Toraigh (anglicised as Tory and Tory Island) is an inhabited island 14.5 km (9 mi) off the northwest coast of County Donegal, Ireland. It is also known in Irish as Oileán Thoraigh, Oileán Thoraí or (historically) Oileán Thúr Rí.
The main spoken language on the island is Irish, but English is also understood. Tory is part of the Donegal Gaeltacht and Ulster Irish is the main Irish dialect in use.
The island is approximately 5 km (3 mi) long and 1 km (0.6 mi) wide. The 2002 census recorded a population of 133. The population is divided among four towns — An Baile Thoir (East Town), An Baile Thiar (West Town), An Lár (Middletown) and Úrbaile (Newtown). In August 2010, the King of Tory confirmed that there were 96 people living on the island.[citation needed]
Petrol and diesel are available from Tory Oil at prices significantly higher than on the mainland.[not in citation given]
Tory has no airport, but has regular ferry connections from mainland County Donegal. The ferry travels daily from April to October and five times a week for the rest of the year. The ferry does not take cars, but holds up to 70 passengers. During the winter months sea crossings may not be possible due to rough seas - but from November to March a small 4-seater helicopter runs from Falcarragh to Tory every other Thursday.
In all the time that I've known you
You've been so edgy and nervous
I never wanted to own you
I was aware of the danger
Of making a bid for your favours
You're such a natural stranger
I made excuses and ran
You're an island
But I can't leave you all out at sea
You're so violent with your silence
You're an island
I can't sleep
Won't you speak to me
I'm on dry land
Won't you help me please
In all the time that I've known you
There has been something between us
I don't hink it's my imagination
I felt like I couldn't touch you
But I had the feeling you'd love to
Tell me the truth if you could do
I made excuses and ran