Whiddy Island
Oileán Faoide | |
---|---|
Isle | |
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 (2022)[1] | 31 |
Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-1 (IST (WEST)) |
Whiddy Island (Irish: Oileán Faoide)[2] is an island near the head of Bantry Bay in 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.[3] 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 30 people.[1][4][5] Previously home to Whiddy Island Naval Air Station, the island is noted for its oil terminal facilities – and the related Whiddy Island Disaster.
immediately in front of [Bantry House] is the undulating and fertile island of Whiddy, formerly a deer park, but now converted into valuable farms