Monday, 31 August 2015

THROUGH MY LENS -Nearing County Antrim - Ailsa Craig Island (Part 14)

We are on our way back to County Antrim and you can see in the second image that Ailsa Craig Island is just disappearing behind us in the mist.  Below is one of the group being shown the navigational aids.  We certainy needed them today due to the heavy mist through the day although it lifted a bit as we sailed past the coast of Scotland on our return journey.










The Tiveragh Fairy Hill (below)
Legend and lore has it that this very broad sided hill with steep sides overlooking the small village of Cushendall in Northern Ireland is the gateway to Tir na nOg. A place very well known locally to be haunted by faeries, leprechauns, elves, and pixies … this giant hill is a natural fortress all in its own and easily seen to be claimed as a stronghold by the fae. Fairy tales mention many stories about it rising up on pillars during the twilight evening with glimmering meriment of faeries frolicking and dining. 

Many believe that the wee folk live in this hill that is accessed by a nearby cave. As the warning goes, if ye are mortal, regardless of how appeasing the faerie music may sound, if you wander within, you’ll never be seen again on this plane of existence. Time holds a whole different rhythm in Faerieworlds.


The skipper's wife told me that it was traditional for the children to roll their Easter eggs down this hill but only during daylight hours!


CLICK HERE if the video does not appear below.



We are nearly back to County Antrim and I do hope none of you were sea sick.  Tomorrow finishes this series when I end as I started showing you Gannets but this time I photographed them on our journey back.

I am linking this post with THROUGH MY LENS. NR 5
&
I am also linking with image- in-ing.

Many thanks for visiting and also to those who leave comments.

29 comments:

  1. How very, very peaceful. And beautiful.

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  2. A very nice RIB. No radar or didn't you get a picture of it.

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    1. HI Adrian I don't know whether you have seen any of the 15 posts I have done from Alisa Craig but I thought as you have been round the island many times before you might have liked to know more about the island and see the thousands of wild birds. The rib seems to have every navigational gear on it but for me it didin't do the ironing so I am not buying one!!! It was a lovely vessel and with its very powerul engins moved very quickly without too much bounce. All in all a very worthwhile trip.

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  3. Hello Margaret, wonderful photos from your boat ride. I love the last shot of the hill and the Easter egg story. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

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  4. Beautiful views from the boat. Fascinating tales about Fairy Hill and a lovely video. Thanks Margaret :)

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  5. A hardy lot of naturalists Margaret. Well done for braving the elements.

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  6. Lovely photos and I love the folklore about Fairy Hill :) Another great post.

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  7. Look like a cold day at sea! Tom The Backroads Traveller

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  8. When I was young I loved the movie "Darby O'Gill and the Little People". Could it have been set in County Antrim? Enjoyed your tour of the Ailsa Craig.

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  9. peaceful, beautiful.......what a wonderful experience!!!

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  10. Hi Margaret,

    What hypnotically alluring images of your adventure around County Antrim. I am always captivated by the sea, for its misty, marine magic, and the beautiful land that borders it! Thanks for sharing and have a lovely week!

    Poppy

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  11. I felt chilled seeing the shots in the boat and in the distance. Looks gorgeous there though. Wonderful series!

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  12. One of your shipmates would make a proper pirate, for sure! I can hear Bobby Newton's "Arrrrggghhhh". Anyway, delightful pictures, and a lovely recounting of the dangers of messing with wee ones.

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  13. The scenery is stunning!

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  14. Fantastic! Love the Faerie Hill and the Easter egg rolling story. Super set of pictures Margaret- I especially like the one with the trail of the boat churning behind it, and the houses on the other side of the bay x

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  15. What a trip!!! And to see the verdant land just straight ahead...awesome.

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  16. You sure do get out and explore! I would love to be around those green faerie lands....and maybe just get lost.

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  17. I feel that I had a trip on the boat which I never had in my life. The mountains are so beautiful and a little bit resemble the mountains where I live. You photographed them very beautifully.

    Best wishes to you.

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  18. OK..Figured it out..one more step!! Looks like lovely, green country and would be refreshingly cool to me right now..Nice pictures..Thanks for sharing..

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  19. I feel like I've traveled there myself lately. I have neighbors and even a grandson that visited Ireland this summer. Thanks for sharing the fairy stories. I love tales that have been passed down from generation to generation. Enjoy your week my friend! Hugs, Diane

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  20. I love the little faerie lore! I'm a believer!

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  21. What beautiful scenery - I sometimes miss the sea.

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  22. Specactular being out on the water even in the clouds and rain :-)

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  23. Margaret, thank you for your kind comment on my jellyfish. We cast a wistful eye in the direction of Ailsa Craig from Girvan and Culzean. We also gave a nod to County Antrim (or was it Rathlin Island?) from the Mull of Kintyre, as the mist swept in and out in McCartney fashion! Your header puffin (my favourite bird) is superb!

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  24. Lovely shots! Everything looks pretty with a little bit of mist don't you think? Thank you for sharing :)

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  25. That sounds like a wonderful part of the world.

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