Illauneeragh West facts for kids
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Native name:
An tOileán Iarthach Thiar
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 Illauneeragh West
Location in island of Ireland
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| Geography | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 53°21′07″N 9°40′21″W / 53.35194°N 9.67250°W |
| Administration | |
| Province | Connacht |
| County | Galway |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 (2006) |
Illauneeragh (pronounced "Ill-awn-ee-ragh"), also known by its Irish name An tOileán Iarthach Thiar, is a small island located in County Galway, Ireland. It is special because at low tide, you can actually walk to it from a nearby island called Illaunmore. This connection makes it a unique spot along the coast.
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Island Life and History
Illauneeragh might be small, but it has an interesting history, especially when it comes to the people who once lived there. Like many small islands, its population changed a lot over time.
People of Illauneeragh
In the past, Illauneeragh was home to a small community. Records show that in the mid-1800s, around 60 to 70 people lived on the island. This number went up and down over the years. For example, in 1881, there were 74 residents, which was the highest recorded population.
The Island's Changing Population
Life on small islands can be tough, and many people started to move away in the 20th century. By 1911, the population had dropped to 46. This trend continued, and by the 1950s, only a few people remained. In 1951, there were just 9 residents, and by 1956, only 3 people lived on Illauneeragh.
Becoming Uninhabited
Eventually, everyone moved away from Illauneeragh. Since 1961, the island has been uninhabited, meaning no one lives there anymore. This is a common story for many of Ireland's smaller islands, as people sought better opportunities on the mainland. Today, the island is a quiet place, visited mainly by wildlife or people exploring the coast.
Location and Geography
Illauneeragh is situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of County Galway. Its most notable geographical feature is its connection to Illaunmore.
Tidal Connection to Illaunmore
The fact that Illauneeragh connects to Illaunmore at low tide is a cool natural event. This means that for a few hours each day, when the sea level is low, a natural pathway appears, linking the two islands. This kind of connection is called a "tidal causeway" or "tombolo" and is quite fascinating to observe. It shows how the ocean's tides can change the landscape.
