Illanmaster facts for kids
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Native name:
Oileán Máistir
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 Illanmaster
Location in island of Ireland
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| Geography | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 54°20′N 9°38′W / 54.333°N 9.633°W |
| Administration | |
| Province | Connacht |
| County | Mayo |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Illanmaster (also spelled Illaunmaistir), known in Irish as Oileán Máistir, is a tall, rocky island. It rises about 100 meters (330 feet) from the sea. This island is located just off the north coast of County Mayo in Ireland.
Illanmaster is about 19 kilometers (12 miles) west of a town called Ballycastle. A narrow channel of water separates the island from the mainland. No people live on Illanmaster, making it a quiet place for wildlife.
Amazing Island Wildlife
Illanmaster is a very important home for many birds. It is a special place where birds can raise their young.
Bird Breeding Grounds
Many interesting birds come to Illanmaster to breed. Two types of birds that make their nests here are puffins and storm petrels.
- Puffins are colorful seabirds. They are sometimes called "sea parrots" because of their bright beaks. They dig burrows in the ground to lay their eggs.
- Storm petrels are small, dark seabirds. They fly low over the water, often looking for tiny sea creatures to eat. They also find safe spots on the island to nest.
Winter Visitors
In the colder months, Illanmaster also welcomes other bird visitors. A small group of barnacle geese uses the island during winter. These geese travel long distances to find food and safe places.
A Protected Place
Illanmaster is managed as a nature reserve. This means it is a protected area where wildlife can thrive. BirdWatch Ireland, a group that helps birds, looks after the island.
The reserve is not open for people to visit directly. This helps keep the birds safe and undisturbed. However, you can still see the island and its amazing birds from the mainland!
