Native name: An tOileán Mór | |
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Great Island: the waterfront at Cuskinny (4 km (2 mi) from Cobh)
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Location in Ireland
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Geography | |
Location | Cork Harbour |
Coordinates | 51°52′00″N 8°17′00″W / 51.86667°N 8.28333°W |
Administration | |
County | County Cork |
Demographics | |
Population | 13,000 |
Ethnic groups | Irish |
Great Island (Oileán Mór an Barraigh in Irish) is the name of an island in Cork Harbour, just outside Cork city, at the mouth of the River Lee.
The island's name comes from the Irish, meaning "Great island of the Barrys", referring to a powerful Norman family who settled in the area. The original name of the island was Oilean Ard na Neimheadh, the "High (or important) island of Neimheadh". Neimheadh was a leader who invaded Ireland in ancient times.
The town of Cobh is situated on the island, which is connected by bridge to Fota Island to the north, which in turn is connected by a causeway to the mainland. A railway line runs out through both islands to Cobh.
Coordinates: 51°52′N 8°17′W / 51.867°N 8.283°W