The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Travel Valentia Harbour by land or by sea
TOMMY O’Connell of Cahirsiveen, his wife Áine and family are this summer operating Valentia Harbour Tours facilitated by an amphibious boat with wheels in waters stretching from Cahirsiveen Marina to Beginish Island, Valentia Island and the general Valentia Harbour area.
Tommy is no stranger to these waters as he often rowed there in seine boat races and his grandfather hailed from Beginish. He has cherished memories of visiting the island as a child with his late father Liam and being regaled with stories and talk of times past, particularly by the late Casey brothers Mike and Jim, the island’s last inhabitants. He takes a keen interest in its history and landscape. The O’Connells also own a sheep farm there.
Trips are suitable to all age groups and travel from Cahirsiveen or Valentia Island to beautiful Beginish Island or from Cahirsiveen to Knightstown.
Meanwhile, the mechanics of the boat intrigue many passengers, who want to learn more. The building and annual inspections are carried out by the Marine Surveyor’s Office of the Department of Transport, which oversees the latest safety standards.
The hull is aluminium and the drive is hydraulic. The three wheels and propellor are hydraulically driven. The steering wheel has the dual purpose of controlling the propellor and the wheels on land.
There is also a differential locking system to give greater traction on softer ground. The roof can be open or closed and a disability friendly toilet is also available.
The boat is 11.6 metres long and has a beam of 3.8 metres. It is driven by a 170hp perkins engine.
The overall trip is very relaxing and passengers come away refreshed.
For further information contact VHT.ie . Check sailing times in the Valentia and Cahirsiveen Tourist Offices.