Tory Island (Ireland)

Tory Island (Toraigh) is located approx 15 km (9 ml) off mainland Ireland's northwestern coast. The island has length approx 5 km (3 ml) and population around 200. The island has no airport, but is served by regularly scheduled daily ferries (run by Tory Ferry) departing from mainland Ireland (Magheroarty Pier, Donegal). The daily ferry service is April through October, and 5 times weekly for the rest of the year. Ferries are passenger-only (don't take cars) and with max capacity 70 pax. Due to rough sea, ferry crossings during winter months may not be possible. A 4-seat helicopter runs to Tory from Falcarragh (November through March) every Thursday.

The isle is an Important Bird Area - a breeding site for corncrakes (aka landrails) - a globally threatened species. Their numbers have fallen with intensification of agriculture. The island has several mythological and historical sites, including: Balor's fort (Dun Bhaloir) on the eastern side, surrounded by 90-m (295-ft) high cliffs.

The big key (Eochair Mhor), a steep-sided spur sticking out from the peninsula's east side and ending in a crag named The big rock (An Tor Mor). The Wishing Stone is a flat-topped rock located beside the northern face of Balor's Fort. A wish is granted to anyone who steps onto the rock, or succeeds in throwing 3 stones onto it. The Bell Tower (Cloigtheach) is the biggest survived structure of the monastery (6th-7th centuries). Tau Cross (t-shaped cross) dates back from the 12th century. It's one of only 2 Tau crosses in Ireland (with the other being in Kilnaboy, County Clare).

The Lighthouse (west end) was built in 1828-1832. In April 1990, it was automated and is currently one of all 3 in Ireland with installed Differential Global Positioning System.

Tory Island cruise terminal