Ram's Island, Northern Ireland

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For the small island located in Long Island Sound, see Ram Island (Connecticut).

Coordinates: 54°35′10″N 6°18′12″W / 54.5862°N 6.3034°W / 54.5862; -6.3034

refer to caption
Round Tower ruins located on Ram's Island.

Ram’s Island is an island in Lough Neagh, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.[1]

Features[]

The island is the largest island on Lough Neagh, being approximately one mile by a quarter of a mile, and contains a round tower. It has a diverse collection of deciduous trees. [2]

History[]

The island was previously inhabited by the O'Neill family in the 19th century. The ruins of their residence are still on the island. The island's last permanent inhabitants were the Cardwells, previously caretakers for the O'Neills, in the 1920s.[1][2]

The island played a part during World War II, as a flying boat base (RAF Sandy Bay), utilising the shelter offered by the island from the westerly wind.[citation needed]

Transport[]

In 2006, a ferry named The Island Warrior was established to make the island more accessible.[2] In 2007, a new jetty was built.[3] In 2009, over 7,500 people visited Rams Island.[4]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "Boat Trips to Ram's Island". Discover Northern Ireland. Retrieved 27 June 2008.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Lough Neagh island opened to tourists". 4NI News (8 August 2006). Retrieved 27 June 2008.
  3. ^ "Rams Island". Rams Island Heritage Project. Retrieved 27 June 2008.
  4. ^ Rams Island Heritage Project
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