By Amy Pollock
TWO adjoining islands off the Killyleagh coast are on the market, offering potential purchasers the chance to own ‘a unique piece of Ireland’s history’.
Steeped in ancient history and shrouded in legend, the Dunnyneil Islands on Strangford Lough have been advertised by Tim Martin & Co estate agents in Comber with an asking price of £108,000.
The islands are distinctive, comprising one smaller and another larger in size, both linked by a causeway which is visible at low tide.
The islands’ history spans across centuries. In 2012, an excavation unearthed a seventh century equivalent to a modern day shopping mall, with findings revealing that wealthy merchants sailed from as far afield as Russia, Germany, Iceland and France to trade wine, pottery and other luxury products in exchange for furs, seal skin, slaves and Irish wolfhounds.
A Queen’s University report cites ‘local traditions’ that the main island was used as a leper colony in the 17th century and for the burial of victims of the 1854 cholera outbreak.
Its significant history also includes a possible connection to Saint Patrick. While there is no definitive evidence directly linking Dunnyneil Islands to Saint Patrick himself, some believe they were named after the legendary fifth-century king, Niall of the Nine Hostages, and that the islands may have been used to hold hostages, potentially including Saint Patrick.
Now home to a range of flora and fauna, Owen Gunning, a partner at Tim Martin & Co, said the islands could be used for a wide range of activities, including recreation and research.
“At this moment in time, the islands are privately owned and they’re using the land for their own interests.
“What the future holds, it remains to be seen. For personal use, it would be ideal for families. I have two kids myself, and to have an island to go camping for the night, it would be absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“It’s something that maybe National Trust could maybe even be interested in as well. So there’s quite a lot of potential there with it.”
Having sold the islands to the current vendor 11 years ago, Mr Gunning said they are ‘delighted’ to introduce it to the market once more.
“We’re delighted to be selling it. We have had quite a bit of interest and I’ve had a few inquiries.
“It’s just such a unique opportunity for somebody to purchase a piece of Ireland’s history.”
Jim Lindsay, chairman of the Killyleagh Development Association, said he has ‘very fond memories’ of growing up and sailing around Dunnyneil Islands.
“I always remember seeing the Roseate Tern, a very rare type of seabird which used [the islands] as a breeding place many years ago.
“It’s a very popular landmark and it’s a bit of a wildlife sanctuary for lots of birds and different species, so it would be good to see the environmental aspect to still be maintained,” he said.
For more information on Dunnyneil Islands, visit www.timmartin.co.uk/property/strangford-lough/33935761/dunnyneil-islands/
