The island was previously populated, with a planned settlement having been established by William Burton Conyngham from 1784, including a street of residences and business premises, with the area's post office, school house and a fish landing and processing facility being built in this village.

While fish catches declined heavily shortly after construction, with services closing or leaving, the island remained inhabited into the 1960s.

Mains electricity reached the island in 1957, due to its being a crucial stepping stone for the Arranmore supply, but piped water has never been provided for its remaining housing stock, which consists entirely of holiday homes.

[4] The following algae have been reported from Rutland South Channel: Gracilaria gracilis (Stackhouse) Steentoft, L.M.

[5] Media related to Rutland Island, County Donegal at Wikimedia Commons