The Skerries, Northern Ireland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Skerries
|
|
|---|---|
 A large skerrie near Portrush |
|
 |
|
| Population | (2001) |
| Irish grid reference | C855409 |
| • Belfast | 50 miles (80 km) |
| District | |
| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | PORTRUSH |
| Postcode district | BT56 |
| Dialling code | 028, +44 28 |
| Police | Northern Ireland |
| Fire | Northern Ireland |
| Ambulance | Northern Ireland |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament |
|
The Skerries are a small group of rocky islands located just off the coast of Portrush, County Antrim, in Northern Ireland. These islands are known as "skerries," which means they are small, rocky islands or reefs.
Locally, the largest island is called Winkle Isle. The smaller island is known as Castle Isle. These islands are very important for nature, so they are part of a special protected area. If you take a boat trip from Portrush to the famous Giant's Causeway, you will pass by The Skerries.
Contents
A Special Place for Nature
The Skerries islands are part of something called an "Area of Special Scientific Interest." This means they are protected because of their unique wildlife and natural features. This special status was given to the islands in 1996.
Home to Amazing Seabirds
Many different kinds of seabirds come to The Skerries to nest and raise their young. You might spot birds like the kittiwake, the black guillemot, and the eider duck flying around or resting on the rocks.
Unique Sea Creatures
The water around The Skerries is a bit warmer in the summer than other parts of Northern Ireland. This makes it a perfect home for some really interesting sea creatures that you won't find anywhere else nearby.
For example, the cotton spinner sea cucumber (Holothuria forskali) lives here. It's the only place in Northern Ireland where this southern species can be found!
Protected Underwater Habitats
Under the waves, there are important underwater "habitats" or homes for sea life. These include areas of seagrass (Zostera marina), which are like underwater meadows. There are also beds of horse mussels (Modiolus modiolus), which are a type of shellfish.
Recently, scientists exploring the waters around The Skerries found something new: the spiny spider crab (Maja brachydactyla). This crab had never been seen in Northern Ireland before!
Shipwrecks and History
The waters around The Skerries have seen many ships over the years. Sometimes, the weather can be very rough, leading to shipwrecks.
One such event happened on December 28, 1879. A sailing ship named the Thomas Graham got stuck at The Skerries and was lost. It was captained by John Candlish.
