Mutton Island (Irish: Oileán Caorach)[1] is an uninhabited island and townland off the coast of County Clare, Ireland, about 1.5 km (0.9 mi) from the mainland. The nearest village is Quilty, which is roughly 3.5 km (2.2 mi) from the island.

Mutton Island
Native name:
Oileán Caorach
Fort on Mutton Island
Mutton Island is located in island of Ireland
Mutton Island
Mutton Island
Geography
LocationAtlantic Ocean
Coordinates52°48′45.11″N 9°31′26.76″W / 52.8125306°N 9.5241000°W / 52.8125306; -9.5241000
Area0.9698 km2 (0.3744 sq mi)
Administration
ProvinceMunster
CountyClare
Demographics
Population0

It is used mainly for grazing sheep, and is host to several abandoned houses and two forts.

There is no public ferry service to the island, on which there is no jetty or boat slipway. It contains no roofed buildings, but there is a limited supply of fresh water.

History

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The fortifications on the island were likely constructed by Thomas Burgh around 1702.[2]

The island was populated as late as the 1920s and is believed to have been part of the mainland until the year 804.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Oileán Caorach/Mutton Island". Placenames Database of Ireland (logainm.ie). Retrieved 30 August 2023.
  2. ^ "CO. GALWAY, GALWAY, MUTTON ISLAND FORT Dictionary of Irish Architects -". www.dia.ie. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  3. ^ Clare places - Mutton Island