View from The Tin Pub, Ahakista
From Schull, we went round the corner to Dunmanus Bay, where we anchored in the tiny ‘Kitchen Cove’, and were welcomed by a friend of a friend called Mary who swam a quarter of a mile out to the boat to greet us. I thought that sort of thing only happened in Tahiti!
The landing beach led up to a wonderful tin pub, where we sat and supped a pint or two, just to appreciate the view of our boat, of course...
We took five hours to sail the ten miles out of the Bay, beating against the wind all the way, just to prove that the boat will do it. And it did!
We have had a great reception in Ireland so far, and lots of compliments about the boat. Plenty of people seem to recognise it as ‘one of the Ros fleet’, some twenty boats that were built in Killybegs to the same lines and all named ‘Ros ........’
We have twice been given a bucket of fresh prawns. It was rather disconcerting to realise that not only were they alive and kicking, but had long sharp pincers on them too. After much deliberation and consultation of cookery books (all useless), we mercilessly threw them into boiling water and managed to devour them despite the guilt!
After an exciting sail down-wind at up to 8.5 knots, we’re currently anchored in the green and pretty Bantry Bay. I know it's famous for something but not exactly sure what. A song? The prawns? Mussels maybe?
The landing beach led up to a wonderful tin pub, where we sat and supped a pint or two, just to appreciate the view of our boat, of course...
We took five hours to sail the ten miles out of the Bay, beating against the wind all the way, just to prove that the boat will do it. And it did!
We have had a great reception in Ireland so far, and lots of compliments about the boat. Plenty of people seem to recognise it as ‘one of the Ros fleet’, some twenty boats that were built in Killybegs to the same lines and all named ‘Ros ........’
We have twice been given a bucket of fresh prawns. It was rather disconcerting to realise that not only were they alive and kicking, but had long sharp pincers on them too. After much deliberation and consultation of cookery books (all useless), we mercilessly threw them into boiling water and managed to devour them despite the guilt!
After an exciting sail down-wind at up to 8.5 knots, we’re currently anchored in the green and pretty Bantry Bay. I know it's famous for something but not exactly sure what. A song? The prawns? Mussels maybe?
posted by Katie at 10:46 AM
2 Comments:
Great to follow your travels, Hazel and Dave. Ireland looks very exotic compared to the grey mist over Topsham today (though as I'm sure you've heard, we've also enjoyed some amazing hot summer weather as well as a couple of the best thunderstorms ever!).
Here's the ballad you may have been thinking of.
Bantry Bay
As I'm sitting all alone in the gloaming,
It might have been but yesterday
That we watched the fisher sails all homing
Till the little herring fleet at anchor lay.
Then the fisher girls with baskets a swinging,
Came running down the old stone way.
Every lassie to her sailor lad was singing
A welcome to Bantry Bay.
Then we heard the pipers sweet note running,
And all the lassies turned to hear;
As they mingled with a soft voice crooning,
Till the music floated down the wooden pier,
Save you kindly Colleens all! said the piper,
Hands across the trip while I play,
And a tender sound of song and merry dancing,
Stole softly over Bantry Bay.
As I'm sitting alone in the gloaming
The shadows of the past draw near.
And I see the loving faces round me
That used to glad the old brown pier.
Some are gone upon their last homing
Some are left but they are old and gray,
And we're waiting for the tide in the gloaming,
To sail upon the Great Highway,
To the land of rest unending,
All peacefully from Bantry Bay.
Ahakista is one of the best places I've ever spent a holiday. The Tin Shed is the best. Many a good night spent there! Beautiful place
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