Donegal – Tóraí, Toryby Pamela de Brí

Tory Island is Ireland’s most northerly, inhabited island. It has a population of 141, (2022). According to Lebor Gabála Érenn, a mythical history of Ireland, Tory was first populated by the Nemedians who came from modern day Turkey. In the 6th century Colmcille founded a monastery there after King Oilill promised him a piece of land the size of his cloak. The cloak magically spread over the island. There is a tradition of a “king” being chosen by the islanders who acts as a spokesperson for the island community. The last king was the painter and musician Peatsaí Dan Mac Ruaidhrí, who died in 2018. In 1956 English artist Derek Hill visited Tory and encouraged some of the inhabitants to paint, leading to the creation of the Tory Island School of painters.