Great Island
Native name: An tOileán Mór | |
|---|---|
Cobh, the largest town on Great Island. | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Cork Harbour |
| Coordinates | 51°51′57″N 08°16′02″W / 51.86583°N 8.26722°W |
| Area | 53.1 km2 (20.5 sq mi) |
| Length | 8 km (5 mi) east>west (approx) |
| Width | 4 km (2.5 mi) north>sth (approx) |
| Administration | |
| County | County Cork |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Approximately 14,000 |
Great Island (Irish: An tOileán Mór) is an island in Cork Harbour, at the mouth of the River Lee and close to the city of Cork, Ireland. The largest town on the island is Cobh (called Queenstown from 1849 to 1920). The island's economic and social history has historically been linked to the naval, ship-building, and shipping activities in the town's environs.
In the early 21st century, a different marine industry has arisen. Tourism and related services have become a significant part of the local economy, including cruise ships attracted by the Port of Cork berthing facilities on the island. This is the only dedicated cruising ship berth in the Republic of Ireland.
The island has an area of 53.1 km2 (13,100 acres), making it Ireland's second-largest after Achill.