Islands of Ireland: Granny's intentions

Granny Island, Crookhaven, Co Cork. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

Not to be confused with the 1960s’ rock band from Limerick, this Granny’s intention refers to the idea to develop a flying boat facility at Crookhaven Harbour, West Cork in the early 1930s. Granny’s Island, lies to the north of Crookhaven, Co Cork. It is a mere scrap of an island with sparse vegetation and though its name suggests otherwise, should really be identified as an islet.

At the western end of the harbour the main road winds in from Goleen along a pleasant road. Beyond that is Barleycove where imposing sand dunes eventuated from the 1755 Lisbon earthquake when
incalculable tonnes of sand were shifted northwards by the resultant tsunami.