About Scattery Island
Scattery Island Map
Scattery Island is a small island at the mouth of the River Shannon near Kilrush in Clare. The island has been uninhabited since 1978 when the last islanders left for the mainland. The island has a long, rich history. It is associated with St. Senan who founded a monastery on the island in the sixth century.
Scattery Island Map
Scattery Island Map
Scattery Island is a small island at the mouth of the River Shannon near Kilrush in Clare. The island has been uninhabited since 1978 when the last islanders left for the mainland. The island has a long, rich history. It is associated with St. Senan who founded a monastery on the island in the sixth century.
Scattery Island is a small uninhabited island at the mouth of the River Shannon near Kilrush in Clare. The island has a long, rich history. It is associated with St. Senan who founded a monastery on the island in the sixth century.
Want to take a closer look at Scattery? for a 3D tour of the island.
Flora and Fauna
Birds Foot Treffoil (L) and Grey Seal (R)
A renage of flora and fauna can be found on Scattery Island. This image shows a common plant, Birds Foot Treffoil, and a grey seal.
Birds Foot Treffoil (L) and Grey Seal (R)
Birds Foot Treffoil (L) and Grey Seal (R)
A renage of flora and fauna can be found on Scattery Island. This image shows a common plant, Birds Foot Treffoil, and a grey seal.
Scattery is about 180 acres in size. Much of the island is grassland. Some grass fields have been invaded by bracken, brambles and gorse. In some areas where drainage is poor, rushes and yellow iris thrive.
Many species of birds live on the island including oystercatchers, skylarks, robins and blackbirds. Rabbits and goats live on the island and sometimes grey seals can be seen on the shore.
People
The Moran Family, Scattery Island
There were nine surnames associated with Scattery, one of which was 'Moran'. <br> <br> Left to Right: John 'Ogdens' Moran, Kitty (Griffin) Moran, Alice Moran (cousin), Bridget McMahon, Lizzie Moran (cousin), John Moran, Hess (dog), (kneeling down) Patricia McMahon (now Galvin).
The Moran Family, Scattery Island
The Moran Family, Scattery Island
There were nine surnames associated with Scattery, one of which was 'Moran'. <br> <br> Left to Right: John 'Ogdens' Moran, Kitty (Griffin) Moran, Alice Moran (cousin), Bridget McMahon, Lizzie Moran (cousin), John Moran, Hess (dog), (kneeling down) Patricia McMahon (now Galvin).
Traditionally, nine surnames were associated with Scattery: Keane, Scanlon, MacMahon, Brennan, Melican, Hanrahan, Hehir, Moran and Griffin.
In 1881, the population of Scattery was 141. It began to decline after this date and in the late 1940s some families moved to the mainland, mainly for their children's education. The last people to leave the island were Bobbi and Patty MacMahon, a brother and sister, in 1978. Click here to read Patty MacMahon's memories of life on Scattery.
In 1881, the population of Scattery was 141. It began to decline after this date and in the late 1940s some families moved to the mainland, mainly for their children's education. The last people to leave the island were Bobbi and Patty MacMahon, a brother and sister, in 1978. Click here to read Patty MacMahon's memories of life on Scattery.
Scattery, 1904
An image of The Street, Scattery, from 1904.
Courtesy of George HarrattScattery, 1904
Courtesy of George Harratt
Courtesy of George Harratt
Scattery, 1904
An image of The Street, Scattery, from 1904.
Courtesy of George HarrattDuring the 18th and 19th centuries, many of the islanders earned their living as river pilots. As ships entered the Shannon Estuary, the pilots raced each other to reach the ship first. Whoever was successful was entitled to lead the ship safely up-river to Foynes, Clarecastle, Limerick or where ever the ship was headed.