Ireland - Co. Donegal - Tory Island - Toraigh

map - carte : Ordnance Survey - sheet 1 - 1:50 000 - See also by mountaibiking

DLocated in the north-west of County Donegal, approximately 14.5 km (8 miles) off the coast, Tory Island (or « Oileán Toraigh » in Gaelic) is a relatively isolated island, but visible from afar due to its remarkable rocky coastline, particularly at the eastern end with the Doom Balor peninsula (« Dún Bhaloir ») which is distinguished by the very steep point of Tormore (« An Tor Mór »). When sea conditions permit, Tory Island can be reached by boat from Magheroarty (see), passing west of the three small islands of Inishbofin, Inishdooey and Inishbeg. Measuring 4 kilometres from west to east and 2 kilometres from north to south, this modestly sized island has 150 permanent inhabitants. Several remains, such as the 6th-century Bell round tower and the 12th-century Tau Cross, bear witness to the rich and eventful history of Tory Island. Due to strong winds, the island has no trees and its vegetation is limited to vast moorland. The north coast of the island is very rugged with steep cliffs, rocky peaks, arches and sea caves. To the east, the peninsula of Doom Balor Fort (« Dún Bhaloir ») is home to the legend that the Fomoire king Balor, with his evil eye, imprisoned Ethlinn in a tower built at the top of Tor Mór. To the north-east of this peninsula stands a long, narrow rocky spur with steep sides, at the end of which stands the imposing rock of Tormore (« An Tor Mór » or « Big key »), the highest point on the island, with its peaks known as the « Soldiers of Balor » (« Saighdiúirí Bhaloir »). On the promontory further west is the wishing stone, where tradition has it that the wish of a person who manages to throw three stones onto it will be granted. On the other side, to the west of the island, stands Tory Lighthouse (« Teach Solais Thoraí »), built in 1832. Standing 27 metres high with an elevation of 40 metres above sea level, its lantern has a range of 30 nautical miles, making it one of the most powerful lighthouses in Ireland.