Cloch an Chú (The Hound's Rock)
Cloch an Chú is said to mark the spot where Colmcille first set
foot on Tory.
When Colmcille reached the coast, Oilill, the king of the
island, would not allow him to land. Colmcille said that all he
needed was a plot the size of his cloak on which to found a
monastery. Oilill relented, but when Colmcille placed his cloak on
the ground it magically spread over the island. Enraged, the king
set a savage hound on the saint. Standing on a rock, Colmcille made
the Sign of the Cross and the dog fell over dead. Oilill promptly
converted to Christianity. The dog's paw marks are visible on the
rock to this day at Scoilt an Ghlasáin, not far from the harbour
pier.
Getting to Tory
The Tory Island Ferry (An TorMór) leaves Bunbeg Pier daily from
Tuesday - Thursday and Saturday - Sunday at 8.50am, and on Monday
and Friday at 7.40am
An TorMór leaves Magheroarty Pier at 11.30am and 5.00pm
daily.
Return trips leaving Tory to Magheroarty Tuesday - Thursday and
Saturday - Sunday 10.30am and Monday and Friday at 9.30am. And
daily at 4pm.
Leaving Tory to Bunbeg daily 6.00pm.
All these sailings are weather permitting and booking can be
made at 074 9531340.
Additional sailings during July and August - Leaving Tory to
Magheroarty daily at 12.30pm and returning from Magheroarty to Tory
at 1.30pm.
The Cache
The cache is a small 360ml tab lock box and when placed
included logbook, pencil and pointer, a FTF prize, and the
following small swap items - game, wristband, keyring and dino
toy.
The above photographs show the rock near the cache where
the hound's paw print is still to be seen. The €2 is to show the
size of the paw print.
The recommended route from the pier: take the road to
the East at the pierhead to beginning of track at N 55.15.848 W
008.13.386 - follow this track/grassy trail to the cache site. You
can return by the same way or continue along the southern coast of
the island to near the pier at Port a'Dúin. This track can be quite
wet and boggy in places so boots or wellies are
recommended.
Information about Tory
A visitors guide book to Tory can be purchased at the Tory Shop
which is open Monday - Saturday 11am - 2pm and 4pm - 6pm (11am -
6pm during the summer months), and 11.30am - 1pm Sunday.
The Craft Shop/Tourist Office is open 10.00am - 5.00pm during
the summer months.