Ilnacullin
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Ilnacullin, known locally as Garnish Island (properly Garinish Island), is a very tranquil yet popular tourist attraction in Ireland, located in the small harbour of Glengarriff, County Cork which forms part of Bantry Bay. Ilnacullin is the name used by the National Parks and Monuments Service to differentiate it from Garinish Island in Co Kerry. An alternative name is Illaunacullin, meaning island of holly. It's a 15 hectare island renowned for its Italian gardens which flourish in the micro-climate of Glengarriff harbour. It is visited by thousands of people each year.
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[edit] History
The garden was designed by Harold Peto for its owner Annan Bryce and was bequeathed to the Irish people in 1953. Renowned for its beautiful gardens and architecture, the island has played host to well-known writers such as GB Shaw.
For those interested in history there is a Martello tower on the island dating from the time of the Napoleonic wars. The tower has been restored and it's well worth a trip up to the battlements to see the views.
[edit] Getting there
There are a number of ferry services to the Island from the town of Glengarriff. These ferrys take you to the island and generally include a tour of the nearby seal colony. The cost of the ferry trip does not include the admission charge to the island. The scenery is spectacular as you get a panoramic view of Glengarriff, the Beara Peninsula and Sheep's Head while enjoying the amazingingly calm seas in the sheltered harbour.
[edit] Reference
- Ilnacullin - National Parks and Monument Service 1989 ISBN 0-7076-0034-0
[edit] See also
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