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The Saltee Islands, consisting of the Great and Little Saltee, St. Georges Channel are situated approximately 5 kilometres off the coast of Kilmore Quay Co.Wexford. The larger island Great Saltee is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland and is very popular with both day-trippers and birdwatchers. These Islands are privately owned and are one of the world's major bird sanctuaries. The Saltees are a haven for sea birds, nurturing an impressive array of birds, from Gannets and Gulls to Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. They also lie on an important migratory route and a popular stopping-off place for spring and autumn migrants. The Great Saltee also has a breeding population of Grey Seals, one of the very few in eastern Ireland. Up to 120 animals are present in autumn and up to 20 pups are produced annually. These Islands are among the ancient islands of Europe, based on Pre-Cambrian bedrock i.e. between 600 and 2000 million years old. There is archaeological evidence that Neolithic man settled there, and traces of religious settlements exist. There is also evidence of buccaneering and smuggling. A flourishing period in the history of the islands was from about 1500 - 1800 when they were a base for pirates, wreckers and smugglers. The gains of the wreckers and smugglers could very well be hidden in the many caves which have mysterious and romantic names - Lady Walker's Cave, Happy Hole, Otter's Cave and Hell Hole, enough for any Treasure Island. These and other caves can be clearly seen on The Great Saltee Map (Information Page). The waters around the islands can be treacherous, hence the area is know as the "Graveyard of a Thousand Ships" and the islands their tombstones. One of the most spectacular sights on the Saltees in mid-Summer are the sea birds colonies on the cliffs to the north-east of the Gannet headland. Vast numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills pack the ledges and create a frightful incessant din which only at night abates a little. The Fulmars too play their part in this splendour. Towards dusk the sight of the Puffins congregating in small groups near their nestling sites presents a marvellous sight. If the Saltees had any other name before their present title, it has been long lost. As for the origin of the name there are two possible theories, Norse or of Old or Middle English derivation. However the name suggests a Norse origin (Salt ey - salt island) derived from the phenomenon of the salty spray which sweeps across the islands at times of high winds and waves, especially during the winter. Since December 1943 the Saltees are privately owned by the Neale family. Prince Michael the First died in January 1998 and is buried in the family vault in Bannow Bay, Co.Wexford. He has been succeeded by his eldest son Michael the Second. Permission for day visits to the Great Saltee, by courtesy of the Neale family, is not needed. Permission to visit the Little Saltee can not be granted due to the hazardous landing conditions. However we would like all visitors to respect these islands and in the words of the late Prince Michael the First.
These sentiments expressed and carved in stone welcomes all visitors to these islands, erected above the landing steps on the Great Saltee.
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Vital Statistics of the Saltees |
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Location: |
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Latitude 52 degrees 8' 30'' North |
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Distance from shore: |
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Great Saltee - 3 1/4 statute miles from Kilmore Quay. |
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Area: |
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Great Saltee - 219 statute
acres, 1 rood and 29 perches. |
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Highest Point: |
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