"Can we come back here sometime?" Strange question to ask since we're here all year round but my daughter simply meant the beach; we don't visit the beach as often as we could or as often as we should. In the west of Ireland evening is the best time to enjoy a beach and the rays of the setting sun, here in the east coast its early morning as the sun rises out beyond Dundrum bay, illuminates the sands, the town and the day before finally sinking behind the mountains. In common with other desolate windswept places its worth is revealed on closer inspection or closer understanding but unlike the bogs, the high mountains or the open sea the beach is accessible and attractive to all; Children digging in the sand, collecting shells, walking dogs at low tide, kicking footballs and catching frisbees, canoeing through the surf, early morning gallops, flying kites, skimming along on a sand yachts, beach combing the morning after a stormy night, fishing, snorkelling, painting, bird watching, swimming, eating fish and chips, splashing each other, the list goes on and on. The huge effort spent improving the Newcastle seafront was well matched by the outrage felt and expressed when part of the beach was temporarily despoiled, few round here take the beach for granted and all will be keeping a close eye on the errant authorities. I knew a Guard stationed along the west coast who also loved the beaches, he kept a towel and shorts in the boot of his squad car; a regular dip in the sea was a major perk of the job and came second only to confiscating poached Atlantic salmon. Its time I kept a pair of shorts handy or at least learnt to roll up my trouser legs properly, then walking home with damp jeans and sand between my toes is a small price to pay for a few hours spent on the beach.
If you are interested in a painting you can contact Eamonn by ringing 07962 189132