OUTDOORS Clare Island to welcome tall ship Thalassa

TALL, HANDSOME VISITOR?The Dutch tall ship Thalassa, bound for Clare Island.

Clare Island to welcome tall ship Thalassa


For the first time since GrΡnuaile’s day, a tall ship will moor overnight at Clare Island. Scheduled to arrive on July 23, the barquentine Thalassa is an imposing and seaworthy sailer, rigged according to old tradition. It is embarking on an Irish tour leaving Belfast this Sunday, July 14 and finishing in Galway on Sunday, July 28.
The crew is hoping that local sailors will participate in the occasion by welcoming and escorting the Thalassa into Clew Bay on July 23. Jillian Macdonald (writer and producer for Adventure4ever.com) and award-winning international photographer Frits Meyst will also be on board, covering the adventure for National Geographic Traveler. So, in addition to all the excitement the stopover is generating, Clare Island can also look forward to some valuable international exposure from Thalassa’s visit.
The next day, July 24, the ship’s crew has organised a day of adventure on the island, in association with Adventure West. The more adventurous of the ship’s passengers will be guided in coasteering, and climbing and abseiling, while those who’d like something a little tamer will be taken on a guided hike of the island.
That evening the Go Explore Hostel on the island will host a celebration of music, song and dance in the Sailor’s Bar, and all are welcome to go along and join in the fun. The ship will depart in the early morning of July 25.