Eileanan an Iar (ˈeɪ.lə.nən əɲ ˈiəɾ)
The Eileanan an Iar (western islands) are a group of islands to the west of Ynys. It is roughly divided into two groups, with the northern group being those islands that are north of Oileán Fiáin, and the southern group being in the northern Gwlff Ffynid, east of Oileán Fiáin. Several of the largest islands in the Ynys Archipelago are a member of this island group. These islands have a long history of occupation, and many host resident populations today.
Geography
The Eileanan an Iar consists of nearly two hundred islands between the two major groups, but most of these are small and ininhabited. In the northern group, there are fifteen inhabited islands, while the southern group has thirty-six islands with a resident population. Islands south of Vannin are not considered a part of this group, and instead are considered to be in their own grouping (Vannin included).
Below is a list of all the inhabited islands, grouped by region and ordered by size.
Northern Islands
- Löngeyja - 841 sq mi
- Hersey - 166.8 sq mi
- Luskintyre - 123.65 sq mi
- Toravayn - 117 sq mi
- Uisgneach - 31 sq mi
- Tormaid - 22 sq mi
- Ardnamurchan - 8.2 sq mi
- Lochboisdale - 3.9 sq mi
- Scallasaigh - 3.7 sq mi
- Morag - 3.5 sq mi
- Scalpayn - 3.2 sq mi
- Croggan - 2.7 sq mi
- Barraigh - 2.5 sq mi
- Grimsayn - 0.55 sq mi
- Vatersay - 0.45 sq mi
- Eilean Skìth - 639 sq mi
- Eilean Mòr - 337.8 sq mi
- Hirta - 141 sq mi
- Pabbayn - 40 sq mi
- Taransay - 30 sq mi
- Floddayn - 29.7 sq mi
- Ceallasaigh - 24 sq mi
- Benbecula - 15.7 sq mi
- Vallayn - 11.8 sq mi
- Staffin - 9.6 sq mi
- Dervaig - 9 sq mi
- Tighe - 7.7 sq mi
- Scalasaig - 5.5 sq mi
- Lochbuie - 5.4 sq mi
- Iona - 5.2 sq mi
- Bunessan - 4.7 sq mi
- Colonsayn - 4.4 sq mi
- Fionnphort - 4 sq mi
- Duartn - 3.6 sq mi
- Arosaigh - 3.4 sq mi
- Muck - 2.2 sq mi
- Craignure - 2.1 sq mi
- Colln - 2 sq mi
- Tobson - 1.75 sq mi
- Eorsa - 1.65 sq mi
- Arinagour - 1.2 sq mi
- Scarbaigh - 1.2 sq mi
- Ise - 1.2 sq mi
- Fhéidh - 1.2 sq mi
- Rathlinn - 1 sq mi
- Calfayn - 0.7 sq mi
- Lhean - 0.7 sq mi
- Gigha - 0.07 sq mi
- Peelholm - 0.01 sq mi
- Bardseyn - 0.009 sq mi
- Gwyrdd - 0.007 sq mi
- Cadair - 0.003 sq mi
Ecosystem
Across the many islands, a range of environments can be found, including mountains, forests, swamps, and beaches. The islands support breeding grounds for many species of seabird, and also have populations of mammals, including red deer and wild boar. Seal colonies are common along the coasts, the rivers, lakes, and coastal waters support many species of fish, including trout and salmon. Whales and dolphins are also found in the waters around the Eileanan an Iar. Plant life include heather, bog myrtle, and pearlwort. On Löngeyja is located the fabled giant hedgehog, said to be the size of brown bear.
Climate
The climate of these islands is similar to that of the rest of the archipelago, although it is milder in the southern islands than in the north. Cold currents from the north make the archipelago colder than other areas at a similar latitude.
Maps
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Northern Eileanan an Iar
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Southern Eileanan an Iar
Geographic Details
Location: Northeastern RegionLatitude: 56.9 degrees North
Longitude: 63.7 degrees East
Average Elevation: 233 ft
Highest Point: 3,255 ft (Sgurr Biorach)
Lowest Point: 0 ft
Area: 2,813 sq mi
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