Today is my last day in Westport. I’ve become attached and my habits are mostly, ...
Log Posts: Voyage to Clew Bay and Beyond
During Gráinne's time, ship's captains started keeping daily logbooks. To know how fast, and therefore how far, a ship was travelling, the crew would throw a log with a rope tied to it, over the side of the ship and the length of rope that was pulled into the water in one minute told them their speed. Captains kept records of these speeds, and began adding even more information to their books. Eventually, the logbooks were a way of sharing the seafaring experience with those on land.
Like Sea Captains everywhere, I’m keeping a log of events along the journey to find out about Grace O’Malley, whose real name was Gráinne Ní Mháille. Come along with me and read about how I’m navigating this research adventure, from technology to Sidhe mounds,1 Castles and Abbeys to flowers and birds, struggles and successes with writing, and maybe some pirates fought off along the way. Writing Literary Historical Fiction requires facts to show you the story, so that’s what we’re seeking, with helpful people, beautifully maintained sites and probably a glass raised now and then. And I won’t forget the craic!
I really want to hear from you - people who have ideas and information, know something I said is wrong (Help, please!), and have questions and comments, or just want to stay in touch with how the project is going. And in case you’re wondering, these posts are dated this way: yymmdd.
1 Pronounced shee. Sidhe mounds (sídhe) are ancient earthen mounds, hills, and megalithic tombs in Ireland and Scotland viewed in Gaelic folklore as the dwellings of the Aos Sí (the fairy folk or supernatural race) and portals to an invisible Otherworld
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It’s another beautiful day in Westport, County Mayo! Clare Island is clearly guarding the Bay, ...
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This exact spot – this chair next to this window overlooking this scene – is ...
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They should give everyone off from work and school for days like this! But amazingly, ...
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Patricia’s Sayings When Croagh Patrick is hazy and in the distance that means it will ...
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https://youtube.com/shorts/3il6R3dz_wE Unfortunately, my most prominent memory of Clare Island is going to be the walk ...