Tory Island

Tory Island, or simply Tory (officially known by its Irish name Toraigh), is an island 14.5 km (9 mi) off the north-west coast of County Donegal in Ireland. It is also known in Irish as Oileán Thoraí or, historically, Oileán Thúr Rí.

Language

The main spoken language on the island is Irish, but English is also used for communicating with visitors to the island. Tory is part of the Donegal Gaeltacht and Ulster Irish is the main Irish dialect in use.

Geography and transport

The island is approximately 5 km (3 mi) long and 1 km (0.6 mi) wide. The 2002 census recorded a population of 133. The population is divided among four towns – An Baile Thoir (East Town), An Baile Thiar (West Town), An Lár (Middletown) and Úrbaile (Newtown). In August 2010, the King of Tory confirmed that there were 96 people living on the island.

Petrol and diesel are available from Tory Oil at prices significantly higher than on the mainland.

Tory has no airport, but has regular ferry connections from mainland County Donegal. The ferry travels daily from April to October and five times a week for the rest of the year. The ferry does not take cars, but holds up to 70 passengers. During the winter months, sea crossings may not be possible due to rough seas – but from November to March, a small 4-seater helicopter runs from Falcarragh to Tory every other Thursday.