Ireland Island, Bermuda facts for kids
Ireland Island is the island furthest to the northwest in Bermuda. It looks like a long finger of land pointing northeast from the main island. It's the last island in a chain that includes Boaz Island and Somerset Island. This island is part of Sandys Parish. It forms the northwestern edge of the Great Sound. Ireland Island is considered one of Bermuda's six main islands. It is part of the West End area of the islands.
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A Look at Ireland Island's Past
In 1618, a privateer (a ship allowed to attack enemy ships) led by a famous pirate named Powell got stuck on Bermuda's main island. The governor sent Powell to Ireland Island, which had no people living on it back then.
After the American Revolutionary War, Bermuda became the only British territory between Nova Scotia and the West Indies. Because of this, the Royal Navy (Britain's navy) bought Ireland Island. They wanted to use it for a lighthouse and a dockyard.
It took about twelve years to find a safe channel through Bermuda's reefs. This channel was needed for large ships to reach Ireland Island and the Great Sound. The Royal Navy started buying land on Ireland Island around 1795. At first, they set up a small base near St. George's town.
The main fleet anchored at Murray's Anchorage while work began on Ireland Island. The lighthouse was never built. However, the dockyard became very important for the navy. This was especially true during the wars from 1812 to 1815.
The dockyard first served as a winter base. It later became the main year-round headquarters by the 1820s. The dockyard grew bigger with a new South Yard. The original fortified area became known as the North Yard. Both yards have long walls called arms that create enclosed harbors.
Large ships could dock at the wharves inside these harbors. Bermuda's soft limestone did not allow for a regular drydock. So, floating dry docks were used from the 1860s. These floating docks were tied to the wharves.
Changing Roles and Closure
During the Second World War, the United States Navy took control of the western North Atlantic. A US naval base was built on the Great Sound. Also, a US airbase was built at the East End. Later, under NATO, the Royal Naval Dockyard became a smaller base in 1951.
Most of Ireland Island was given to the local government in 1957. But the South Yard kept operating as a naval base called HMS Malabar. This continued until the 1980s. The last ships left, and HMS Malabar became a supply station.
The base finally closed in 1995. After the 1950s, much of Ireland Island was empty. Many old naval buildings started to fall apart by the 1980s. The government then created the West End Development Company (WEDCO). This company aimed to bring businesses and visitors to the area.
Ireland Island Today
The Commissioner's House is at the highest point of The Keep. The Keep is a fortress within the North Yard. This house was a Royal Navy Wireless Station from 1939 to 1949.
Since the 1970s, the Bermuda Maritime Museum has been located in The Keep. It includes the Commissioner's House. The museum has grown and is now the national museum of this British Overseas Territory.
Cruise Ships and New Life
Fortunately for Ireland Island, more and more large cruise ships visit Bermuda. Since the early 2000s, many of these ships are too big to fit into St. George's Harbour or Hamilton Harbour. Instead, they dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
These huge liners cannot enter the dockyard's smaller harbors. So, the Government of Bermuda built a new wharf on the outer side of the northern breakwater. This wharf is called King's Wharf.
The arrival of many tourists has turned the Royal Naval Dockyard into a busy place. It now has shops, restaurants, and other businesses. While few people live on Ireland Island, the area is full of activity.
Some old naval buildings have been removed since the 1990s. A new prison was built on the western side of Ireland Island North. Most of the remaining naval buildings are now in much better condition. This is because they are used by businesses. However, many buildings further away from the main yard, especially on Ireland Island South, are not in as good shape.
Some old naval homes have been allowed to fall into disrepair. For example, Victoria Row, which were homes for married navy members, was taken down in 2016. Other buildings have also been destroyed over time.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Irlanda (Bermudas) para niños
