LONG-ISLAND, an island, in the parish of SKULL, Western
Division of the barony of WEST-CARBERY, county of
CORK, and province of MUNSTER, 4 miles (S. W.) from
Skull, on the south-west coast; containing 259 inhabitants.
It was formerly called Innisfadda, or the "Isle
of Dogs," and it is traditionally stated that, in 830, such
a violent tempest occurred that the sea broke over the
island and forced it asunder into three parts. It is situated
on a fine harbour of the same name, and forms one
side of the entrance to Roaring-water bay: though not
more than a quarter of a mile wide, it is nearly two miles
in length, and comprises about 154 acres of land, chiefly
under tillage and tolerably well cultivated by the spade.
The substratum is clay-slate, in some places rising into
rocky knolls, but even these produce good herbage; and
corn and potatoes, more than sufficient for the support
of the inhabitants, are produced, but fuel is extremely
scarce: most of the men are engaged in fishing or as
pilots. Here is a detachment from the coast-guard station
at Crook-haven. The harbour is well sheltered,
easy of access, and capable of receiving the largest ships,
which may enter at either end of the island, care being
taken to avoid a spit of sand extending in a northern
direction more than half way across the channel, from
about half a mile within the east end of the island: the
Kings' sound is considered the safest entrance.