Ram's Island, Northern Ireland facts for kids
Ram’s Island is the largest island in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland. It sits close to the eastern shore of the lake. The island is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long and 1/4 mile (400 meters) wide. It is covered with thick woods, making it a safe place for many wild animals. You can also find the old ruins of a medieval Irish round tower there.
Contents
History of Ram's Island
Island's Old Names
The island's first Irish name was Inis Dar Cairgrenn. This name might have meant "island of Cairgriu's daughter." Later, it became Inis Dairgreann. When English speakers came, they changed this name to "Enish Garden." Part of this old name still exists in a nearby area on the mainland called "Darachrean." The English name "Ram's Island" might have come from the Irish ending –reann. Another idea is that the island looks a bit like a ram's horn.
Monks and Outlaws
Long ago, in the Middle Ages, a monastery and a round tower were built on the island. These were important religious buildings.
Later, in 1679, a famous Irish outlaw named Redmond O'Hanlon is said to have hidden on the island. An outlaw was someone who broke the law and was often on the run.
In 1795, several important people who started the United Irishmen visited the island. The United Irishmen were a group who wanted to make Ireland an independent country. One of these visitors was Wolfe Tone.
Growing Bigger
In the 1800s, Lough Neagh's water level was lowered. Because of this, Ram's Island grew much larger. It went from being about 6 acres (2.4 hectares) to around 25 acres (10 hectares)!
New Owners and Caretakers
In the early 1800s, a rich person called the Baron O'Neill bought the island. He built two houses there. The last people who lived on the island all the time were the Cardwell family. They used to be caretakers for the O'Neills. They left the island in the 1920s.
During World War II
During the Second World War, there was a Royal Air Force base nearby at Sandy Bay. This base was for flying boats, which were planes that could land on water. It was called RAF Sandy Bay.
Ram's Island Today
In 2005, a group called the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association signed a deal to look after Ram's Island for thirty years. They received money from the Lough Neagh Partnership, which was supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. This money helps them care for the island.
In 2006, a ferry named The Island Warrior started taking people on regular boat trips to the island. Now, visitors can explore this historic and natural place!
