No breakfast before 9 on Achill Island !

Achill IslandTen past eight and I’m still lying in the hotel bed in Achill Island contemplating the day ahead.

My alarm went off over two hours ago – Yep, 6am is the first alarm setting and I have a second one set for 6:15, which is when I normally get up. The very odd time I might allow myself the luxury of another 15 minutes and then get up ..busy, busy!

That’s just the way it is these days – Monday to Friday I work my socks off , including most evenings and there is always some work to be done at the weekend. The joys of self employment!

Ten past eight ..I’m not here on holidays, I’m on Achill Island to deliver three days of social media training to the local business people, most of whom are involved in the tourism sector.

I have loads to do but the wifi only works in the reception area and my modem doesn’t have sufficient coverage to get any work done.

Breakfast isn’t served in the hotel until 9am – I’m not kidding!

There is plenty of time to do everything including taking in the most spectacular scenery you have ever seen in your whole life.

The sign at reception used say breakfast is served between 8:30 and 10 am but this was changed with a temporary sign changing the 8:30 till 9am. Yesterday morning I thought I would pop down and just grab some cereal but the dining area was all locked up – nothing for it but back to bed.

I give the course at the local IT centre from 10am – things don’t start too early around here.

Today is my last day and I’m starting to get to know some of the group quite well. The group is made up of born and bred locals, Julien the kite surfer (Pure Magic)from France, Ute from Germany, Padraig who jumped out of the rat race in Dublin and a bunch of other immigrants from all over Ireland.

During one of our numerous tea breaks (with gorgeous homemade scones) one of the immigrants explains to me how the place “gets a hold of you” and you just don’t want to leave.

Besides being very relaxed and friendly it helps when the suggestion of a visit to Lynotts pub (the greatest little pub ever) is accepted warmly.

I was expecting one or two to turn up for a pint but a good few came with their friends – the guitar was produced and we had songs in English and French ..well done Julien and Liam.

Dee is just after coming over to me as I am typing this “You’d get used to the pace of life here”.

I tend to agree ..

What can I say …come to Achill Island!

Greg Canty is a partner of Fuzion

Fuzion are a Marketing and PR firm with offices in Dublin and Cork

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12 Responses to “No breakfast before 9 on Achill Island !”

  1. writerlyderv Says:

    Sounds like slowing down was a bit of a wrench for you, but worth it.

  2. Fergal Bell Says:

    Lovely story Greg and the picture at the top is great. I spent different summers in the gaeltachts in Kerry before the Leaving and can understand what they mean about the place getting a hold of you.

    Sounds like you had a good session as well!

  3. Chris Wigg (@chriswigg1) Says:

    … so, Greg, now – when you and I have that long-awaited meeting for coffee one morning in Cork – perhaps you’ll really get it… just over four years ago, I moved out of the city, “work” from home and get into the office only once or twice each week and, rarely do I travel for only a couple of days each month… as you said: “the joys of self employment!… .

  4. Brian Gannon Says:

    Hi Greg I brought my Mother there last Saturday for Mothers day ( I know its Sunday) we had lunch in your hotel, not great, but the view was magnificent, the weather in the West was lovely last weekend. We then drove around the island for a few hours before heading to Newport to see the Rugby.

  5. Catherine day Says:

    My sister & husband have lived on Achill for a long time. Once you get used to slowing down & Internet or phone not always working it really is a spectacularly beautiful place! A great place to unwind. Enjoy it.

  6. noel maguire Says:

    The pursuit, even of the best things, ought to be calm and tranquil.
    Marcus Tullius Cicero
    Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/calm.html#WT4Ehuov88ibSJZW.99

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