Now that it’s finally warming up, we put this batch out to the front garden to graze.

The next picture reminds me of a certain Michael Jackson song….

While skipping and frolicking about is all well and good, some of us just want some “me time”.

We also have some new pets…but that’s for another post!

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.

Brent Geese

Barnacle Geese

Winter sunset at Culdaff

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

If you’d like to write a guest blog post, just send it and your photos to treanhouse (at) gmail.com and we’ll post it here.

The beach is only a stones throw away

Contributed by: Sandra Ondraschek

As many Trean House guests will have noticed, Spike is always happy to accompany you on your walk to the beach. You just have to say ‘beach’ and he’s off, setting a pace that few two-legged beings can match. When you catch up, he’ll be waiting at the water’s edge, barking enthusiastically. For those of you who don’t speak Donegal border collie dialect, he’s saying ‘throw a stone!’.

Some people mistake the word stone for stick and wonder why their efforts are ignored. Sticks float, silly! There has to be a splash that he can jump at, bark at and bite into. But be warned! You will tire of this game before Spike does.

And if you’re short of time, the river is also good.

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.

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.

Prizewinners

Good friends

Chainsaw artist

New tractors

Impressive sheep

Nice one Mervyn

Here is mum still busy feeding them.