( Overview
/ Two Bullocks on a Boat in Eire
Leaving Greystones Marina.
With a good westerly breeze, and leaving at high tide, we set sail from Greystones to Arklow (24 nm).
Bray Head.
Looking back at the marina.
Looking back on the Sugarloaf.
The Sugarloaf and Little Sugarloaf.
Wicklow Head lighthouses. A golden wedding anniversary present Andy? How about staying in the rear lighthouse? Through the Irish Landmark Trust.
Originally there were two Wicklow Head lighthouses to differentiate between the Hook and Howth Head ones. The front and rear lighthouses were built in 1781, and the front one was rebuilt in the early 19th century.
The rear lighthouse was struck by lightening in 1836, but was left as a landmark.
The new lighthouse was built lower down the cliff in 1818. It had become clear the older lighthouses were not always effective because they were often obscured by fog and mist.
With reefed sails because of the 25 knot gusts of wind, and with the help of the tide, we reached speeds of over 9.5 knots over the ground.
Trimming the sails.
Avalon on the river pontoon in Arklow, flying the Irish courtesy flag. Although a little rockier than the marina, sailors prefer the river pontoons as the marina is small and difficult to manoeuvre in because it is so crowded.
In 1895 Kynoch built an explosives factory covering 400 acres from North Quay to the current caravan site, 2km away. It included a hospital, homes, a store, club and Kynoch Lodge for dignitaries to stay. Kynoch also ran a fleet of steamships and a fire service. At its peak 3000 people were employed.
The Avoca river was used by Kynoch’s explosives’ factory to transport materials and finished goods to Arklow harbour.
The factory manufactured high explosives for over 23 years, and during The First World War over €28 million in today’s terms was paid to employees, many of whom were women. Sadly, however, during its time of operation 40 people were killed.
You can just about see Avalon amongst the other boats - and more arrived during the evening. Fortunately they rafted against each other (when one boat ties alongside another boat), not us.
We were unsure of the reception we’d get in the local pubs, as the town didn’t feel touristy. We even walked into, and then out of, one pub. Kevin’s need for a Guinness, however, meant we bit the bullet, and after an initial frosty feel, everyone was very chatty and friendly in the Harbour Bar.
Sadly we left before the music in search of food, and found the fantastic New Asian Harvest; the only Chinese/Thai restaurant we’ve visited that’s owned by a Malaysian, Aggi, who loves Greek music which she played all night.
A lovely chat, too, as she had worked in London and Stanford-le-Hope!
Ronnie Delany, a local man (now 87) won a gold medal for the 1500 metres at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. His time was 3:41.49 and he finished a good 5 metres ahead of the rest of the field.
He was also one of the first people to run a mile in under 4 minutes.
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