Whiddy Island lies 1km off the coast of West Cork near Bantry town. The island has a permanent population of around 25 people with 40 people from the mainland employed at the oil terminal at the West of the island. It has a regular ferry service from the mainland.
Whiddy Island has a long and varied history, full of potential futures. From its 12th Century church ruins, its three massive gun batteries built in 1804 and abandoned by 1807, the remains of a 18th Century fishing industry, a WWI seaplane base, hidden ruins and the site of Ireland’s largest explosion at the oil terminal in 1979.
As a location for AGON-A, Whiddy Island provides a powerful backdrop for meditating on the theme of struggle, agonism and other futures.
Over the weekend we will be able to visit many of these sites, meet the locals, and appreciate the difficulties and rewards of getting to, and being on, this fascinating island.