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Introduction
Note: Many of the previously famous sights on Montserrat have been either destroyed by the Soufrière Hills volcano or are currently off-limits. However, there are still opportunities for quiet beach holidays, watersports, eco-tourism and volcano viewing. Check with Montserrat Tourist Board for information.
When Catholic-Irish settlers arrived in Montserrat sometime between 1632 and 1633, fleeing from persecution on nearby St Kitts, they nicknamed it ‘The Emerald Isle’ because of the lush green giant ferns and forests climbing the sides of Montserrat’s two volcanoes, and the island’s resemblance to Ireland. Place names like Cork Hill and St Patrick’s (not to mention Potato Hill) still bear witness to the Irish influence.
THE COAST: Owing to volcanic outbreaks, most of the capital, Plymouth, has been destroyed, leaving many tourist attractions off-limits, including the 18th-century Old Fort on St George’s Hill (300m (1000ft) above the town). However, the island offers diverse and beautiful beaches in a quiet and friendly atmosphere. Rendezvous Bay contains the only white (coral) sand beach in Montserrat; sand in the other bays is of volcanic origin and may be grey or black. Several bays offer excellent opportunities for snorkelling and a variety of watersports; others are totally undeveloped (though plans for some of them exist, and those who like their scenery untouched should make the most of current opportunities). The Sport & Activities section gives further information about watersports and sports in general.
Pelican Point on the east coast is home to the island’s only breeding colony of the spectacular Frigate birds. Dutchers Studio in Olveston is closed, but is due to reopen soon.
INLAND: Most of the southern part of the island is off-limits, owing to the continuing eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano. This spectaclar and unusual sight can be seen on helicopter trips (see Sport & Activities section for further details). The lush interior of the northern part of the island contains several places of interest, which can be seen on guided scenic walks (see the Sports & Activities section). Montserrat’s national bird, the icterus oberi (a species of oriole), can be seen at Centre and Silver Hill in the north of the island.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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