It's a long way from Dun Laoghaire to Inismaan, but these two places figure largely in the latest issue of Ireland of the Welcomes. There is an impressive double-page illustration, a painting by Peter Pearson of yachts and other craft in the harbour, and Pearson writes the text, reminding us that this year Dun Laoghaire is celebrating its 1,500th birthday. It started from the 5th century fort of King Laoghaire, became Dunleary until 1821, when King George IV visited and its name changed to Kingstown, then reverted in 1920 to Dun Laoghaire. Pearson brings us through its history with much detail as to the architecture, good and bad, and the huge expansion of the 19th century. The two Royal yacht clubs, established in the 1840s, we are told, had a membership "largely drawn from the titled and landed classes. In the mid-19th century yachts tended to be large and expensive, requiring a deep pocket and a sizeable crew."
The famous Forty Foot bathing place was probably first popularised by the 36 military personnel who garrisoned the Martello Tower and battery there from 1804 onwards. More people will know that this was the tower of James Joyce fame. Much more; and good photographs by Brian Lynch.
To Inismaan. "The women of this island are before conventionality, and share some of the liberal features thought peculiar to the women of Paris and New York." Derek Mahon is quoting from Synge, who admired the island women greatly. He went out in the plane from Inverin last November and writes of work that was soon to start on restoring the Mac Donagh cottage where Synge stayed, and now known as Synge's Cottage or The Synge House (Teach Synge). It remains in the family. Maire Bean Ui Fhartha, granddaughter of the Mac Donaghs Synge knew, lives next door in a modern bungalow, but her daughter Treasa, Londonbased, has undertaken the restoration of the original cottage. The magazine shows a photograph of a newly thatched cottage and a sign Teach Synge. This year is the centenary of the writer's first visit.
Mahon quotes from Synge: "Every article on these islands has an almost personal character, which gives this simple life, where all art is unknown, something of the artistic beauty of medieval life." Hence he insisted that real Aran artefacts be used in the first Abbey production of Riders to the Sea. Stage directions were: Cottage kitchen with nets, oilskins, spinningwheel .. . etc". Restoration costs are estimated at £100,000. Half is paid by Udaras na Gaeltachta. Generous individuals have contributed. You can still send yours to AIB, Lynch's Castle, Galway, Teach Synge Restoration Fund.