Call of the Sea

	Pictured at one of the exhibitions of the 'Call of the Sea' Heritage Centre -The authentic Wheel and Plaque Name of the MFV 'Seaflower' which floundered in Kenmare Bay on December 1968 with the loss of all crew.
*Paul Stevens Chairman, Co-Action Beara Heritage Centre Committee (on left) and Michael Downey Vice-Chairman, Co-Action Beara*

If you are visiting the Beara Area over this year's Whit Bank Holiday Weekend, you must not leave without visiting the 'Call of the Sea' Heritage Museum, located at the Co-Action Building on the outskirts of Castletownbere (300M on the CTB-Kenmare Road). This is truly a fantastic collation of memorabilia of events of the sea in the Beara Peninsula over 400 years. It carries photographic, verbal, visual and aural history of the happenings at sea over the last few centuries, much of it on loan from members of the local community. It is a voyage of discovery through the sights and sounds of the historic Beara Peninsula. From a personal point of view, I was absolutely 'gobsmacked' by the sights and history I encountered and the way it was portrayed. From the 'goings on' of 'Murty Og' to the sonic and visual Battle of Bantry Bay in 1689, the realism of a modern day Trawler Wheelhouse (in not so pleasant conditions), the interactive section showing how to send messages by Morse Code, tie knots, flags and their meanings, the accounts book of Allihies Mines, numerous photos of times past - at sea and ashore, and the many, many different historic events of the area over the past, the visitor will never be bored. It is a remarkable feat and credit due to the hard working committee, the numerous people who worked voluntary on the project, the local artists who give a creditable graphic link to the past and who also give a present day caricature of what is involved before you eat your 'fish and chips'. It is also unique in that it is wheelchair accessible with a lift to bring those who do not wish or cannot climb the stairs to the part of the exhibition that is on the first floor.. It is a huge asset to the tourist industry. As you leave, there is shop where you can purchase maritime memorabilia to remind you of your visit. Well done to all concerned.

Official News Release
"The town of Castletownbere has had links with the sea for many generations, from Viking times through to the modern day fleet of local fishing boats that harvest the sea.
Through the use of multi-sensor equipment and images, the Centre focuses on various topics of interest, including the Vikings, smuggling activities, copper mining, signaling systems such as lighthouses and Martello Towers, the naval history of Bantry Bay from 1698 to the 1930's and the development of the fishing industry in Beara over a 400 period.
The Centre will be run by Co-Action Beara, a local voluntary organisation which provides services to people with learning disabilities in the Beara area. The aim of the Centre is to provide an interesting and interactive tourist attraction in the Beara region that will be attractive to individuals, families and groups, whilst linking bridges between people with learning disabilities and the wider community. It will be the first project of its kind in Ireland to be staffed by adults with learning disabilities.
CoAction Beara have been able to bring this project to fruition through the assistance of Beara Historical Society, who have contributed in an invaluable way to the project and also through the financial assistance of West Cork Leader Co-Operative
The Centre is open from Monday-Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday-Sunday from 1pm-5pm. Admission is priced at £3 - Adults, £7 - Family, Child - £1.50, Student/Senior Citizen - £2.50 and Group Rates at Request."