The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water, Dursey Sound, which has a very strong tidal race, with the submerged Flag Rock close to the centre of the channel.

The cable car system, which was closed for maintenance during 2022,[3][4] was reopened in mid-2023 following replacement or refurbishment of its towers, tracks and related infrastructure.

Philip O'Sullivan Beare claimed that all of the occupants of the castle were killed by a force under the command of George Carew in the Dursey massacre.

[12] The 300 islanders were killed; Donal Cam O'Sullivan Beare gathered his people from across Cork and set off to take shelter with the O'Rourkes of Leitrim.

[14] During World War II a whitewashed sign saying Éire was built and painted close to the signal tower to indicate to pilots that they were overflying neutral Ireland.

In July 1943 a Luftwaffe Junkers Ju 88 crashed in fog on Crow Head near Dursey, killing all crew.

Used by both tourists and the local population,[18] its towers and tracks were replaced in refurbishment works undertaken during 2022 and early 2023.