On a sunny day in spring I found myself taking a detour from the N15 out to see Rosses Point. Having only heard of Rosses Point on the sea area forecast I wanted to learn a little more about this maritime village!
Now that I have been, I have a little list compiled of what I want to do when I make it back! Here it is, in no particular order of preference at all!!
- To walk the coastal path passing the RNLI lifeboat station and heading out towards Sligo Yacht Club. Stopping to take photos of the Metal Man guiding and protecting Sligo sea-farers since the early 1800’s. Looking over towards Oyster Island and wondering as only a blow-in can, how long it would take to swim or row around it? (With local knowledge, I now know that this stretch of water is also home to rip currents and might be a little bit dicey – do not try this if you are there!)
- Finally setting eyes on Rosses Point Lighthouse – no longer a faceless place name on the RTE Radio 1 weather bulletins but a landmark that I can now visualise as I hear the forecast at home in winter and spend a thought on all the men and women of the area who have passed this point in not so clement conditions.
- Take a dip in the waters or just loll around the Blue Flag Rosses Point beach. Trying to time my visit to take part in the Metal Man Swim Series on the bay!
- Walking back towards the village and deciding whether to eat in Harry’s Bar or Austie’s on the promenade….very tough decision making there!
- Exploring more of Sligo Bay on Ewing’s Boat Charters. I am consoling myself that I missed this because of the strong westerly blowing straight in from the bay on my recent visit! Hoping that my visit will coincide with sunshine and light breezes and maybe a camping trip would be possible to Inishmurray, Coney Island and/or Oyster island – or even better, all three!
- To sit outside The Little Cottage Cafe and look across towards Knocknarea, feeling the sun on my face and smelling the fresh coffee and cake in front of me.
No wonder W.B Yeats returned on holidays each year! A week in Rosses Point should be prescribed to recharge the weariest of souls, and ladies, apparently the Metal Man is the only Rosses Point man to have never told a lie… you have been warned!!
Looking across the bay, Knocknarea will rise up over Strandhill, do try to visit over there because it really is a great spot. Is it true that at low tide you can walk across the back of Inishmulcohy?