Whiddy Island
Whiddy Island
Oileán Faoide | |
|---|---|
Isle | |
Whiddy Island seen from the south shore of Bantry Bay | |
| Coordinates: 51°41′21.88″N 09°30′01.07″W / 51.6894111°N 9.5002972°W | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Munster |
| County | County Cork |
| Population (2022) | 31 |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-1 (IST (WEST)) |
Whiddy Island (Irish: Oileán Faoide) is an island near the head of Bantry Bay in Ireland. It is approximately 5.6 km (3.5 mi) long and 2.4 km (1.5 mi) wide. The topography comprises gently-rolling glacial till, with relatively fertile soil. As late as 1880 the island had a resident population of around 450, mainly engaged in fishing and small-scale farming, but today the population has reduced to approximately 30 people. Previously home to Whiddy Island Naval Air Station, the island is noted for its oil terminal facilities – and the related Whiddy Island Disaster.