Arthur's Coastal Cruise 2010 - A
Read MoreWe started out from Limerick on Sunday, 20th June at 12 noon. A beautiful sunny day with very calm water state. One of my favourite lighthouses....Beeves Rock, close to Aughinish.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
Well...you cannot go anywhere without meeting friends from home! Eamon Egan and family on Hawthorn, just south of Foynes.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
"Rapport", with John Ryan, camera in hand, and son-in-law James at the helm.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
Approaching Kilrush...arriving circa 17.30 after a very pleasant and leisurely trip from Limerick.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
Monday, June 21st. We left Kilrush at 08.30 and headed down the Shannon Estuary in absolutely calm waters. Photo shows Rapport about to pass Loop Head.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
Heading for Liscannor after a brief stop at Quilty (Seafield Point).
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Approaching Liscannor for overnight stop.
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Moored on the outer wall at Liscannor harbour.
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Moored at Liscannor with Lahinch in the background.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
Tuesday, June 22nd. We left Liscannor circa 07.00 and rounded Hog's Head circa 07.45 with a view of our next destination in sight...The Cliffs of Moher.
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Rapport with Cliffs of Moher in the background. We spent approximately 45-60 mins at the cliffs for photo and video shoot and also to admire the view. The morning heat haze didi not help our photographic efforts!
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
Mary Healy at the helm of "Arthur" while Paul takes photos.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
Rapport in a morning heat haze with O'Brien's Tower atop the cliffs.
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O'Brien's Tower (top left) and Eye of The Needle (right)
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Leaving the Cliffs of Moher behind us as we head for the Aran Islands.
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Inisheer (Inis Oirr) in the distance.
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Inishmaan (Inis Meain) .... note breakwater and new harbour to centre of photo.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
And finally, circa 10.00, the approach to Kilronan on InishMore (Inis Mor).
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Moored at the short pier opposite the ferry mooring. We decided against using the mooring buoys in the harbour and had to adjust our ropes at regular times as the water rose and lowered according to tides.
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Mary and John enjoying a relaxing drink at Ti Joe Watty's pub/restaurant in Kilronan.
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Mary, outside the only Foodstore/Newsagent on the island. Opens at 09.00 and closes at 19.00. Newspapers usually not available until after 11am.
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The tide is going out! "Arthur" and Rapport moored at the short pier, just in front of Carraig Donn gift shop and close to several bars and restaurants.
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We took the easy option and hired a tour bus for a sight-seeing trip and guided tour of the island. Easy on the legs and worthwhile! And not too expensive at €10.00 pre person. The above photo features a collection of 'Leprechaun Cottages' which are dotted around the island and are intended to bring Good Luck.
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Our guide dropped us off here on the short path that leads to Dun Aengus, the ancient historic fort that is one of the showpieces on the island.
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Dun Aengus.
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John and Mary with Dun Aengus in the background.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
Stunning views of the cliffs from Dun Aengus.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
John and Paul in front of Dun Aengus.
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Mary and John in the inner fort.
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View of the cliffs from the inner fort.
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John and Mary with our guide, Gearoid. Selection criteria was simple...he was the only one to help John with his ropes when we first arrived! But we made a very good choice. He comes highly recommended.
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Thursday, June 24th....we left Kilronan circa 08.00 and headed for Inishmaan (Inis Meain). One of the disadvantages of Kilronan was the lack of a water facility for re-filling purposes.
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Moored inside new harbour at Inishmaan. FIVE quayside water taps available!!! Presence of de-salination plant on island always ensures a supply of water is available!
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View from other end of harbour where ferries moor. Ample water depth always available, even at low tide.
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One of a number of colourful landscape shots that we took on Inishmaan.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
Mary & Paul enjoy a relaxing moment in Synge's Chair....J.M. Synge the renowned writer who used this spot, with spectacular views, for inspiration.
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Mary & John in relaxed mode.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!
Friday, June 25th....circa 4pm. Arriving back at Kilrush after a long EIGHT hour leg from Inishmaan. What a fabulous week! We were truly blessed with super weather conditions ... both in the sky and more significantly, on the water. We enjoyed Force 2-3 wind speeds on most days and wave heights of less than 2metres. The only rough patch was rounding Loop Head on the return trip where wind was probably Force 4/5 and waves higher than 2 metres.
From 2010-06-20 "Arthur" and Rapport do CIC to the Aran Islands!