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Domhnuill Chruinn (Uamh) [Islay]

Aonan an Eòrna, Islay, Argyllshire.

A sea cave or raised beach sea cave marked on OS maps and recorded in the Coastal Zone Assessment in 2003.

There is some dispute as to the actual location. OS appear to mark the cave on the promontory between Port Domhnaill Chruinn and Aonan an Eòrna (NE of Port Domhnaill Chruinn). However no actual coordinates are marked. West of Scotland Archaeology Service (whose coordinates may be a little vague) places it on the foreshore of Port Domhnaill Chruin. Pastmap uses OS background mapping so agrees with OS (again with no actual coordinates). OS Maps; Greenspace is equally vague. Scotland's Places which quotes the OS Name Book c. 1873, gives the best description but again no accurate coordinates (but it does place the cave between Port Domhnuill Chruinn and Aonan an Eòrna). The coordinates marked are from Graham Little's 'The Caves of Islay' which match the earlier Aonan an Eòrna [5].

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10m wide, 7 m high entrance, access easy. [Caves of Islay]

Alternative Names: Uamh Domhnuill Chruinn, Uamh Domhnaill Chruinn, Aonan an Eòrna [5]

Notes: Uamh Dhomhnuill Chruinn - Applies to a cave situate a short distance S.W. [South West] of Aonan an Eòrna and N.E. [North East] of Port Dhomhnuill Chruinn. On the property of Charles Morrison Esqr. of Islay house Sig: [Signification] "Round Donald's cave". [Scotland's Places]

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The name 'Uamh Domhnaill Chruin' seems to be historic. but there are no known references before 1873. It is not clear if it is the cave which is round or Donald as there is also a Port Domhnuill Chruin. Scots Gaelic grammar would suggest the signifier 'Chruinn' applies to the first word in any phrase, hence Round Port or Round Cave. However neither Cave nor Port are particularly round.

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None