Description
In the wake of St Columba, by John Barry, tells the story of the 1963 re-enactment of St Columba’s 563 AD sea voyage from Derry, N Ireland, to Iona in the Hebrides, aboard a traditional Irish curragh. The first known such voyage in 1,400 years.
Out of print for 64 years, this new edition is an enlarged facsimile copy of the original 1963 book, and includes a reflective Preface by the author’s son, a participant in the journey.
The author, the instigator of the voyage, and a participant, tells the story with the dry humour of an Ulsterman, savouring the outlandish original idea and how it was shaped, aided by a growing band of supporters, into a grand adventure of faith and fraternity.
In an appendix, the skipper, Wallace Clark, a well-known yachtsman of the day, reflects on the decision to build a 30 ft curragh. He tells of the design and her sailing performance, reflecting on how the vessel might have been improved in hindsight.
An inspirational story, of interest to pilgrims, students of St Columba, traditional boat lovers, historians, and adventurers.
