We spent the afternoon with Denis in the company of four kids from four to eight and we all loved it. It was a lovely afternoon which helped of course but Denis was knowledgeable patient and very interesting and was very happy to share all he knew about the beach the island and the local history as well as how to sustainably collect shellfish. The kids loved walking across to bartra Island and seeing the fairy tree and the house but I think the highlight was collecting the mussels and the cockles. An absolutely brilliant afternoon and we will be doing it again. I cannot recommend it enough that you try this. You will enjoy it.

Sometimes I have to admit that I have some really good ideas and organising a visit to Bartra Island with Denis Quinn during my stay at Killala is on the list of my best ones to date! We made the trip out to Bartra Island at low tide around 1pm on a Sunday and spent the afternoon exploring the ruined Kirkwood family home, the "fairy" trees, the seaweed beds and the surrounding islets off the bank of the river Moy where we could discreetly watch all the bird and animal life that call this beautiful, peaceful place "home". My bonus at the end of our trip was a visit to the nearby 15th century Rosserk Friary. There is so much to see in north Mayo and having Denis as a knowledgeable, friendly guide on the local history, but also the flora and fauna was a real treat for me, thanks Denis!

Six of us were in Ireland to celebrate my parents' 60th wedding anniversary, and we spent a day with Denis exploring north County Mayo. It was a blustery, rainy October day, more typically suited for reading by the fire, but we all returned from our outing with Denis with smiles, ruddy cheeks and newfound knowledge about the history and culture of this remarkable area. We chewed on seaweed, toured an inspiring art center, explored timeless ruins, and viewed the churning sea from atop dramatic cliffs. Very memorable. Thank you, Denis!