Rutland, Ireland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rutland (Irish: Inis Mhic an Doirn) is an island in County Donegal, and an electoral and census reporting district covering it, surrounding islands and part of the mainland. The island itself has no permanent inhabitants, but the district, which includes Burtonport and its environs, had 1,428 residents in 2006. The island lies between Burtonport and the inhabited Arranmore Island, and is not officially served by ferry.
The island was previously populated, with a planned settlement having been installed by William Burton Conyngham from 1784, including a street of residences and business premises, with the area's post office, and a school house, and a fish landing and processing facility. While fish catches declined heavily even shortly after construction, with services closing or leaving, the island remained inhabited into the 1960s.
Mains electricity reached the island in 1957, due to it being a crucial stepping stone for the Arranmore supply, but piped water has never been provided for its remaining housing stock, which consists entirely of holiday homes.
A documentary due to be filmed about the history of the island and its influence on Irish history during the summer of 2007.
