Island 297 - Dickson's Island, Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland

Dickson's Island is no longer a true island.  As far as I can make out from geology maps of 1869 and 1901 it was still a tidal island at these dates but it is now linked to the mainland at Castle Ward by a causeway, which is accessible at all states of the tide.  The island is only 60 metres long by 30 metres wide and is covered in rough grass with a few gorse bushes and some sea mayweed scattered about.

Today it is a tranquil spot but in the mid 19th century there was a lead mine here. The mine opened in 1855 but closed 10 years later.  Apparently a 3 metre square outline of the infilled mine shaft can be found, under thick grass, some 12 metres south of the boathouse.

The late 19th century boathouse, which is the only building on the island, was probably built from the mine's engine house, which stood on the same site.

More information about the mine, including lots of incomprehensible geological detail can be found here http://www.habitas.org.uk/escr/site.asp?Item=530

 Dicksons Island at low tide

 Boathouse

 Boathouse

Castle Ward Estate from Dicksons Island