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Tory Island- Toraigh According to the records of Leabhar Gabhála Eirinn,
the Book of the Invasions,Tory Island was the site of
Words alone, no matter how finely woven, could Conand’s Tower, the stronghold of the Fomorians, before
never give a true impression of the rugged beauty they were defeated by the Nemedians in a great battle on
of Tory, the indomitable spirit of its people or their rich the island. The later Fomorian king Balor of the evil eye
cultural inheritance. Known also as Oileán Thoraí or, is also known to have lived here. Dún Bhaloir (Balor’s
historically, Oileán Thúr Rí, Tory Island is well worth fort) is located on the island’s eastern side. Balor’s fort
the visit. Be greeted by Ireland’s only monarch as you is only accessible by crossing a narrow isthmus, as this
step off the boat into a rich Island community and peninsula is surrounded on three sides by 90m-high
culture quite apart from that of the mainland. Here the cliffs and defended by four earthen embankments.
Irish language is strong. Tory Island is celebrated for it’s Balor would imprison his daughter, Eithne, in a tower
music, it’s songs and storytelling. built atop Tor Mór (or Túr Mór in Old Irish, meaning
The High Tower). Tor Mór is the island’s highest point.
Approximately 5km long and 1km wide, Tory is a The spur on which this “Tower” is located has prominent
microcosm of ancient Ireland’s living tradition. You rocky pinnacles – these are known as “Balor’s soldiers”.
will find the same language here as has been spoken (Saighdiúirí Bhaloir ).
hundreds of years ago. In a triumph for the power of You will find a “Wishing Stone” a flat-topped
community and culture the people of Tory successfully rock beside the northern cliff-face of Balor’s Fort.
resisted government plans to evacuate the island in the Traditionally, a wish is granted to anyone foolhardy
last century (with a little help from one Fr. Diarmuid ‘O enough to step onto the rock, or one who succeeds in
Peicin!) . We trust that Tory’s people will go on surviving throwing three stones onto it.
and thriving on this culturally rich haven. On Tory also, we find one of Ireland’s only two Tau
crosses, believed to date from the 12th century. The
A ferry travels daily to Tory from April to October and other is to be found in Kilnaboy, County Clare.
five times a week for the rest of the year. This ferry does
not take cars, but holds up to 70 passengers.
5
Sean and Patricia Doherty warmly welcome you to their family owned and
managed Óstan Radharc Na Céibhe (Harbour View Hotel):
Tory Island's premier entertainment, accommodation and food venue.
Email: toryharbourviewhotel@gmail.com
Tel: 00 353 (0) 749135920
Mobile: 087 9385284 / 087 2604633
267
the Book of the Invasions,Tory Island was the site of
Words alone, no matter how finely woven, could Conand’s Tower, the stronghold of the Fomorians, before
never give a true impression of the rugged beauty they were defeated by the Nemedians in a great battle on
of Tory, the indomitable spirit of its people or their rich the island. The later Fomorian king Balor of the evil eye
cultural inheritance. Known also as Oileán Thoraí or, is also known to have lived here. Dún Bhaloir (Balor’s
historically, Oileán Thúr Rí, Tory Island is well worth fort) is located on the island’s eastern side. Balor’s fort
the visit. Be greeted by Ireland’s only monarch as you is only accessible by crossing a narrow isthmus, as this
step off the boat into a rich Island community and peninsula is surrounded on three sides by 90m-high
culture quite apart from that of the mainland. Here the cliffs and defended by four earthen embankments.
Irish language is strong. Tory Island is celebrated for it’s Balor would imprison his daughter, Eithne, in a tower
music, it’s songs and storytelling. built atop Tor Mór (or Túr Mór in Old Irish, meaning
The High Tower). Tor Mór is the island’s highest point.
Approximately 5km long and 1km wide, Tory is a The spur on which this “Tower” is located has prominent
microcosm of ancient Ireland’s living tradition. You rocky pinnacles – these are known as “Balor’s soldiers”.
will find the same language here as has been spoken (Saighdiúirí Bhaloir ).
hundreds of years ago. In a triumph for the power of You will find a “Wishing Stone” a flat-topped
community and culture the people of Tory successfully rock beside the northern cliff-face of Balor’s Fort.
resisted government plans to evacuate the island in the Traditionally, a wish is granted to anyone foolhardy
last century (with a little help from one Fr. Diarmuid ‘O enough to step onto the rock, or one who succeeds in
Peicin!) . We trust that Tory’s people will go on surviving throwing three stones onto it.
and thriving on this culturally rich haven. On Tory also, we find one of Ireland’s only two Tau
crosses, believed to date from the 12th century. The
A ferry travels daily to Tory from April to October and other is to be found in Kilnaboy, County Clare.
five times a week for the rest of the year. This ferry does
not take cars, but holds up to 70 passengers.
5
Sean and Patricia Doherty warmly welcome you to their family owned and
managed Óstan Radharc Na Céibhe (Harbour View Hotel):
Tory Island's premier entertainment, accommodation and food venue.
Email: toryharbourviewhotel@gmail.com
Tel: 00 353 (0) 749135920
Mobile: 087 9385284 / 087 2604633
267
