Scattery Island Heritage Group (SIHG) have launched their new website, a community archive designed to include public contributions of photos, stories and memories to expand the story of the island.

The website will document tales of monastic settlers, Viking invaders, salvaged ships, agriculture, river pilots, settlers and sea farers.

“This is a very exciting project for our dedicated group of volunteers. Together we have begun what we hope to be, a rich and sustainable platform for story telling and a sharing of knowledge in keeping this part of Irish history alive,” Chair of SIHG Eve Brennan stated.

The group was established in 2012 with the aim of preserving tales and sharing them online with a wider audience. Through the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN) and a partnership between the National Museum of Ireland and Clare County Council Heritage Office, SIHG developed the site, ‘Scattery Island Heritage: Our Island Story.’

The project brings together a dedicated group of volunteers comprising of SIHG members, Kilrush Community Development Ltd. members, the wider community and descendants from Scattery Island folk. These are direct relatives of the people that lived on Scattery Island, otherwise known as Inis Cathaigh. The island is located 2km from the town of Kilrush and historical records document island occupation since the 5th century. The final inhabitants left the island in 1978.

The island is home to the ruins of seven churches, a round tower, a scared well, Napoleonic battery, a lighthouse and the remains of the last settler’s home and village.

Brennan hopes that the website will pave the way for collaboration with other groups concerned with heritage and preservation. “SIHG are seeking any information or photographs you may wish to share and add to this beautiful website,” she stated.

Contribution ideas include memories from time spent on Scattery, stories from families, connections to the island, photographs from the island, newspaper cutting and articles, images of historical artefacts as well as folklore customs and traditions.

These can be made through a contribution form found on the home page.

Visit the brand-new website at: www.scatteryisland.clareheritage.org.