They Say Every Thirteenth Wave Is a Freak Wave

No wonder this hardy swimmer is gazing at the darkness beyond!
Photo: Annie

The Sea...

...always changing, never the same.
Photo: Annie

The Parallel Worlds...

...of Keel beach.
Photo: Annie

Pure Magic

Pure Magic is a kite surfers' centre near Keel.
Great coffee, delicious home-made bread.
Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial

Local Tourist Attraction: Achill Henge

Achill Henge, which is based on Stonehenge in England, was built in just two nights by local businessman Joe McNamara. The reason is vague. As one local pub put it: "Nobody knows."

Whatever the truth, it attracts a steady stream of visitors and is well worth seeing.

This atmospheric photo was taken by recent Pirate guest Jet Manrho.

Lost in Thought

Pirate Peti on Keel Beach.

Photo: Riny

Humpback whale off Achill Island

On Sat 11th Feb Michael Patten and friends went surfing off Keel beach, Achill Island, Co. Mayo. Out beyond the surf towards the Bill Rock, they observed a large whale surface on at least 4 occasions, that was in the 30-60ft length bracket; clearly too large for a minke whale. Its surface behaviour suggests a species that was creating a lot of disturbance and then several of the surfers saw it clearly lift its tail fluke vertically out of the water, before diving. The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, after discussing the encounter with Mark during validation are confident that this is a humpback whale.

Photo and text: the Mayo News

Patiently Waiting His Turn...

... is the surfing gull of Achill Island!
Photo: Peti

After the Storm...

... come the windsurfers of Keel Beach!
Photo: Peti

Holiday Reading

"While I paced softly on, the last sound I expected to hear in so still a region, a laugh, struck my ears. It was a curious laugh - distinct, formal, mirthless. I stopped". Reading Jane Eyre on Keel Beach.
Photo: Annie

Fun Fair

All the fun of the fair in Keel.
Photo: Annie