish: Oileán Baoi (Island of the Bull in Viking Norse)) is one of the few inhabited islands that lie off the southwest coast of Ireland. It is situated at the western tip of the Beara Peninsula in the west of County Cork. 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 the Dursey Sound which has a very strong tidal race, with a reef of rocks in the centre of the channel which is submerged at high tides. This peaceful island, with only a handful of semi-permanent residents, is connected to the mainland by Ireland's only cable car.
The island, historically, was made up of 3 villages or 'townlands'. These are Ballynacallagh, Kilmichael, and Tilickafinna respectively from east to west on the island. Quite a few of the buildings that comprised these villages can still be seen today.
Dolphins and whales are regular visitors to the rich waters that surround Dursey, in addition to a wide range of different types of seabirds and butterflies.
Dursey has no shops, pubs or restaurants, so visitors are advised to bring food and water if they plan to go for a walk. There is a coffee dock open at the cable car landing area during the Summer months. A bus service is available on the island (see Tours and Services page).
Originally opened in 1969, the Dursey Island cable car remains, to this day, the most used means of transport across the turbulent waters of the Dursey Sound and offers a truly singular experience. Ireland's only cable car and the only cable car that traverses open seawater in all of Europe, it is one of the great attractions of the island and people travel from far and wide to give it a go!
The island, historically, was made up of 3 villages or 'townlands'. These are Ballynacallagh, Kilmichael, and Tilickafinna respectively from east to west on the island. Quite a few of the buildings that comprised these villages can still be seen today.
Dolphins and whales are regular visitors to the rich waters that surround Dursey, in addition to a wide range of different types of seabirds and butterflies.
Dursey has no shops, pubs or restaurants, so visitors are advised to bring food and water if they plan to go for a walk. There is a coffee dock open at the cable car landing area during the Summer months. A bus service is available on the island (see Tours and Services page).
Originally opened in 1969, the Dursey Island cable car remains, to this day, the most used means of transport across the turbulent waters of the Dursey Sound and offers a truly singular experience. Ireland's only cable car and the only cable car that traverses open seawater in all of Europe, it is one of the great attractions of the island and people travel from far and wide to give it a go!
Birdwatching on Dursey Island
The main attraction for birdwatchers coming to Dursey Island is twofold:
Firstly, with the Bull Rock offshore (and its large Gannet colony), there are thousands of seabirds to be seen; including not only Gannets but also Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins. In addition, the island itself hosts breeding Choughs.
Secondly, during the migration season, the island has attracted many migrants including some rare migrants from the west (including birds from North America such as Wilson's Warbler and Ovenbird), the east (including birds from Siberia and the Far East such as Eastern Olivaceous Warbler and Red-flanked Bluetail) and the south (including birds from Southern Europe such as Hoopoe and Bee-eater). Such migrant birds can turn up anywhere. There are a few private gardens but the habitat is primarily grass fields and low hedgerows. Viewing is mostly possible from the paths. Entry to gardens should only be taken with the permission of the owners.
Firstly, with the Bull Rock offshore (and its large Gannet colony), there are thousands of seabirds to be seen; including not only Gannets but also Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins. In addition, the island itself hosts breeding Choughs.
Secondly, during the migration season, the island has attracted many migrants including some rare migrants from the west (including birds from North America such as Wilson's Warbler and Ovenbird), the east (including birds from Siberia and the Far East such as Eastern Olivaceous Warbler and Red-flanked Bluetail) and the south (including birds from Southern Europe such as Hoopoe and Bee-eater). Such migrant birds can turn up anywhere. There are a few private gardens but the habitat is primarily grass fields and low hedgerows. Viewing is mostly possible from the paths. Entry to gardens should only be taken with the permission of the owners.
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/
http://www.discoverbeara.com/
or on Wikipedia at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beara_Peninsula
http://ringofbeara.com/
http://www.bearatourism.com/
http://www.discoverbeara.com/
or on Wikipedia at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beara_Peninsula