There are only six permanent residents.

Now inhabitants of Dursey Island will be the only members of the public permitted to use the Dursey Island cable car in the coming weeks, as the popular tourist attraction is closed due to strict coronavirus containment measures announced by the government yesterday.

Located at the southwestern tip of the Beara Peninsula, Dursey has no pubs, shops or restaurants so residents will need to travel across the narrow Dursey Sound to the mainland for supplies.

Ireland’s only cable car usually travels 250m across the Atlantic Ocean from Ballaghboy to Dursey Island at regular intervals all day.

Dursey Cable Car will be shut to the general public & tourists for the duration of the shutdown of public buildings due to Covid 19. It will operate as normal for local access. Barriers and notices will be erected across the car park today. pic.twitter.com/sQZ3kMYK28

— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) March 13, 2020

Announcing the measures on social media this morning, Cork City Council said:

“Dursey Cable Car will be shut to the general public and tourists for the duration of the shutdown of public buildings due to Covid 19. It will operate as normal for local access. Barriers and notices will be erected across the car park today.”

Daytrippers and walkers who were planning on visiting the island are advised to make other plans for now.