Heir Island

Heir Island or Hare Island, sometimes called Inishodriscol (Irish: Inis Uí Drisceoil, meaning "Ó Driscol's island") is an island that lies southwest of County Cork, Ireland. It has a year-round population of around 25–30. The island is 2.5 km long and 1.5 km wide. It is the fourth largest of Carbery's Hundred Isles, after Sherkin Island, Clear Island and Long Island. It is close to Cunnamore Pier, which is its main access point.

History

The island was once inhabited by over 400 people. The McCarthy and O'Neill families are known for living on this island for years, the latter in fact owned the original island post office. To make a living on the Island the inhabitants either fished or farmed the land but were often unable to make an adequate living, as a result many of the young people emigrated to England, USA and Australia. There are still many descendants of the original islanders living and working on the island. As a result of the emigration, many of the houses were sold in the 1960s and those who bought them often restored the original houses as holiday homes which visitors can see dotted around the island.