“I sought you
In the arching reeds
The mists upon the water
And I found you
On these rocky shores
The island
Of your soul”

— Claire Loader

There is a peace to be found upon the stillness of Lough Hacket that is rivaled by none - the soft bobbing, the slick fingers of the water tracing the lines of our kayak as we sought out its waiting island. The lake is tiny compared to its mighty Corrib neighbour, but it holds its own charm - baaing sheep rustling at the shore as we set off from its shallows, grand Lisdonagh House watching on as we cut a sleek line towards its crannóg. Built in the Early Medieval period for protection, the man-made island has long seen its inhabitants departed, the remains of two much later summer houses the only imprint upon its wooded banks. Tradition holds that the crannóg could be reached by a submerged stone pathway, zigzagged below the surface of the water to deceive unwanted guests. Today the clear water only offers up the glimpse of small pebbles, the secrets of her shores left to the imagination, her ghosts to the trees.

You can find the location of this island and the many other places I’ve visited here. Come explore with me amidst the ruins of the past, we may just find a gem.

shop this and other handmade photo gifts at my etsy shop here.