Dursey Island

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.

Standing stones on Dursey
The cable car and Dursey Sound, viewed from Dursey Island (September 2015)