Carbery's Hundred Isles facts for kids
The Carbery's Hundred Isles are a group of islands found along the coast of southwest Ireland. They are located in County Cork, specifically around Long Island Bay and Roaringwater Bay. These islands are part of the historic area known as Carbery.
Because of the warm Gulf Stream ocean current, these islands enjoy a mild climate. However, many of them are open to the strong winds and waves from the sea. This creates a mix of landscapes. You can find areas with lush, green plants right next to treeless hills and bogs. The coastlines feature rocky cliffs and a mix of shingle and sand beaches. The islands closer to the Ilen River are more sheltered and have richer soil.
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What Are Carbery's Hundred Isles?
Carbery's Hundred Isles are a collection of islands off the coast of County Cork, Ireland. They are located in the Celtic Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are successors to the medieval Barony of Carbery. The name refers to the many islands found in this beautiful coastal region.
A Mild Climate and Beautiful Nature
The islands benefit from the Gulf Stream. This ocean current brings warmer water and air. It helps keep the climate mild, even in winter. However, many islands are very exposed to the elements. This means they face strong winds and ocean spray.
You will see a variety of natural landscapes here. Some spots have thick, green plants. Other areas are treeless, with hills and bogs. The edges of the islands are often rocky cliffs. There are also beaches made of small stones (shingle) and soft sand. The islands inside the Ilen River estuary are more protected. They have more fertile land, which means plants grow better there.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The phrase "Carbery's Hundred Isles" comes from a famous poem. It was written by Thomas Davis in 1844. The poem is called The Sack of Baltimore. It tells the story of a raid on the village of Baltimore in 1631. During this event, many villagers were taken from their homes.
The first line of the poem sets the scene: "The summer sun is falling soft on Carbery's hundred isles." It's important to know that this is a bit of "poetic license." This means the poet used a creative number for effect. In reality, there are fewer than 50 islands in this group. But the poem was very popular in the 1800s. Because of this, the phrase "Carbery's Hundred Isles" became well-known. It is now often used in tourism guides for the area. The famous writer Jonathan Swift also visited this area in the 1720s. He wrote a poem describing the islands and the region.
Exploring the Islands
There are many islands in Carbery's Hundred Isles. The largest ones are Cléire and Sherkin Island. These islands are popular for visitors. They offer beautiful scenery and a chance to experience island life.
Other islands in the area include:
- Long Island
- Castle Island
- Carthy's Islands
- Horse Island, County Cork
- West Skeam Island
- East Skeam Island
- Heir Island
- Calves Island (which includes Calf Island West, Calf Island Middle, and Calf Island East)
- Spanish Island
- Ringarogy Island
- Goat Island (Beg/Mór)
- Rabbit island
