Tory Island
Encyclopedia : T : TO : TOR : Tory Island
Tory Island (Irish; Oileán Toraigh, island of the tower), is an island 12 km off the north-west coast of County Donegal, in the Republic of Ireland. It is approximately 5 km (3 miles) long and 1 km (0.75 miles) wide.
It has a population of 170, divided among four towns — An Baile Thoir, An Baile Thiar, Middletown and Newtown. It is part of the Donegal Gaeltacht and Irish is widely spoken on the island.
Since the 1950s, the island has been home to a small community of artists, and has its own art gallery. One of the artists is Peatsaí Dan Mac Ruairí, who holds the position of Rí Thoraí (King of Tory). This King has no formal power, but is chosen by consensus of the islanders to represent the community.
In the apocryphal history of Ireland, Lebor Gabála Érenn, Tory Island was the site of Conand's Tower, the stronghold of the Fomorians, before they were defeated by the Nemedians in a great battle on the island. The later Fomorian king Balor of the evil eye also lived here. Balor would imprison Ethlinn in a tower built atop Tor Mór.
The British frigate HMS Wasp, sent to collect taxes, was shipwrecked near the lighthouse. 52 of the 58 on board lost their lives on 22 September 1884.
Geographical statistics
- Tory Island Lighthouse:
- * Latitude: 55° 16' 36" N (55.276667°)
- * Longitude: 8° 14' 97" W (-8.260278°)
- Highest point: Tor Mór
External links
- [A place of bewitching beauty] — BBC News article
- [Google Maps] — Map showing the island's location
- [Google Maps] — satellite image of the island
- [Article on Oileán Toraigh in Beo]
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