Inis Mór - An Island Climbing Adventure
There’s something about an island.
The way it’s contained, limited, surrounded maybe. Something about them sparks a glow in my brain.
It was pouring with rain as we walked into the booking office to buy our ferry tickets.
“Are we sure?” we asked again. I was excited to head over as soon as possible but the others understandably were sceptical and thought we should wait an extra day or two.
I talked them into it in my excitement and we headed to gather together the final bits we would need on the island. A couple of hours later we hauled our heavy bags of climbing and camping gear onto the boat and sat down inside still unsure if this was the right decision.
Up and down and up and down the boat went. We hadn’t even left the harbour so we knew it would be a rough one. As the boat pulled out we discovered it was a lot more wild than we thought. The four of us bounced high out of our seats, bounced again and again and grabbed tight to whatever was around us. It was quite the ride, feeling a lot more like a rollercoaster than a ferry.
After an hour and a half, stopping at the two other Aran Islands and feeling really quite sea sick we stepped wobbly legged onto Inis Mór. Our expectations were low but our optimism high for good weather and dry rock in the coming days.
The journey to an island must have something to do with what makes them so special to me, this certainly wouldn’t have been the same had it been all flat and calm.
I had met Bert and Dan in Fontainebleau back in March where they had told me about this island off the West coast of Ireland, its crashing waves and high imposing sport climbing crag on the limestone cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. I was immediately sold on the adventure and doubly so when I saw the photos and said I’d certainly come across and join them there. Natalie also came across from Wales and Alex was another friend Bert had made on his climbing travels earlier in the year.
The morning after we arrived we walked to the crag confidently. Though this confidence didn’t last long when we found ourselves tucking behind one of the many stone walls to shelter from an incoming rain shower.
The week started like that. Dodging rain showers and climbing between mini waterfalls. No matter, we made do, enjoying the spells it was dry and having a laugh anyway when it was not.
As the days went on it got drier and drier and better and better until it was warm, sunny and the sea looked inviting for a swim. The whole place was transformed. We went from slipping on wet green slime while belaying to sunbathing between climbs. Showers on cruxes disappeared, we stopped having to hide in caves and the sun gave us time to look back and enjoy the spectacular place we were in. Spirits were high, we cycled to natural sea swimming pools and enjoyed fiery sunsets.
The final day was topped off with Nat, Bert and Alex getting to the top of their week’s projects. Before we said goodbye to this cliff and enjoyed a calm walk back to the campsite as the sun went down. We reminisced about the fun we’d had, laughed at how wet it was when we first arrived and remembered the crazy boat ride that got us out here.
There was a reason Bert had spoken so longingly of this place.
There’s something about an island.
I have made a small limited edition A6 photo zine from this adventure which you can get here. There are only 100 available. The support means a lot, I hope you enjoy.
Jacob
The Zine - Details
A small photo zine of our adventure to sport climb on Inis Mór, a wild island off the West coast of Ireland.
A6.
32 sides.
All photos taken on film.
Only 100 copies available.
£3 standard price.
£10 to help put more film in my camera.
There are 50 standard price copies and 50 at the supporter price. The supporter allows you to further help my work, put film in my camera and make more projects like this happen. When each type is gone, they are gone.
