Saltee Islands
The Saltee Islands, St. George's Channel consisting of the Great and Little Saltee, are situated approximately 5 kilometers off the coast of Kilmore Quay Co.Wexford. The larger island Great Saltee is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland and is very popular with both day-trippers and birdwatchers alike. These Islands are privately owned and are one of the world's major bird sanctuaries.
The Saltees are a haven for sea birds, nurturing an impressive array of birds, from Gannets and Gulls to Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. They also lie on an important migratory route and a popular stopping-off place for spring and autumn migrants. The Great Saltee also has a breeding population of Grey Seals, one of the very few in eastern Ireland. Up to 120 animals are present in autumn and up to 20 pups are produced annually.
The Saltees are among the ancient islands of Europe, based on Pre-Cambrian bedrock i.e. between 600 and 2000 million years old. Primitive Stone Age man first settled there before history was recorded and carved out an existence. As long ago as 3,500 to 2,000 B.C. there were people on the islands. There is a recently-identified promontory fort, the remains of an ancient grave, an Ogham stone (now in a local museum) and traces of what appear to be ring forts.
Archaeological evidence show that Neolithic man settled there, and traces of religious settlements still exist. Early Christian hermits, Vikings, Normans and medieval monks also inhabited the islands. Small communities of farmers and fishermen made a humble living there. There is also evidence of buccaneering and smuggling. A flourishing period in the history of the islands was from about 1500 - 1800. The Saltees were in the path of one of the world's most important sea trading routes - between Britain and the American continent. They were used as a base for pirates, wreckers and smugglers. Pirates from Spain, France, North Africa and America plundered the busy merchant ships within sight of the islands. And in the days of sail the waters around the islands became known as the graveyard of a thousand ships and the islands their tombstones, so dangerous was the area to shipping. The gains of the wreckers and smugglers could very well be hidden in the many caves which have mysterious and romantic names - Lady Walker's Cave, Happy Hole, Otter's Cave and Hell Hole, enough for any Treasure Island.
In 1798 an island cave became a brief hiding place for two leaders of the Rebellion. John Henry Colclough and Bagenal Harvey. They took refuge in a cave on the Saltee Islands from whence they planned to escape to republican France. They were betrayed, arrested and brought to Wexford town. There they were hanged on the bridge on 28 June 1798. Folklore has it that soldiers saw soapy water coming from a cave where both men were washing which led to their capture.
The big island was extensively farmed in the nineteenth century. Farming ceased in 1900 until 1939, when early potatoes and barley were important crops. Other crops included oats, beans, onions, etc. Farming ended in 1943.
If the Saltees had any other name before their present title, it has been long lost. As for the origin of the name there are two possible theories, Norse or of Old or Middle English derivation. However the name suggests a Norse origin (Salt ey - salt island) derived from the phenomenon of the salty spray which sweeps across the islands at times of high winds and waves, especially during the winter.
In December 1943 the Saltees were purchased privately by the late Prince Michael the First. Since his death in January 1998 the islands are now owned by his five sons Michael, John, Manfred, Paul, Richard and daughter Anne. He is buried in the family vault in Bannow Bay, Co.Wexford. His title was passed on to his eldest son Michael.
One of the most spectacular sights on the Great Saltee in mid-Summer are the sea birds colonies on the cliffs to the north-east of the Gannet headland. Vast numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills pack the ledges and create a frightful incessant din which only at night abates a little. The Fulmars too play their part in this splendour. Towards dusk the sight of the Puffins congregating in small groups near their nestling sites presents a marvellous sight.
Permission for day visits to the Great Saltee, by courtesy of the Neale family, is not needed. Permission to visit the Little Saltee can not be granted due to the hazardous landing conditions. However we would like all visitors to respect these islands.
Kilmore Quay to the Great Saltee Islands
A short trip across to the Saltee Islands, landing and exploring.Featuring a new song by Andi McGarry for 2012 title Go out.also featuring an older tune by Dave Tonken and Andi Tonken- titled Walk in the Raven.
Special footage is heaped upon the magnificent Gannet colony out back of the Island.
Saltee Islands. Albin Vega Eager Vega. Kilmore Quay. Ireland.
Sailing from Kilmore Quay around Saltee Islands
Seals behind Saltee islands, Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford
Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland - Unravel Travel TV
Kilmore Quay is a fishing village in Co. Wexford, Ireland. Leisure facilities in the area include sailing and sea angling. The Saltee Islands lie off the coast near Kilmore Quay, and boat trips to these islands are available from the village. The two islands, Great Saltee and Little Saltee, are mainly known for being Ireland's largest bird sanctuary with gannets, gulls, puffins, cormorants, razorbills, and guillemots Guillemo living on the islands.
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Saltee Islands Kilmore Quay 13-03-2011r.mpg
Saltee Island zoom from Kilmore Quay
Nikon P900 Zoom from Kilmore Quay Ireland
Kilmore Quay 14.05.2017
View of The Saltee Islands from Kilmore Quay..
kilmore Quay Co Wexford Drone flight.
Drone flight over Kilmore Quay Co Wexford
Music Credit:
Tim McMorris; We're going up & On Top of The World
Kilmore Quay Lifeboat rescue near Saltee Islands
wexford, rescue, rnli, lifeboat
The Saltee Islands Ireland
The Saltee Islands, St. George's Channel consisting of the Great and Little Saltee, are situated approximately 5 kilometers off the coast of Kilmore Quay Co.Wexford. The larger island Great Saltee is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland and is very popular with both photographers and birdwatchers alike. These Islands are privately owned and are one of the world's major bird sanctuaries.
Filmed on a Gopro silver with a Feiyu Tech G4 Gimbal.
Music: Say My Name (feat, Zyra) by ODESZA
Saltee Islands Wexford Ireland
A Comeragh Mountaineering Club Trip To The Saltee Islands Off The Wexford Coast,The Islands Are About A 30 Min Boat Trip From Kilmore Quay
Boat Trip To Saltee Island
Boat Trip out to the Saltee Islands Ireland. If u ever get the chance to go to this Place you wont be Disappointed. sorry about the dust and marks on my lens but we where getting soaked with spray on the boat.
Baby Seal goes sightseeing in Kilmore Quay
Saltee Islands Co Wexford
The Irish coast is a home to many sea and bird life. And just off the coast of @VisitKilmoreQuay lie the #SalteeIslands. Renowned in story and legend they even claim to have their own prince! During the summer season boat trips are available from the quay side to and around the islands. A heaven for puffins, seals and a whole host of other animal wildlife it truly is a trip of a lifetime. @VisitWexford for more details. Need a bus to tour the area get in touch with me Cathy info@heritagetourswexford.ie or visit heritagetourswexford.ie
Saltee Islands
A video shot on an island off the south coast of Wexford in Ireland. Contains some of the islands wildlife and landscapes.
Saltee Island And it's inhabitants
Kilmore Quay in Co. Wexford Ireland ...
Leaving the harbour at Kilmore Quay to get the Saltees Island ...
Saltees May 2019
Comeragh Mountaineering Club / Strongbow Social Tours trip to the Saltee Islands off the south coast of Wexford Ireland.
The Saltee islands are a bird sanctuary of international importance.
Visitor numbers are restricted.