Sandycove Island facts for kids
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Native name:
Cnoc an Rois
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Sandy Cove Island from the Irish Mainland
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 Sandycove Island
Location in island of Ireland
Location in Ireland
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| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 51°40′34″N 08°31′08″W / 51.67611°N 8.51889°W |
| Administration | |
| County | County Cork |
| Demographics | |
| Ethnic groups | Irish |
Sandycove Island (Cnoc an Rois in Irish) is a small island in County Cork, Ireland. It sits at the entrance to Kinsale harbour. The island is very close to the mainland, only about 200 meters (656 feet) from the village of Sandycove. No people live on the island. However, a group of wild goats has lived there for many years. This suggests there might be fresh water on the island for them to drink.
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About Sandycove Island
Sandycove Island is located on the south coast of Ireland. It is found near the mouth of Ardkilly Creek. The island is just west of the Castlepark peninsula. This peninsula forms the western side of the entrance to Kinsale harbour.
Island Life: Wild Goats
Even though no people live on Sandycove Island, it is home to a herd of wild goats. These goats have been grazing on the island for many generations. Their presence suggests that there is likely a reliable source of fresh water on the island. This water helps them survive and thrive.
Island History: Shipwrecks
Over many years, some ships have crashed on the rocks near Sandycove Island. One example is the brig Eliza. This ship weighed 147 tons. It ran aground on the island in the year 1826. These events show that the waters around the island can be tricky for ships.
The Sandycove Island Challenge
The Sandycove Island Challenge is a popular open-water swimming race. It has been held every year since 1994. Swimmers start from a slipway in Sandycove on the mainland. They then swim around Sandycove Island and return to the same slipway. The total distance of the race is about 1,600 meters (about 1 mile). If the sea conditions are not good on race day, a different, safer course is used.
