Visit to Inch Island

Some excitement as we approached Derry on our way to Inch Island. We were slowed down by police as we approached the city. Officers both sides of the road had machine guns ready to do damage. They were looking for someone trying to leave the city. Scary stuff!



Inch Island is connected to the mainland by two causeways (dykes) built by Dutch engineers in the mid 1850s. They have created a huge freshwater wildfowl reserve between the causeways.



We had made earlier phone contact with Langford and Doreen McCandless, whom Alison had stayed with 20 years ago. Doreen was outside watching out for us. She took us inside to meet Langford who was making a very dignified descent on his stair lift. Both Langford and Doreen had difficulty walking, but they did not allow it to slow them down, even a bit. They made us very welcome. After a chat, they took us for a tour of Inch Island. Walking sticks were put in the car, Doreen took the wheel, and off we went! This was followed by a delicious lunch at a restaurant in a local mainland town.





After lunch we visited the old fort 'Grianan Ailligh' on a hill overlooking Inch Island.This fort was built around the time of the birth of Christ. During the 5th and 12th centuries it was controlled by the O'Neills, the clan that ruled this area. It was built without mortar, is about 5m thick, and has underground tunnels.

A lovely day out!