Basking Shark spotted 20 mtrs from hostel window. Thursday 24th April.

We were pleased to get an excuse to stop decorating and, flinging our paintbrushes to the floor, we dashed outside to get a closer look at the basking shark which had just glided past at around 60ft distance from the hostel. It wasn't huge and we estimate the size to be around 5mtrs.

The following day the basking shark was joined by an inquisitive seal, which seemed to be watching as we tried our hand at mackerel fishing for the first time this season.

It all looks very promising for the whale watching season this year. The video below is of a basking shark in the South Harbour from 2007.

Broadband on Cape Clear

Yes we have no bananas but we do have broadband on Cape. The introduction of broadband to Cape was important and a number of us worked hard to ensure the success of the venture. The broadband on Cape allows people with the relevant skills a great opportunity of working from home, and already at least six people on Cape make their living in this way.

Currently three people on Cape use the Internet to operate businesses offering translations; two translating French/English/French, and one person, in conjunction with two others on the mainland translating Irish/English/Irish.

Others use it in an ancillary way to manage and market their businesses but it is none the less important for this type of use.

It is, perhaps, not an overstatement to say that the Internet has helped to limit the outflow of families from Cape and we do hope that it helps to maintain the current level.

DAWN Ltd, the main supplier of broadband Internet services on Cape, is community owned business and hopes to create two full time jobs, subject to grant aid being available. See later posting for more information on this subject.

Families Wanted!

New families are invited and encouraged to enquire about moving to Cape Clear. The island is a fantastic place to rear children - no crime; nature all around helps to keep children active; kayak club; sea fishing; snorkelling; annual camp out on uninhabited island, see photo of Aiden at sunset on uninhabited Castle Island; annual adventure camp here on Cape; twice weekly football during the quieter parts of the year; chess club; table-tennis; brand new community hall; National School (see photo of school above).

Cape has a community of neighbours who are ready to help each other when the need arises. There are various volunteer groups from 'Tidy Islands,' helping to keep Cape clean and presentable, to 'Cara,' who help to keep our vintage residents active. The main broadband provider on Cape is also managed by volunteers.

Sean Rua's Restaurant - Now Open!

An Siopa Beag has been extended to include a restaurant to seat 26 people. The new restaurant has been named as Sean Rua's. The grand opening was on the 19th April and was a roaring success. Already groups of gourmet diners have travelled from afar to experience the fine and gourmet food now dished up at An Siopa Beag. The head chef is James Bell, ably assisted by his wife Julie. They moved to the island in 2007 and quickly became immersed in the life and fabric of Cape. It is always sensible to book ahead by telephoning 39099.