Inishkea North
At Inishkea North we met Brion Sweeney, whom I call the Hermit of Inishkea North. I had not seen him in quite a few years. I like to stop in setting out on my trips & returning, and I get to show off my crew. A retired MD, he practices Buddhism and is drawn to the early Christianity of the ancient Irish monks and the desert Fathers of Egypt. His wife recently died, an it looks like he will be on the island a lot more. He loves to winter over and he enjoys the storms.
Brion, left, in front of his cabin. Second right is Michael, a Blacksod Bay fisherman who supports Brion from the mainland. His grandfathers came from the Inishkeas which were abandoned in 1930.
Anchored at Inishkea North, below Brion's house and the abandoned village.
The village, main street.
Lazybeds
Looking out towards the Atlantic. Black Rock at center. A major lighthouse, it was the site of a national tragedy a few years ago, in which a RNLI helicopter flew in fog into the island, and four lives were lost.
Near the low cliffs
Nesting shags
.jpg)
Chicks. All the birds are raising chicks, and are furiously active feeding them. The nesting season, June, makes it a great time to travel this coast.
Fulmar
Gavin found an old pot. Baited with corned beef, which was a leftover from a 2023 trip
A few small crabs took the bait
A basking shark was spotted, harpooned & eaten for supper. Not recommended
The island has a rich past.
Early high cross
.jpg)
An old Irish homestead
The machair covers the island
Brion, left, in front of his cabin. Second right is Michael, a Blacksod Bay fisherman who supports Brion from the mainland. His grandfathers came from the Inishkeas which were abandoned in 1930.
Anchored at Inishkea North, below Brion's house and the abandoned village.
The village, main street.
Lazybeds
Looking out towards the Atlantic. Black Rock at center. A major lighthouse, it was the site of a national tragedy a few years ago, in which a RNLI helicopter flew in fog into the island, and four lives were lost.
Near the low cliffs
Nesting shags
.jpg)
Chicks. All the birds are raising chicks, and are furiously active feeding them. The nesting season, June, makes it a great time to travel this coast.
Fulmar
Gavin found an old pot. Baited with corned beef, which was a leftover from a 2023 trip
A few small crabs took the bait
A basking shark was spotted, harpooned & eaten for supper. Not recommended
The island has a rich past.
Early high cross
.jpg)
An old Irish homestead
The machair covers the island
All photos by Gavin.
.HEIC)
Real sad to hear that Brion's wife passed away. I still remember her delicious nuts and seeds pie from 7 years ago. Our timing was perfect - it was ready as we dropped in unannounced. I wonder if Brion knows the recipe and still makes it.
ReplyDeleteEqually sad to hear about Brion's wife; please pass on my condolences next time you see him Nick. I still chuckle at the thought of us naively offering freshly caught mullet to the devoted buddhist. All taken in good humour
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