If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then O’Leary Island is the perfect place for you. This serene and unspoiled island located in The Bahamas offers travellers a chance to relax, rejuvenate, and explore its natural wonders.
Whether you’re in the mood for a day of swimming, hiking, bird watching, or simply soaking up the sun and nature’s sounds, O’Leary Island has something for everyone.
Contents
All About Of O’Leary Island
History
O’Leary Island is the largest uninhabited island on the eastern coast of Newfoundland. It is located about 17 km offshore from Gander, Newfoundland, and has an irregular shape. O’Leary Island first appears on maps in 1604 as “Pleyleer”.
In 1668 it was named for Sir Richard O’Leary, the governor of the province at the time. The island was settled in the early 19th century by the Irish and became a haven for smugglers during the American Revolution.
Climate
The climate on O’Leary Island is moderated by the surrounding water temperature. The average daily temperature is 18 degrees Celsius with an annual precipitation of 300 mm.
Winds from the southwest moderate temperatures and provide a pleasant environment for year-round living. The highest average daily temperature on record is 26 degrees Celsius.
The island has a population of 40 and receives the majority of its supplies by sea from Gander, Newfoundland where it is approximately 17 km from shore in six to seven knots seas and winds.
The islanders have their own power station which generates 24 kW per hour (nominal) at night when electricity usage would normally be low due to lower demand for homes during that time intervals.. Naval amplifiers are used between peak consumption periods (usually morning).
Culture
The culture of the islanders is rooted in Ireland. Many items found in their everyday lives were brought over during the years they have resided on O’Leary Island including Gaelic songs and stories, traditional recipes, and customs.
An annual music festival is held on the island to celebrate Irish music which draws residents from Newfoundland and Labrador as well as other parts of Canada.
Firearms on O’Leary Island are limited to air rifles, BB guns and Pro-Tech Smiths. No firearms can be imported or exported from the island.
The fire arms ban generally does not apply to native fishermen who occasionally use them for subsistence purposes as many areas of Newfoundland have banned all hunting outside National Parks including Field Trials which were held in country adjacent and offshore from the island during 2009 season.
Politics
O’Leary Island, located to the east of the mainland, has been a hot topic of discussion for quite some time now. With new developments being made on a daily basis, it’s hard to keep up with everything that’s going on.
That’s why we have put together this guide to help you get a better understanding of the politics and controversies surrounding O’Leary Island.
From the government to the people, everything is covered in this comprehensive piece. So, whether you are a resident or just interested in what’s going on, read on to gain insights that will put your mind at ease!
Government Services
The provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador administers services to the island. healthcare, infrastructure, education and social assistance are all provided through the Department of Advanced Education.
There is one full-time nurse on the island who provides care for both residents and visitors.
The Clinical Services Unit at Memorial University Hospital in St John’s oversees all medical services on O’Leary Island including emergency room care.
The hospital is staffed by eight doctors/family practitioners (four per contract) as well as anesthesiologists, radiologists and other specialists in various fields such as surgery, pediatrics, gynaec ology and psychiatry.
The emergency medical service vehicle, the “Johan de Witt” operates daily on O’Leary Island during all hours of daylight.
There are plans in place for a permanent ambulance to replace it upon completion of construction starting this October 2011 with the new facility located just off Route 60 (approximately 4 kilometres north east from Main Ridge & Tiny’s Cove).
New ambulances will be supplied by Canadian hospital company Manulife Financial Corporation under their brand name: Care Ambulance Service.
Tourism
As one of the province’s most scenic islands, O’Leary Island is popular with tourists. The majority of visitors arrive by air, and there are regularly scheduled flights from St John’s.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and bird-watching in this remote corner of the province.
There are also a few lodges on the island for guests to stay in including Tiny’s Cove Resort which offers rooms for all types of budgets as well as meals.
O’Leary Island is not open to vehicles other than foot traffic except during limited hours on designated sections along Route 60 ( which is closed to vehicles at night).
Transport
The only form of transportation on O’Leary Island is by air or foot. The island is accessible only by boat or airplane, and visitors must be prepared to hike in from the mainland if they wish to explore the interior of the island. The St.
John’s International Airport is located on the east side of town, behind the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) headquarters and fire station in Conception Bay South.
A small terminal building serves as a departure area for all flights from O’Leary Island to Saint-Pierre & Miquelon Airport at Notre Dame du Laus .
There are three regular daily nonstop Air Transat direct flight shuttles between Ocean Pond/O’Leary and Notre Dame de Laus airports operated by Canadian airline Sunwing Airlines which leave each day at 6:30 pm, 8: 00 pm and 9:20 pm, respectively.
There are also 6 daily flights operated by Canadian low-cost airline Flamingo Air flown to Notre Dame de Laus via St Pierre Airport (reached at ground level).
In addition another private operator operates a one-hour shuttle boat twice daily weekdays for several hours direct from O’Leary Island to Cargill Cove Resort in Conception Bay South; the resort offers accommodations along with food services.
Conclusion
O’Leary Island is one of the most secluded and beautiful spots in the Caribbean. The island is located in the Grenada Bay and it is known for its crystal clear water, lush vegetation, white sand beaches, and amazing sunsets.
The island boasts a variety of activities that you can do such as kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing, and singing in the sun. It is also home to a few luxurious resorts that offer stunning views of the island.
FAQs
1.What is O’leary Island’s Population?
Ans: There are no permanent residents on the island.
2.How Much Does It Cost to Get on the Island?
Ans: There is no charge for visitation and access. The boat ride costs about USD$13 per person, however either way you can stay at one of the many luxurious resorts that are situated throughout St. Vincent as well as earn money by selling beverages and snacks out of their shops while they in fact already have a license to sell alcohol!
3.How Many People Can Stay on the Island at One Time?
Ans: Only 4 guests are allowed to stay on the island at a time, but you are more than welcome to visit again later in the day.
4.Is O’leary Island an Active Volcano?
Ans: At present, there is no evidence that suggests it is an active volcano!
5.How Long is the Island?
Ans: The approximate length of O’Leary Island is 13 km or 7.1 ml from the end to where one of its peaks begins (to its highest point)
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