The Islands of Ireland: Tinkering with the past on Tinker’s Island in West Cork

It can be considered offensive by some but generally the word ‘tinker’ is not considered rude says the Traveller’s advocacy group Pavee Point. Over time the term became synonymous with ‘Traveller’ and it is this which is current today.

That an island was named after one anonymous ‘tinker’ is a testament of sort to their noble heritage. Tinker’s Island in West Cork is a satellite of the comparatively huge Ringarogy Island which is connected by causeway to the mainland.