Lambay Island

silverharp

Anyone know anything about the family that live there.? Are they reclusive? does the island have any interesting history. I always thought it odd that an Island off the coast of a major city could get so little attention




on line book page 32 on has a page or 2 about the island

http://books.google.ie/books?id=ax9li9GGzcsC&pg=PA31&lpg=PA31&dq=islands+off+coast+of+dublin&source=bl&ots=tz5aGlCv_n&sig=pzsrMdK-VupQDaoS4wZnFI7dye4&hl=en&ei=omyCSuHoJMv2-Abc_72yCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Bluetonic

The island has a massive history. Bronze and Iron age artifacts have been found there, it's been documented in maps from ancient Greece, used as a prision.

There is a wealth of information online.

Frank Spencer

A couple of mentions of Lambay in this thread

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055628544

Wishbone Ash

silverharp wrote: »

Anyone know anything about the family that live there

The family that own only visit it occasionally. The 2 people who live there full time are employees (male and female) who look after the house, land and livestock. (They have a page to themselves in the Dublin Electoral Register! )

Post and other small provisions are brought daily from Rush. Larger items such as cattle, sheep, farm machinery etc. come and go via Howth harbour.

LeoB

Amazing place. Have been on it a few times many years ago.

Bluetonic just tipped on it there. There is a possibility it was once linked to Drummanagh. The Drummanagh is situated between Rush and Loughshinny. Dr and Mrs Kelly are the current inhabitants along with some farm workers. There is still a fairly decent farm over there. It is also quite an important nesting coloney now and I believe the people there now have done a lot of work on it. Dont know a lot about the history but it was owened by Lord Revelstoke or Rupert Baring of that famous london banking family...... Remember Nick Leeson Rogue Trader:).

Rupert Baring was related to the Queen so there have been some important visitors there over the years. Bryan Ferry stayed there about 15 - 20 years ago when he was playing in Dublin. The Island is served by the Shamrock ferry from Rogerstown pier in Rush.

If you contact the editor of Rush Community news he would be able to give you plenty of info on the Island or Fr. Kit Sheridan a local historian is amazing to listen to talking about the Island.

I think The government should C.P.O it for the enjoyment of all the people not just the elite.

QOTSA90

Leo, I figure youre as good a man as any to ask, but do they seriously have wallabees over there?

I heard Dublin Zoo had a problem with over-population in the 80s and off loaded a few there, after which, nature obviously took its course, haha.

tbh

QOTSA90 wrote: »

Leo, I figure youre as good a man as any to ask, but do they seriously have wallabees over there?

I heard Dublin Zoo had a problem with over-population in the 80s and off loaded a few there, after which, nature obviously took its course, haha.

they do - I have seen this with mine own eyes, and even have video footage somewhere. It wasn't over-population, it was foot and mouth in the 70's - they put the wallabies on the Island and they bred. It's all true

silverharp

LeoB wrote: »

I think The government should C.P.O it for the enjoyment of all the people not just the elite.

I'd agree with that , it would seem to have the potential to be a Dublin version of Garnish.

catch--22

tbh wrote: »

they do - I have seen this with mine own eyes, and even have video footage somewhere. It wasn't over-population, it was foot and mouth in the 70's - they put the wallabies on the Island and they bred. It's all true

Yeah, I've seen them too. I camped over there with the scouts about 10 years ago. I think there were only supposed to be on the island for a short period in a pen but they just set them loose. Seem to be living very happily there now. Very shy though!

QOTSA90

Scroll down to just over half way down this page in the link. Its a really cool satellite image of the island, ya can zoom in and all that, its pretty recent too

http://www.inyourfootsteps.com/viewHarbour.php?ID=76

Bluetonic

Welcome to Google Maps, they've only been around the last few years

http://maps.google.com/

Lambay

QOTSA90

OH MY GOD I CAN SEE MY HOUSE FROM UP HERE!

sorry, haha. Does anyone know if you need permission to get on the island? or can ya just.. ya know, go there.

Unshelved

I think The government should C.P.O it for the enjoyment of all the people not just the elite.

silverharp wrote: »

I'd agree with that , it would seem to have the potential to be a Dublin version of Garnish.

Don't get this. Why should they CPO someone's private property just because it's scenic? People live there and it's farmed. It's owned by a family. This statement makes as much sense as saying that I want to CPO your house because it's nicer than mine and by using it and not sharing it with me you're being elitist and selfish.

tbh

QOTSA90 wrote: »

OH MY GOD I CAN SEE MY HOUSE FROM UP HERE!

sorry, haha. Does anyone know if you need permission to get on the island? or can ya just.. ya know, go there.

if you try and land without permission, you may hear a shotgun blast
Deffo can't just land out there.

LeoB

Unshelved wrote: »

Don't get this. Why should they CPO someone's private property just because it's scenic? People live there and it's farmed. It's owned by a family. This statement makes as much sense as saying that I want to CPO your house because it's nicer than mine and by using it and not sharing it with me you're being elitist and selfish.

The reason I think it should be in the hands of the state is quite simple,
1) How did they come to own it?
2) It would be a huge asset to Fingal as an interpretative centre to be enjoyed by everyone not just the elite.

I have never thought of Lambay Island as anything other than an asset of the the country and belonging to the Irish people.

BTW I didnt agree with Mr Haughey and his Island either. This is not quite the same as putting a C.P.O on a field. Every Island within our waters should be the sole property of the people of Ireland.

As for getting on the Island you need to write to the Dr. and Mrs Kelly. I have heard people have been met with a shotgun at the pier There used to be some sort of open day years ago but from what I hear a certain sailing club (not Rush) had a picnic on it and left the place in a mess.

However if you are out in your boat and get into trouble under marine law they cant stop you from mooring up. Dont ask me to quote the law just heard this being discussed one night.

BTW The estate Knockabawn is name after the highest point on the Island and there is a house named after a famous rock on the Island Carraigaduisch, not sure of spelling.

View Profile

Apparently Lost was filmed on Lambay Island.

tbh

LeoB wrote: »

The reason I think it should be in the hands of the state is quite simple,
1) How did they come to own it?
2) It would be a huge asset to Fingal as an interpretative centre to be enjoyed by everyone not just the elite.

I have never thought of Lambay Island as anything other than an asset of the the country and belonging to the Irish people.

BTW I didnt agree with Mr Haughey and his Island either. This is not quite the same as putting a C.P.O on a field. Every Island within our waters should be the sole property of the people of Ireland.

it's no different to any other land, it's just surrounded by water. In fairness, if it were owned by fingal co. co. I'd say it wouldn't be in as good condition as it is now.

As for getting on the Island you need to write to the Dr. and Mrs Kelly. I have heard people have been met with a shotgun at the pier There used to be some sort of open day years ago but from what I hear a certain sailing club (not Rush) had a picnic on it and left the place in a mess.

I was met with a shotgun. And I was expected

However if you are out in your boat and get into trouble under marine law they cant stop you from mooring up. Dont ask me to quote the law just heard this being discussed one night.

that's true.

Bluehair

LeoB wrote: »

The reason I think it should be in the hands of the state is quite simple,
1) How did they come to own it?
2) It would be a huge asset to Fingal as an interpretative centre to be enjoyed by everyone not just the elite.

I have never thought of Lambay Island as anything other than an asset of the the country and belonging to the Irish people.

Sorry are you living in a modern democratic republic or a backwards communist state? :eek: You seem to believe that just because this particular private piece of property is an of superior value / amenity than others that the state should pile in and take it?

Good grief whats next? Hanging not good enough for the cheeky bourgeoisie eh?

LeoB

Its a matter of opinion really and I stated mine. I dont think anyone should own part of our country, surrounded or not by water.

Did the state not do something similar at Cliffs of Moher? O.K might be wrong to try compare the 2 but something different could be done with Lambay with walking tours and the like leaving from Skerries, Loughshinny or Rush seeing as so many boats are tied up.

Its debatabale the type of state we live in but again thats also a matter of opinion.

You are probably right if Fingal C.C owned it but I would suggest the O.P.W would be the minders.

I didnt suggest we just pile in and take it but I do feel it should be owned by the state. The least there should be is landing rights for any craft to tie up for a few hours. Maybe it needs a second pier or a jetty for small craft but its a huge amenity and should be used by the state.

Carawaystick

Bluehair wrote: »

Sorry are you living in a modern democratic republic or a backwards communist state? :eek: You seem to believe that just because this particular private piece of property is an of superior value / amenity than others that the state should pile in and take it?

Good grief whats next? Hanging not good enough for the cheeky bourgeoisie eh?

Well Dublin corpo cpo'd the Carlton cinema site on O'Connell St. to build a shopping centre. I'd guess there's no way something like that would be built on Lambay.

How do the bin lorrys get out there I wonder. or how do they dispose of their rubbish....
'td eat into the hundred and ten euros a year.....

Alan Farrell

For all you history buffs...

http://www.malahideheritage.com/Lambay%20Island.htm

LeoB wrote: »

Dr and Mrs Kelly are the current inhabitants along with some farm workers.... it was owened by Lord Revelstoke/Rupert Baring

Mrs. Kelly is the daughter Rupert Baring so far as I am aware. They dropped the title in 1929.

LeoB wrote: »

How did they come to own it?

The Barings bought from the Talbots of Malahide in 1904. The Talbots bought it from Willam Wolseley who acquired it through family lines in 1805 but whos family ownership can be traced back to 1611. PRrior to this it was owned by the Church who recieved a form of rent for several centuaries.

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

They have a page to themselves in the Dublin Electoral Register!

Fingal Register of Electors... They are attached to the Balbriggan Electoral Ward.

Alan Farrell

LeoB wrote: »

The least there should be is landing rights for any craft to tie up for a few hours

There are, you just have to ask permission first. Its no different from your back garden, its private property.

Unshelved

For film buffs, the famous director Michael Powell wrote part of "A Matter of Life and Death" while staying on Lambay Island. He writes a bit about the island in his autobiography "A life in movies" - he was very taken with the wallabies!

Edited to add - Just checked the book and it was "Black Narcissus" that Powell wrote on Lambay. He also said that he was sorry that he didn't have to opportunity to film "I know where I'm going" there too!

Zzippy

Interesting thread. I used to be able to see the island from the family house when I was growing up, always wondered what it was like out there.
Sounds a bit like a River Cottage lifestyle for the current inhabitants.

Corb

What an interesting thread! Are there still wallabies there??

tbh

yep

Zzippy

tbh, how did you get access? Did you just write and ask them for permission to come over, or did you have to have a special reason - archaeological, zoological study, etc??
BTW, saw your pic somewhere on here and recognise ya from home! How's Swords these days??

tbh

the guy who lives out there / owns it is a friend of a friend of the family - we were only tied up out there, never actually landed. Swords is great - would I know you? pm me if I do, always love to hear from people

if people are interested, I might make discreet enquires to see if we could take a trip out for the day - the boat is on the Shannon, so might need access to one, but I guess we could hire one. the far side of the island is worth seeing if you're into nature.

Dizzyblonde

Alan, thanks for the history link.

tbh if you do get over there for a trip, take lots of photos

tbh

I'm going mad DB, I had loads of photos and a few videos from the last trip, but I can't find them. I've actually spent way too much time looking, in fairness to my boss! but if I find them or head out, I'll definitely post.

Dizzyblonde

tbh wrote: »

I'm going mad DB, I had loads of photos and a few videos from the last trip, but I can't find them. I've actually spent way too much time looking, in fairness to my boss! but if I find them or head out, I'll definitely post.

Thanks, that'd be great - I find the place fascinating. Went to Skerries for a drive with the hubby the other day for the first time in years and Lambay looks so different from that direction compared to the Malahide view.

Morpheus

My grandfather was grounds keeper there and was Lord Revelstokes senior man on the island. He had tons of stories which kept us enthralled as kids!!! never got to visit but hope to get over some day with my dad.

LeoB

Alan Farrell wrote: »

There are, you just have to ask permission first. Its no different from your back garden, its private property.

That was sort of my point Alan, I actually dont think there are landing rights unless you are in trouble and then they cant stop you but I think there should be a public pier or jetty there for pleasure craft to tie up (not land).

There is also a great tourism oppertunity for Fingal, it is very different from my back garden as I see it. Its a huge asset tous all. I am not suggesting we invade or take it but it in my opinion should be in the ownership of the state.

admiralofthefleet

there are loads of wallabies on the island, i go fishing out there ever now and then

Unshelved

That was sort of my point Alan, I actually dont think there are landing rights unless you are in trouble and then they cant stop you but I think there should be a public pier or jetty there for pleasure craft to tie up (not land).

There is also a great tourism oppertunity for Fingal, it is very different from my back garden as I see it. Its a huge asset tous all. I am not suggesting we invade or take it but it in my opinion should be in the ownership of the state.

No, it should be in the ownership of the people who actually OWN it - not the people who think that it might be a nice place for a picnic. The owners should be left in peace to enjoy their property - just as we are in our own homes. Just because it's attractive, does not mean that we should all automatically have the use of it.

The owners of Lambay are pretty isolated as it is - so they're quite right to be wary about who lands on their island. I wouldn't want every skanger with a jet-ski bothering me and demanding his landing "rights" thanks very much.

Tabnabs

LeoB wrote: »

However if you are out in your boat and get into trouble under marine law they cant stop you from mooring up. Dont ask me to quote the law just heard this being discussed one night.

A common misconception. There is no "marine law" in Ireland (or UK) that gives a ship/boat overriding permission or authority to enter a harbour in extenuating circumstances. I have seen a boat refused refuge in a harbour on the East coast of Ireland in bad weather and I have been onboard a ship that was ordered out to sea in very bad weather as the harbour closed during storm force winds. The auld "any port in a storm" is the stuff of Patrick O'Brian.

Good thread BTW, I know there is also a chapel on the island that is used for family occasions.

Dizzyblonde

If the present owners ever did decide to sell then hopefully the state would but it - it would be a marvellous tourist attraction.

LeoB

Unshelved wrote: »

No, it should be in the ownership of the people who actually OWN it - not the people who think that it might be a nice place for a picnic. The owners should be left in peace to enjoy their property - just as we are in our own homes. Just because it's attractive, does not mean that we should all automatically have the use of it.

The owners of Lambay are pretty isolated as it is - so they're quite right to be wary about who lands on their island. I wouldn't want every skanger with a jet-ski bothering me and demanding his landing "rights" thanks very much.

LET ME CLEAR IN CASE YOU (CANT READ OR) MISREAD MY POST. I am not suggesting we "invade" the island. My earlier point is and remains all the islands in our waters should be the property of the state whether its Lambay Island or Mr. Haugheys island in Kerry.

We dont have unlimited use of some parks in Ireland and I dont think we would have unlimited use of Lambay Island either.

Is everyone who owns a jet ski a skanger? I think most people who own boats and sail as a past time, whether they are in Rush, Skerries or Malahide sailing clubs are very responsible people. Some of them use jet-ski's. However there is in my opinion a place for boats to tie up on a jetty overnight. Maybe the night at the jetty could be pre booked.

The Hill Billy

I am sure that the inhabitants of the Aran's, Inishbofin, Achill, Tory and all of the many other islands around this country wouldn't be too happy about the state taking ownership of their land.

Why should owners of land that happens to be unconnected to the mainland be discriminated against?

LeoB

Is the Irish government not responsible for the Aran's, Tory and the rest.

My only point was I dont think any of the island around our coast should be in private ownership
The Aran Islands, Sherkin and the majority of the Islands are fully accessable to every citizen.

How would they be discrimated against?

The Hill Billy

You said in an earlier post that it should be taken in the ownership of the state. Do you think that other Irish Islanders should also give up their privately held lands?
If not then neither should the owners of Lambay. Otherwise, that would be discrimination.

LeoB

The Irish island landowners are no different. So yes. I think that Islands inside our waters are a major part of the our country but not always looked upon like this. They seem to be less valued IMO.

Maybe stewardship would have been a better word to use.

The Hill Billy

That is still tantamount to discrimination. Why treat islanders and their property differently to mainland landowners and their property?

I don't know what your interpretation of stewardship is in the context of this topic, but still it would mean that one group of Irish citizens would be treated differently to others based solely on their location.

The Barings own that property & have every right to keep it private. Same as I have my own property, & I'd be damned if I was going to let every Tom, Dick & Harry on to it.

And as for having a public pier or jetty on the island - Why? Should I have to build a car park to cater for drivers who want to pull up outside my home?

LeoB

Hill Billy wrote: »

That is still tantamount to discrimination. Why treat islanders and their property differently to mainland landowners and their property?

I don't know what your interpretation of stewardship is in the context of this topic, but still it would mean that one group of Irish citizens would be treated differently to others based solely on their location.

The Barings own that property & have every right to keep it private. Same as I have my own property, & I'd be damned if I was going to let every Tom, Dick & Harry on to it.

And as for having a public pier or jetty on the island - Why? Should I have to build a car park to cater for drivers who want to pull up outside my home?

I am not in any way into discrimating against any set or group of people. Its simple I just feel Lambay and every other Island should be in possesion of the state.

I dont see any harm in having a jetty. People often make unscheduled stops I am not asking they be given full blow rights to run amock. There is quite a bit of wildlife out there that needs protection.

People park outside your door and my door all the time and dont do any harm, Mind you I dont have a lot worth taking;)

The Hill Billy

LeoB wrote: »

I am not in any way into discrimating against any set or group of people.

LeoB wrote: »

Its simple I just feel Lambay and every other Island should be in possesion of the state.

Those two sentences are contradictory.

You are basically saying that those who live on the mainland have the right to own their property. However, those who live on an island should rescind that right & allow their property be taken by the state.

Every Irish islander & mainlander should have equal rights. What you are suggesting is that islanders should not have the right to their own land. That is clear discrimination.

LeoB wrote: »

I dont see any harm in having a jetty.

But it is the Baring's property. Why build a jetty for the public when they may not want the public to land on their private property?

LeoB

We aint going to agree on this.
I dont the sentences you quoted as contradictory

I am not asking anyone to recind their right to their property.

I think 99% of Irish people have equal rights, some would say no that some are more equal than others.

And the last sentence we just wont agree on.

I do think you have made valid points. I just find it hard to get away from the idea that I feel the Island around our coast are or can be privatly owned.

You dont see my point? Should I have even asked;)

The Hill Billy

Fair enough. We can discuss it over a beer sometime.

Alan Farrell

LeoB wrote: »

That was sort of my point Alan, I actually dont think there are landing rights unless you are in trouble and then they cant stop you but I think there should be a public pier or jetty there for pleasure craft to tie up (not land).

There is also a great tourism oppertunity for Fingal, it is very different from my back garden as I see it. Its a huge asset tous all. I am not suggesting we invade or take it but it in my opinion should be in the ownership of the state.

It would be a great tourism spot but, I don't see it as any different than the former beautiful agricultural fields that used to grace the back of my home. A person owned them and that person has rights.

Its also noteworthy that trespass is now a criminal offence.

Anyway, you are entitled to your point of view, but under your suggestion, all picturesque land should be in state ownership which is just plain mad.

Irelands Eye is still private but the Lawrence family allow access, I suppose if someone were to write out to the family, Duffy I think, and ask if they would consider opening it up at some stage during the course of the year they might consider it.

Dizzyblonde wrote: »

If the present owners ever did decide to sell then hopefully the state would but it - it would be a marvellous tourist attraction.

Given its so large, I would imagine if it ever were to go on sale there would be a very, very short list of people who could afford it. Hopefully at that stage, the state might be able to afford it.

It sold in the 1910's for £9,000. 750 acres, ancient castle, three modern dwellings, a private chapel and a grave yard for sale... in a recession.... pluck a figure out of the air....

LeoB

Am delighted I am entitled to my point of view.

No not all picturesqe lands would be in state ownership.
As I have stated I just think because of where it is and what it is and its proximity to the shore better use should be made of it. I dont like the idea of any Island (Mr. Haugheys included) being in private ownership.

The Lawrence family by allowing access might hold the key to Lambay Island. Perhaps a season where a ticket for a nominal fee can be booked to go on a nature tour/walk.

The people who bought it back then were merchant bankers but in the 100 years since the world has changed so much that I would imagne with travel the way it is, people might be more inclinded to buy an Island in some sunny part of the world. If it does come up for sale the state should purchase it.

Must admit Lambay looked a right hellhole very uninviting from Cairn hill when I was driving back from Skerries this evening

LeoB

Hill Billy wrote: »

Fair enough. We can discuss it over a beer sometime.

Be delighted. Give it a few weeks. Dont wear that T-Shirt for Young Boys F.C and wankdorf stadium

The Hill Billy

LeoB wrote: »

Be delighted. Give it a few weeks. Dont wear that T-Shirt for Young Boys F.C and wankdorf stadium

:rolleyes::D