Tommy O´Connell
When I returned from Germany on Monday evening the rain gave me a typical irish welcome. Yesterday was another proof how fast everything can change. In the brightest sunshine, my teacher colleagues from the O´Connell Centre in Caherciveen and I went to Beginish Island, situated just a mile outside between Valentia Island and the mainland. Tommy O`Connell and the Boat with Wheels brought us over and Tommy also provided us with some information about the Island. The last people who lived on Beginish were the Casey Brothers, Jim and Mike. Tommy´s grandfather was born on the Island and Tommy has still sheep grasing on Beginish. After passing some amazing shaped rocks on the beach we went to a stone building that was erected by the vikings at the western part of the Island. The Island was several times occupied and abandoned starting in medieval period. There are still several old farmhouses and on the beach further north you can see the seals sunbathing. The two hours on Beginish were way to little to see the whole beauty of the place but gave me some idea how lucky I am to live near such unspoiled treasure.
Here is the link to Tommy´s website if you like to book a trip with the Boat with Wheels.
Valentia Harbour Tours
