Whiddy Island
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Whiddy Island Oileán Faoide |
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Whiddy Island seen from the south shore of Bantry Bay
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 Whiddy Island
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| Coordinates: 51°41′21.88″N 09°30′01.07″W / 51.6894111°N 9.5002972°W | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Munster |
| County | County Cork |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 20 |
| Time zone | WET (UTC+0) |
| • Summer (DST) | IST (WEST) (UTC-1) |
Whiddy Island (Irish: Oileán Faoide) is an island near the head of Bantry Bay, Ireland. It is approximately 5.6 km (3.5 mi) long and 2.4 km (1.5 mi) wide. The topography comprises gently-rolling glacial till, with relatively fertile soil. As late as 1880 the island had a resident population of around 450, mainly engaged in fishing and small-scale farming, but today the population has reduced to approximately 20 people. Previously home to Whiddy Island Naval Air Station the island is noted for its oil terminal facilities - and the related Whiddy Island Disaster.
As of the 2011 census, the island has a permanent, resident population of 20 people. This increases with visitors arriving during the tourist season; many staying in self-catering accommodation in the form of restored traditional island cottages.
The island is linked to the mainland by the local ferry, Ocean Star III, with return trips several times a day. Bike hire is also available on the island, as is a local hackney service. Trips to and from the island and tours of the bay are available during the summer months, incorporating local history, scenery and the indigenous flora and fauna.
Walkers and anglers also travel to Whiddy Island, and the walking trails there form part of the Sheep's Head Way walking route.
There is one pub, the Bank House, which offers food and live music during the summer months.
The present-day economy is mainly fuelled by the tourism, fishing and farming industries. Due to its mild winter temperatures, it has a local reputation for producing the region's earliest potato crop.
The island is dominated by a large oil terminal which most recently has been re-purposed to store the Irish strategic oil reserve.
Historically, the island was strategically important as it protected Bantry Bay and the bay's deepwater anchorage. As a result, the British authorities built fortified batteries on the island in Napoleonic times. This was prevent a repeat of the arrival of a French Armada force at Bantry Bay - as had occurred in 1796.
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Wikipedia