New Year’s Day Swim at Culdaff Bay

What better way to see in the new year than stripping off and dashing into the freezing cold waters of the Atlantic! A well established tradition, the swim is a popular event which raises money for local charities.

Hundreds of people gathered for the annual event, which kicked off at 2.30pm. I’d estimate there must have been 80-100 brave souls who actually entered the water. Here are some photos of the madness.

Lovely day for a swim


People gathered to watch the event.


Rearing to go…


Must be too cold for this guy…


But at least there’s a hot drink to warm you up!


Dressed for the occasion.

Winter visitors to Inishowen

Inishowen is a very important place for migratory birds to spend the winter. Last week we had the pleasure of seeing the Brent and Barnacle geese who have arrived from Greenland. They seem to enjoy our rich grasslands here in Inishowen.

Brent Geese

Barnacle Geese

Winter sunset at Culdaff

22nd Charles Macklin Autumn School

Last weekend we visited some of the events in this years Charles Macklin Autumn School held in Culdaff. The theme this year was “Celebrating the rich literary landscape of Inishowen and beyond”

The programme consisted of a wonderful mix of music from traditional to classical and for those wishing to learn there were creative writing workshops and medieval craft and combat demonstrations. We were also treated to some poetry readings,”Artikulture” and lunchtime theatre. All in all a very varied and pleasant weekends entertainment. Look it up at www.charlesmacklin.com and perhaps try to visit next year.

A guided walk in the footsteps of Amy Young of Culdaff House

Medieval craft and combat demonstrations on the Village Green

Inch Wildfowl Reserve

Inch wildfowl reserve is one of Ireland’s premier wetland sites. It is an internationally significant destination and staging ground for migrating birds from three continents.

Colourful countryside

With all the rain showers we have had this summer, it has enabled the wildflowers to grow in profusion throughout the countryside.

Sea chamomile at Tremone Bay

Angelica, Purple loosestrife, Red clover, and Ragwort

A profusion of Harebells

Wild carrot, Black knapweed

Among the grasses, Red campion, Black knapweed, and Birdsfoot trefoil.