Tory Island, one of the most remote islands in Europe, contains some of the most spectacular landscapes, rugged beauty and breathtaking scenery imaginable. Set nine miles off the north-west coast of Ireland near County Donegal, this isolated crag is just two and half miles long and three quarters of a mile wide. The hardworking and friendly inhabitants of Tory’s enjoy a way of life similar to what their ancestors had hundreds of years ago.

Tough Winters, Beautiful Summers
The spectacular cliff scenery and rich and varied history makes it easy to see why the islanders endure the ferocious North Atlantic Winters, so they can enjoy the warm and wonderful summers. According to folklore passed down through the centuries, the Island has been used as a retreat for monks, visited by 6th century missionary Colm Cille, seen major shipwrecks and been a haven for smugglers at various times.

The mainly Irish-speaking population of fewer than 200 people is split among four towns, An Baile Thor (East Town), An Baile Thiar (West Town), An Lar (Middletown) and Urable (Newtown).

People wanting to explore a sacred and mystical area of Ireland can hire a car and travel to mainland County Donegal to catch a ferry. Crossings occur daily between April and October and five times a week during the rest of the year. Although cars cannot be taken onto the island, the ferry holds up to 70 passengers.

While the island is small, there are many historical places of interest and beauty and things to do on Tory. These include visiting the Balor Fort, on an impregnable peninsula surrounded on three sides by 90 metre high cliffs. The “Big Key” is a long steep sided ridge that juts out of the east side of the peninsula and ends in a crag called An Tor Mor, or the Big Rock, the islands highest point.

Visitors can experience the Christian heritage of St. Colm Cille and his Monks, explore archaeological sites, meet some of the well-known painters on the island or explore Tory by bike. One of the most famous islanders is the King of Tory, an inhabitant chosen by consensus, who represents the community as a spokesperson and welcomes people to the island, creating a friendly atmosphere that the people who live on Tory like to keep alive.