ENNISKERRY, or MUTTON-ISLAND, an island, in the
parish of KILMURRY barony of IHRICKANE, county of
CLARE, and province of MUNSTER, ½ a mile from the
shore, on the western coast: the population is returned
with the parish. It lies off that part of the coast which,
from its rocky and dangerous character, is called the
Malhay; and contains about 210 statute acres of excellent
land for feeding oxen and sheep, particularly the
latter; hence the name "Mutton island," from the fine
flavour of the mutton. On its shores are some curious
natural caves, formerly used by smugglers for storing
contraband goods. Here are an old signal tower and
the ruins of an ancient structure, said to have been an
abbey, founded at. a very early period by St. Senan of
Iuniseattery: the ancient name of the island was
lnniscaorach.