Coney Island – Ireland - Atlas Obscura

Coney Island

Before the amusement park existed, this tidal island off the Sligo coast was the original Coney Island. 

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Off the coast of Ireland, there are several islands that share the name Coney Island. Coney, derived from cuniculus, the Latin word for “rabbit,” is refers to a rabbit or rabbit hair, and these islands is named for their large rabbit populations. This 400-acre island has a very small population, and a connection to the better-known Coney Island in New York City.

The contrast between the two Coney Islands today could not be greater. In Ireland, Coney island is steeped with traditional tales of fairies, spirits and ancient religions. There are a number of ancient fortification structures known as fairy forts with their own series of tales and legends. In the 19th century, the merchant vessel Arethusa would regularly sail from Sligo to New York. The captain of the ship, seeing the large rabbit population, called the New York island the name of his own Coney Island.

It is unclear if this is the original origin of the name— early 17th century Dutch maps label the island “Conyne Eylandt,” and some hold that the name was anglicized after the English took over the colony in 1664.

The Irish Coney Island is only an island when the tide is in. At low tide, you can walk or drive across the Cummeen Strand, guided by a series of 14 bollards that were constructed in the mid 19th century.

In 1862 there were 124 people living on the island (with 45 children in the local school) but currently only one family holds a permanent home there. There is a pub on the island and a number of  derelict structures left over  from the Irish Famine. There are also some star-shaped Napoleonic forts. At night, the lights on the island give the appearance of a large ship parked in Sligo bay.

Know Before You Go

The tide comes in very quickly. Take great care when crossing the strand. Do not be tempted to follow the locals, some of the cut it rather fine and rescues from trapped cars are not unknown.


You can also get a boat from Rosses Point.