Irish Peregrinations #1

I looked across the table to the pleasing sight before me ... a half-litre bottle of (O'Hara's) I.P.A. (That's IRISH Pale Ale, and very palatable it is, too!) But hold-hard; what vision is this … hovering just above the flagon??? Heavens to Murgatroyd!!! As I live and breathe (neither to be taken for granted, these days) it is none other than Dick Miles … bon-vivant, singer, player, shanty aficionado, Grand High Everything of the Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival, property owner and taxpayer-in-good-standing of the Village of Ballydehob, West Cork, Ireland; wherein is situated ‘Le Petit Bistro; the establishment wherein we are currently ensconced. I can confirm that Dick is in fine fettle, great voice, excellent good-humour; and that rumours of his marriage to a brewery-owning multi-millionairess, are greatly exaggerated.

Having made good on our long-promised (threatened?) intention of relocating across the Irish Sea, here we are! Lyn and I are hugely pleased to, once again, be living afloat. Moonstone lies snugly moored at a berth in Tara Marina, in County Roscommon; near the geographic centre of Ireland, in the northerly reaches of the Shannon/Erne waterway system.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow famously wrote: " … into each life, some rain must fall …"  but this is ridiculous!

Arriving in the Republic, we were assiduous in our 14-day quarantine. However; during that fortnight there was not a single 24-hour period devoid of precipitation! Now; just five weeks into our Irish sojourn; we struggle to total-up a week without rain. Mind you ... reports from the (dis)United Kingdom describe similar conditions.

The weather forecasts not being encouraging as to an extended river cruise, we had driven down, close to the Southwest tip of the island, to say hello to a few friends, un-visited for a couple of years or more. (Friends of Ray and Verna Connolly may be pleased to note that; although Ray passed several years ago; Verna is keeping well and cheerful; appreciated and well cared-for by a supportive community of good neighbours. (For those who wish to be in touch with her; the e-mail address is VernaRay@hotmail.com.)

In preparation for our first extended cruise on the Shannon/Erne waterway system, we took a three-day expedition to Carrick-on-Shannon and Drumshanbo.

I am long used (he opined, modestly) to being somewhere around the centre of attention, but unused to having the limelight stolen by our lovely boat. Our arrival in Carrick swiftly attracted much admiration … all for Moonstone! Multifarious comments flowed; along the lines of: “That’s a really lovely barge, ye’ve got there!” It quickly became apparent that – for the Irish – a boat is make of white plastic, but superior forms of water-borne transportation are made of base metals, and referred to as ‘barges’. One such observation was followed by an invitation. “We’re havin’ a session, over on m' barge tomorrow afternoon. We’ve got beer and wine, so come and join us.” ‘M' barge’ was just around the corner, and proved to be a vessel built by the Guinness company, around one hundred years ago, for the delivery of their world-famous  beverage; and somewhat longer and considerably wider than Moonstone. You may note, from the images below, it doesn't always rain in this part of the world.

'George' is on the extreme right of the group of musicians ... and me ... 

Here's George again (see above), at his day-job ... 

After an enjoyable and relaxing weekend, we turned Northwards on the Shannon, past Leitrim Village, and up our very first Irish canal: The Lough Allan Canal It is only about five kms. long, but totally bucolic and without a great deal of traffic. It opens out onto Acres Lake, just on the Southern edge of the small village of Drumshanbo (famous for Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin … as yet untried by your humble researcher!). Acres Lake is a very popular recreational destination, but we managed to find a mooring. (This is going to be an issue on the Irish waterways. Most mooring spots are set-up for craft around ten metres or less. Moonstone is just shy of EIGHTEEN!)

Whilst Lyn and I may have our issues with Irish weather, Wednesday morning found us taking an after-breakfast swim in Acres Lake ... lovely! Then it was back down the Shannon; right turn up the Boyle River; and return to Tara Marina for an appointment with Damian the Electrician and a couple of minor maintenance jobs.

I don't want to bore you with my garrulousness, so I'm going to call this ... 

'THE INTERVAL'    (more soonish!)