Province Ulster | ||
Ram’s Island is located approximately one mile offshore from Lennymore Bay and Sandy Bay on the eastern shore of Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland.
Contents
Map of Ram's Island, United Kingdom
FeaturesEdit
It is nearly one mile long by a quarter of a mile wide and is the largest island on Lough Neagh. Notable features of the island are a round tower and the ruins of the O'Neills' 19th century summer house. The island was last permanently inhabited in the 1920s by the Cardwell family who were caretakers for the O'Neills. It also has a unique collection of mature trees and the remains of an ancient monastic settlement including the round tower.
HistoryEdit
The Island played a part during World War II, as a flying boat base (RAF Sandy Bay), utilizing the shelter offered by the Island from the westerly wind.
TransportEdit
In 2006, a redevelopment programme funded from the Lough Neagh Partnership (LNP), which is supported by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), to finance the provision of a ferry to carry visitors to Ram's Island. The new ferry, called 'The Island Warrior', has opened up the island and resulted in around 2,500 visits. In 2007 a new jetty was built. In 2009 over 7,500 people visited Rams Island.