期刊名称：Shima : The International Journal of Research into Island Cultures
印刷版ISSN：1834-6049
电子版ISSN：1834-6057
出版年度：2008
卷号：02
期号：02
出版社：Island Cultures Research Centre, Division of Humanities, Macquarie University
摘要：The islands off the coast of Ireland declined after the Irish famine of the
1840s. The number inhabited and the size of the population on those that remain
populated both fell dramatically, faring worse collectively than the Irish
mainland to which they were marginal in every sense. The reasons for this
decline are examined. In the early 20th Century there are some signs of
resurgence. The article considers that this might be put down to the efforts of
islanders themselves, coupled with state and European Union support. There is an
interest in and regard for the islands associated with their being seen as
repositories of Irish culture and heritage. This has had positive benefits
regarding the attitude of the state agencies and also for tourism, which is an
important factor in many contemporary island economies. In fact, some of the
resurgence as measured by population totals can be put down to people having
holiday cottages on the islands rather than an increase in the size of
traditional communities.
