Cape Clear Trails & View of Sea Arch

April 9th, 2013 by blog
Atlantic Grey Seal

Atlantic Grey Seal

Last week saw another improvement to the very popular looped walks on the Island. While the Island has a spectacular sea arch on its southern side many walkers along the southern cliffs miss it completely because it is not visible from the trail. Public spirited Chuck and Nell Kruger, keen supporters of the trail have suggested for some time that additional markers should be placed to advise walkers where to make the short detour necessary to enjoy this most spectacular view and this was achieved, in glorious sunshine last week.

Visitors are reminded that this is also a popular picnic spot but please remember to carry away all rubbish.

Richad Fenlon of Cape Clear Island Youth Hostel came along to help and take stunning photos and we include a link to these and his generous comments.

Seoladh Leabhar Nua: An Logainmníocht in Oileán Chléire Launch of new book about Cape Clear Island Placenames

October 31st, 2012 by blog

Seoladh Leabhar Nua: An Logainmníocht in Oileán Chléire

Launch of new book about Cape Clear Island Placenames

Author Éamon Lankford would be delighted to see members and friends of the Oileán Cléire Community present when Professor Seán Ó Coiléain launches his new book on the Island’s placenames, An Logainmníocht in Oileán Cléire, on Thursday 15 November at the Quarter Deck, Courtyard, Flying Enterperise Comples. South Gate Bridge/ Sullivans Quay, Cork. RSVP, Phone 021-4274110 ( 10 am-4pm) or email: logainmneacha@gmail.com

The book is also available by post from:

Éamon Lankford, Logainmneacha Chorcaí, An tÁras, 13 Dyke Parade, Cork.
Tel. 021 4274110

For anyone connected with or interested in Cape Clear Island, this meticulously researched book provides a wealth of information on its thousands of placenames and is a most interesting reference guide. Those interested in the study of placenames generally will also wish to have this book in their possession.

Ba mhór ag an údar Éamon Lankford Pobal agus cáirde an Oileáin a bheith i láthair nuair a sheolfaidh An tOllamh Seán Ó Coileáin An Logainmníocht in Oileán Cléire, Deardaoin 15 Samhain 2012, 7.30pm ag Quarter Deck, Courtyard, Flying Enterprise Complex, South Gate Bridge / Sullivan’s Quay, Corcaigh. RSVP:

Fón: 021 4274110 (10am – 4pm). r-phost: logainmneacha@gmail.com

Beidh an leabhar ar fáil tríd an post chomh maith ó:

Éamon Lankford, Logainmneacha Chorcaí, An tÁras, 13 Paráid na Díge,
Corcaigh. Tel. 021 274110

Cuirfidh éinne a bhfuil nasc acu le Cléire agus a muintir an suim sa saothar seo. Tá na mílte ainmneacha ann a bailíodh ó bhéal an phobail agus gabhann léarscáileanna leis an saothar a léiríonn suíomh a bhformhór.

Einne ar suim leo logainmneacha in áit ar bith, is den riachtanas go
mbeadh an leabhar fíor-thábhachtach seo ina seilbh acu.

ENDS

Baltimore Drama Group

October 30th, 2012 by blog

Baltimore Drama Group will once again be hosting their very popular table quizzes this winter on Friday nights commencing Friday 2nd November 2012 in JACOB’S BAR at 9.00 p.m. sharp. They will continue each Friday night in different venues with a different quiz master until the final on 7th December 2012. Look out for local poster for the upcoming venues. Everyone welcome.

ENDS

A lovely promotion of Baltimore in the Irish Examiner…

October 17th, 2012 by blog

An excellent promotional piece for Baltimore written by our very own Conor Power. Click Here

Ar an Oileán ( On the Island)

October 12th, 2012 by blog

Ar an Oileán ( On the Island)

All those who appreciate Cape Clear Island will be very interested in a series of four TV programs entitled Ar an Oileán to be broadcast on RTE 1 from Monday 12 November at 7.30 pm.

This is a series about Cape Clear Island and Inis Meáin and we are given to understand that it presents a great image of the Island. Filmed over an entire year the series offers a glimpse of contemporary island life throughout the seasons.

ENDS

Baltimore and The Islands “Big Heart” Guided Walks 29th – 30th September

September 28th, 2012 by blog

Baltimore and The Islands guided walks will take place this weekend in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation. Details below…

Poster walking festival 2012 (2)

Great Exposure for Baltimore in Recent Daily Mail Article…

September 28th, 2012 by blog

There has been a great article written by Max Wooldridge for the UK Daily Mail which features Aquaventures, Atlantic Sea Kayaking and Whale Watch West Cork and extols the virtues of the waterbourne activities that can be enjoyed in and around Baltimore…

Daily Mail Article Sept 2012

2012 Island Ecology Course on Cape Clear Island

June 26th, 2012 by blog

July 9th – 13th – Course fee €200

Run by Dr Geoff Oliver and Paddy Sleeman on behalf of Cape Clear Co Operative.

This long running and popular course is now being presented in a new modular format with each day focusing on a different topic. Participants can choose to attend the entire course or can attend those days of particular interest/relevance.

This five day course covers field and seashore habitats, species identification, basic bird and whale watching skills and presentations on pressing environmental issues such as bio diversity, sustainability and conservation. It’s a busy 5 days with ample opportunity for wandering, spontaneity and fun. There will be presentations on pressing environmental issues such as sustainability, biodiversity and conservation, given from a local perspective, and offering unique and valuable insights.

Cape Clear is one of the few remaining Gaeltacht areas in Ireland. It has a rich linguistic and cultural heritage. You will look at ancient remains and hear of some of the high and low points of the island’s 5,000 year history from a well-known local historian. A professional linguist and Irish speaker will talk on the language and explore some of the evocative meanings and stories behind the local dialect.

The course presenters are Dr.Geoff Oliver and Dr Paddy Sleeman , both practising zoologists. While open to all the course is an approved Dept. Education summer course for primary school teachers.

Details and bookings – Please contact ccteo@iol.ie or paddysleeman@hotmail.com

Deposit of €50 required, balance payable on arrival on Island

ENDS

Enjoy the Fastnet Experience, a new tour/ exhibition of the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse launched in June 2012.

June 20th, 2012 by blog

For generations the majestic and isolated Fastnet Rock has fired the imaginations of onlookers. Named by the Vikings, Fastnet in Old Norse Hvasstann-ey means “sharp-tooth isle” while its Irish name Carraig Aonair means “solitary or lone rock”. Both versions allude to the respect and awe inspired by this iconic landmark. For others, the Fastnet is known as Ireland’s Teardrop, the last part of Ireland seen by thousands of Irish emigrants going to the New World.

Fastnet Rock Tour

The new Fastnet Rock Tour based on Cape Clear Island is a day trip that brings visitors first, to the new Fastnet Exhibition and multimedia display on Cape Clear, will allow time to see the various Fastnet Rock Memorials and to view the Rock from the Island and later to circumnavigate the Fastnet to view it from all sides at close quarters. There will also be time to explore a little of the famous Island where there are restaurants and other services available.

Whales and Dolphins

The tour involves three different boat trips through prime whale and dolphin watching waters. A good eye is kept for cetaceans and sharks en route and if spotted Skippers will provide the best views possible.

To ensure maximum comfort and safety the tour operates only during fine weather and our website www.fastnettour.com only takes bookings 48 or 72 hours in advance. Visitors may also enquire on the main Cape Clear Island Ferry ( The Orange Boat).

Tel 028-41923/39159

Enterprise Centre,

Cape Clear Island.

Baltimore Pirate Weekend

June 12th, 2012 by blog

A weekend of Pirate Fun in Baltimore

Friday 29th June – Sunday 1st July

Throughout this piratical weekend a competition will run for the best-dressed male and best-dressed female pirate. Continual assessment will take place throughout Saturday and Sunday and points will be awarded for costume and the most bubbly Baltimore buccaneer’s behaviour. Final judgement and booty prizegiving will take place on Sunday afternoon at 5pm.

Port activities over the weekend are as follows:

Friday 29th June

7-9pm……….Music and storytelling at The Glebe with optional barbecue (10 euro). Listen to buccaneering songs and tales of the sea and times past.

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Saturday 30th June

11.00……….Children’s pirate treasure hunt at Glebe Gardens

12.00……….24 hour pirate ‘swimathon’ in Baltimore swimming pool (proceeds in aid of Baltimore Community Leisure Centre. For further details contact pool 028 20622))

2.30……….Pirate conference in Dún na Séad castle.

Speakers Des Ekin, assistant editor of the Sunday World, and author of The Stolen Village will discuss the Sack of Baltimore and the trade of Christian captives to the slave markets of Algiers, and Connie Kelleher, Underwater Archaeologist with the Dept. of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s Underwater Archaeology unit will discuss piracy off the south coast in the early seventeenth century. (Booking – Tel.0872903236) (10 euro).

Afternoon (by arrangement)……….Snorkel with your personal guide and visit pirates’ caves and inlets around Baltimore, that in the 17th century would have been used to hide boats and bounty. (Subject to weather and minimum numbers so prebooking is necessary). (Tel. 028 20511)

Afternoon (by arrangement)……….Kyaking excursions into coastal pirate caves and inlets to search for hidden booty. (Tel. 028 21058)

4pm……….Entertainment at the Square with living history ‘pirates’ and interactive re-enactments of aspects of the ‘Sack of Baltimore’. Be transported back to the Baltimore of 1631 and experience the pirate raid. Dress up in pirate costume or be taken captive and put in chains. Listen to a chorus of sea shanties performed by a band of local lads and lassies, while exotic dancers in colourful costume transport you to the slave markets of north Africa.  Afternoon activities begin at 4pm followed by music at the Square performed by the usual Scurvy Scoundrels!!

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Sunday 1st July

2.30 and 4.30……….Pirate boat tours of Baltimore harbour. These tours will have live commentary and will explore the course taken by the Algerian pirates when they raided Baltimore in 1631, taking 107 inhabitants off to a life of slavery in north Africa. (Tel.0872638470)

Afternoon……….Throughout the afternoon there will be entertainment at the Square again with interactive living history re-enactments. Delve into the world of piracy and slavery of seventeenth century Baltimore.

2.30……….Children’s best dressed pirate competition with parade from the Square.

3.00 – 4.30……….Afternoon of children’s games and entertainment in the pirate playground. (Fundraiser organised by Rath Parents’ Association)

5.00……….Prizegiving of children’s pirate fancy dress competition and primary schools’ drawing and short story competition. Final judging of best adult male and female pirate.

5.30……….Celebrate your successful survival of the pirate weekend with more Scurvy Scoundrels’ music at the Square!!

ENDS