Page 7 - Guerin Media | The Wild Atlantic Way
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Slí an Atlantaigh Fiáin – The Wild Atlantic Way.
You are about to set out upon a journey through the and culture that continues to this day. In our ties with
most wild and westerly land in Europe, 2600km America it is too soon forgotten how bound we are as
(1600 miles) of coastline and the ocean fading into the a culture with the North of Africa, with Spain and the
vast horizon, your constant companion. East. Once we look a little deeper within ourselves, we
We begin in the picturesque town of Kinsale or Cion find that we are indeed sisters and brothers, breathing
tSáile – which translates as “The Head of the Sea”. It was the same air . Within our passion and our creativity
here that, in 1601, the Irish lost their bid for freedom in dwells a living spirit – a heart and soul. We find strength
the Battle of Kinsale. Spanish ships had come to assist in our ancient spiritual centers . You too can re connect
the Irish but victory was not assured. What followed with your inner wisdom in this pristine, and beautiful
was the ever- expanding influence of the power of the place.
English language and culture; a decline of Ireland’s
sovereignity. Look to the West of Ireland, and one find’s Festivals
a people and a culture far removed from the Victorian
conservatism of the visitors, the “Gall”. Do be aware of the many festivals that are happening
On your journey you will encounter many compelling in each region on your travels along the Wild Atlantic
stories, from a rugged monastic enclave to the battle of a Way. Festivals are a great way to experience the best in
small island community to retain their culture, from the hospitality and excitement as locals and visitors alike
the Hag of Beara to Galway’s Pirate Queen. It is my wish can celebrate and enjoy Ireland’s rich culture and a bit of
that you soak your soul in the wild Atlantic spray and craic! Check out our helpful Festival pages throughout
renew your Spirit . Memory is important here, memory the magazine for highlights and local festivals all along
lives in songs and stories, in Myth and music. History the Wild Atlantic Way.
is written by the few but many voices are still carried
on the wind. The millions who were forced to leave Let our journey begin!
their homeland through brutality of their conditions
envisioning a better life. The lovers’ separated by the Kinsale may have been the site where Ireland’s old
Ocean, for whom the ebb and flow of the tides evoked order fell but today it can be a new starting point for
a tale of the heart. Parents looking longingly across to our consciousness, the beginning of the Wild Atlantic
the horizon to America, where their children toiled, Way. In the wild atlantic waves we can hear the roar of
probably never to see them again. insistent and incessant life – willing us forward along
In Ireland today, there are four Provinces, Ulster, our own unique journey. Aware now, of all that we wish
Munster, Leinster and Connaught. On your travels you to leave behind. Aware of that which no longer serves
shall pass through three of these. In the Irish language, us – we embrace this uncertain road ahead. We do
the word for province is Cúige meaning fifth – thus not travel alone however, you too have inherited this
there were originally five provinces. This fifth province privilege to walk in the footsteps of the ancestors of
is the land of our imagination. The world that we wish humanity itself; and find our way on.
to create for ourselves and our children. Entering this
dreamtime we invite you on a journey of imagination as Kinsale may be a starting point for the Wild Atlantic
you experience another mode of being. Way but it is also where a movement towards local
Memory is carried as an emotion, and still raw as long community building and resilience was born,
as life can be – when we allow ourselves to live with our “Transition Towns”. Through another Irish movement,
hearts open to the elements. A journey around Ireland’s “GIY” (grow it yourself), a nation of gardeners have
coast is an invitation to relax into the beauty of nature, as joined forces together planting seeds of hope, sharing
well as an opportunity for reflection and renewal. skills and knowledge and growing together a new vision
For German Artist Joseph Beuys, Ireland was the – of hope. Today we can celebrate the potential of local
country that would heal the world. This follows the food and energy, local currencies and a vibrant culture
story of the Greek figure of Chiron, the wounded healer of celebration and celebrating all of our roots. Let the
– he or she who has suffered can heal. Indeed, Ireland journey begin!
was a training ground for the project of colonisation,
suppression of peoples and eradication of language I hope that this guide to the Wild Atlantic Way shall
serve to enhance your journey – I leave you with an
Irish Blessing.
go n’éirigh an mbóthar leat
“May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back
and May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
5
You are about to set out upon a journey through the and culture that continues to this day. In our ties with
most wild and westerly land in Europe, 2600km America it is too soon forgotten how bound we are as
(1600 miles) of coastline and the ocean fading into the a culture with the North of Africa, with Spain and the
vast horizon, your constant companion. East. Once we look a little deeper within ourselves, we
We begin in the picturesque town of Kinsale or Cion find that we are indeed sisters and brothers, breathing
tSáile – which translates as “The Head of the Sea”. It was the same air . Within our passion and our creativity
here that, in 1601, the Irish lost their bid for freedom in dwells a living spirit – a heart and soul. We find strength
the Battle of Kinsale. Spanish ships had come to assist in our ancient spiritual centers . You too can re connect
the Irish but victory was not assured. What followed with your inner wisdom in this pristine, and beautiful
was the ever- expanding influence of the power of the place.
English language and culture; a decline of Ireland’s
sovereignity. Look to the West of Ireland, and one find’s Festivals
a people and a culture far removed from the Victorian
conservatism of the visitors, the “Gall”. Do be aware of the many festivals that are happening
On your journey you will encounter many compelling in each region on your travels along the Wild Atlantic
stories, from a rugged monastic enclave to the battle of a Way. Festivals are a great way to experience the best in
small island community to retain their culture, from the hospitality and excitement as locals and visitors alike
the Hag of Beara to Galway’s Pirate Queen. It is my wish can celebrate and enjoy Ireland’s rich culture and a bit of
that you soak your soul in the wild Atlantic spray and craic! Check out our helpful Festival pages throughout
renew your Spirit . Memory is important here, memory the magazine for highlights and local festivals all along
lives in songs and stories, in Myth and music. History the Wild Atlantic Way.
is written by the few but many voices are still carried
on the wind. The millions who were forced to leave Let our journey begin!
their homeland through brutality of their conditions
envisioning a better life. The lovers’ separated by the Kinsale may have been the site where Ireland’s old
Ocean, for whom the ebb and flow of the tides evoked order fell but today it can be a new starting point for
a tale of the heart. Parents looking longingly across to our consciousness, the beginning of the Wild Atlantic
the horizon to America, where their children toiled, Way. In the wild atlantic waves we can hear the roar of
probably never to see them again. insistent and incessant life – willing us forward along
In Ireland today, there are four Provinces, Ulster, our own unique journey. Aware now, of all that we wish
Munster, Leinster and Connaught. On your travels you to leave behind. Aware of that which no longer serves
shall pass through three of these. In the Irish language, us – we embrace this uncertain road ahead. We do
the word for province is Cúige meaning fifth – thus not travel alone however, you too have inherited this
there were originally five provinces. This fifth province privilege to walk in the footsteps of the ancestors of
is the land of our imagination. The world that we wish humanity itself; and find our way on.
to create for ourselves and our children. Entering this
dreamtime we invite you on a journey of imagination as Kinsale may be a starting point for the Wild Atlantic
you experience another mode of being. Way but it is also where a movement towards local
Memory is carried as an emotion, and still raw as long community building and resilience was born,
as life can be – when we allow ourselves to live with our “Transition Towns”. Through another Irish movement,
hearts open to the elements. A journey around Ireland’s “GIY” (grow it yourself), a nation of gardeners have
coast is an invitation to relax into the beauty of nature, as joined forces together planting seeds of hope, sharing
well as an opportunity for reflection and renewal. skills and knowledge and growing together a new vision
For German Artist Joseph Beuys, Ireland was the – of hope. Today we can celebrate the potential of local
country that would heal the world. This follows the food and energy, local currencies and a vibrant culture
story of the Greek figure of Chiron, the wounded healer of celebration and celebrating all of our roots. Let the
– he or she who has suffered can heal. Indeed, Ireland journey begin!
was a training ground for the project of colonisation,
suppression of peoples and eradication of language I hope that this guide to the Wild Atlantic Way shall
serve to enhance your journey – I leave you with an
Irish Blessing.
go n’éirigh an mbóthar leat
“May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back
and May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
5
