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On Celtic Tides: One Man's Journey Around Ireland by Sea Kayak
A sea kayak battles the freezing Irish waters as the morning sun rises out of the countryside. On the western horizon is the pinnacle of Skellig Michael-700 feet of vertical rock rising out of exploding seas. Somewhere on the isolated island are sixth-century monastic ruins where the light of civilization was kept burning during the Dark Ages by early Christian Irish monks. Puffins surface a few yards from the boat, as hundreds of gannets wheel overhead on six foot wing spans. The ocean rises violently and tosses paddler and boat as if they were discarded flotsam. This is just one day of Chris Duff's incredible three month journey.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 8, 2008
Got a little tedious in the middle. I only made it halfway around ireland before giving the book up. Lots of introspection and water.
August 9, 2020
I would say 3.5 stars. I wanted to read a book about kayaking as it is a hobby I am interested in getting more information on. I found Chris Duff's depictions of his journey to be quite poetic. The novel suffers from some passages being repetitive such as his interactions with strangers on his journeys and some of the paddling descriptions. However, this book delivered what I asked for and I loved some of the history and myths about Ireland included in the book. This is a slow burn so just keep in mind that this isn't so much a page-turner as a journey. I look forward to reading his other sea kayak voyaging book about his passage through New Zealand.
January 4, 2020
I enjoyed the photos of places he visited. Like many books, all the photos are in one group in the center, so I found myself looking there often to determine if any were relevant to the current reading. Honestly, as much as he accomplished great things, saw beautiful places, met interesting people and overcame scary situations, by about 3/4 of the way through I was tired of reading about sleeping in a tent during a windy night, getting in his kayak, riding rough waves, fighting wind, finding a safe place to spend the night, walking in his sandals to get food, sleeping in his tent during a rainy and windy night, ...
I guess I experienced some of the monotony of his multi-month journey, but by the end was just ready for him to be finished. There are some great stories; the photos are beautiful; I enjoyed that he brought out his faith in this epic adventire. I did like how he ended the book as well.
I guess I experienced some of the monotony of his multi-month journey, but by the end was just ready for him to be finished. There are some great stories; the photos are beautiful; I enjoyed that he brought out his faith in this epic adventire. I did like how he ended the book as well.
December 12, 2022
Chris Duff's book On Celtic Tides is a wonderful mixture of poetry, history, travel memoir and adventure story. If that wasn't enough, he beautifully shares the profound spiritual connections he experiences as he encounters ancient monasteries, beehive huts, and ruins. None of them are as personal and poetic as when he stands on the land that has connections to his mother's family.
The author has an easy, readable style. And his beautiful descriptions of the roiling seas and the comfortable hearths of the locals he meets add a depth and beauty to his story that makes one long to sit alongside him and listen to the stories of the old timers. What is absent from Duff's story is bravado, machismo, and unnecessary risk-taking, and this makes his stories feel much more accessible. We learn, however, that sea-kayaking does require skill, the ability to read the seas and the skies, and the ability to stay calm when all one wants to do is panic.
I read the kindle version of Duff's story and I did find the text riddled with typographical errors. This took away from the readability, for while most of the time I knew the "t" was supposed to be an "r," there were some instances where I wasn't quite sure what the word was supposed to be.
I could have given this 5 stars because it was such a well-written travel memoir, however the typos detracted from its flawless storytelling, and an edit is long overdue.
The author has an easy, readable style. And his beautiful descriptions of the roiling seas and the comfortable hearths of the locals he meets add a depth and beauty to his story that makes one long to sit alongside him and listen to the stories of the old timers. What is absent from Duff's story is bravado, machismo, and unnecessary risk-taking, and this makes his stories feel much more accessible. We learn, however, that sea-kayaking does require skill, the ability to read the seas and the skies, and the ability to stay calm when all one wants to do is panic.
I read the kindle version of Duff's story and I did find the text riddled with typographical errors. This took away from the readability, for while most of the time I knew the "t" was supposed to be an "r," there were some instances where I wasn't quite sure what the word was supposed to be.
I could have given this 5 stars because it was such a well-written travel memoir, however the typos detracted from its flawless storytelling, and an edit is long overdue.
June 20, 2020
Fascinating read! Packed with intense moments in a sea kayak on the thrashing seas of the Irish coast - as well as - beautifully written prose describing Ireland’s sights, culture, history and people. Chris Duff’s eloquent description of his twelve hundred-mile circumnavigation of the Emerald Isle is magnificent!! You really do feel like you are right there in the kayak with him at wave level as he fights those Celtic tides!! However, the phenomenal number of typos throughout this book was so disappointing and distracting!! I was not only exhausted from the ferocious seas but from rereading passages throughout the entire book - clearly, this book was not edited. For this reason, I rated it 3 stars instead of the 4.5 stars Duff’s writing deserves. With that said, thank you Chris Duff for giving me a glimpse of what it was like on your incredible journey!
June 3, 2017
Without going into unnecessary detail, let me say two things about this book: 1) this is primarily a book about expedition kayaking; it is not a book about Ireland, despite Chris Duff's claims to the contrary. Most of the description is of wind and waves, launches and landings. 2) I liked his other book "Southern Exposure" better, although it suffered from the same faults. Maybe someday Chris will write a truly great kayaking book. But this ain't it.
July 28, 2019
This is not the sort of book I normally pick up, but it promised me Ireland, and seemed a fitting mate to Becoming Odyssa (which I read last month).
I enjoyed Duff's writing style and was captivated by his picture of the coast of Ireland--particularly the harsh, beautiful, largely unpopulated west coast. Am now dreaming of an Irish vacation in which we rent a cabin on a mostly uninhabited little island off the coast.
I enjoyed Duff's writing style and was captivated by his picture of the coast of Ireland--particularly the harsh, beautiful, largely unpopulated west coast. Am now dreaming of an Irish vacation in which we rent a cabin on a mostly uninhabited little island off the coast.
February 12, 2021
Honestly, I didn't want it to end. I loved it. Maybe I'm a little prejudiced as I love sea kayaking and Ireland and the eternal striving of us mere mortals as we contemplate the universe. But fair warning, it's not just a travelogue. If you're not willing to venture into the heart of things a little, it may not be for you.
May 26, 2021
As a kayaker, I enjoyed reading about Duff’s adventure. What he has done in a kayak is amazing. This book may also appeal to meditators. There are moments in which he beautifully shares using balance and calm to conquer some very intimidating water.
August 23, 2023
As an avid Pacific Northwest kayaker, this book resonated with me on many levels. Chris' beautifully crafted descriptions of the Irish coastline and his adventures in navigation make the you feel as if you are part of the journey, too. He injects just the right dosage of imagery to please the mind's eye without over saturation. Reading his book also inspired me to press on during the early phases of my book, and he even responded to a few emails for advice. If you enjoy kayaking, being on the water, or any type of adventure, this book is well-worth your time.
December 22, 2011
This is a personal dialog/biography of one man's views as he circumnavigates Ireland by kayak. There are roughly 4 general maps of coastal sections, with each section covered through chapters related to the coastal setting. The setting involves the coastline geography and how it affects tides and shore access in combination with winds and tide levels. There is discussion of the historical significance of ruins and the population characteristics of those who dwelt in the area over time.
This is not a history of Ireland. It is not a travel dialog. Most of the sites discussed are on coastal islands and shorelines too difficult for the average tourist to have access to or to have an interest in. There are general verbal sketches of the people encountered on the trip, with the majority being locals who subsist through fishing. Wildlife encounters, mostly birds, are discussed, and the land use of grazing animals over time is mentioned.
The real focus is to generate an impression of what the geography and history might represent to someone with historical ties to the island coastline.
There is a significant amount of detail given as to handling the kayak in wind and tide combinations, the speed that can be expected, and risk levels involved with large surf at harbor entrances. There is an emphasis on the description of cliff walls to the coast and in particular to the harbors, the features of which have limited the shipping approaches through history on the extreme coastline areas. There is discussion of the currachs encountered and the traditional fishing methods employed by the fishermen encountered.
Readers expecting a high testosterone mechanical breakdown of adventure kayaking techniques will be disappointed. However the experience level of the author is impressive both as to kayaking and to ocean diving experience in cold waters.
This is not a history of Ireland. It is not a travel dialog. Most of the sites discussed are on coastal islands and shorelines too difficult for the average tourist to have access to or to have an interest in. There are general verbal sketches of the people encountered on the trip, with the majority being locals who subsist through fishing. Wildlife encounters, mostly birds, are discussed, and the land use of grazing animals over time is mentioned.
The real focus is to generate an impression of what the geography and history might represent to someone with historical ties to the island coastline.
There is a significant amount of detail given as to handling the kayak in wind and tide combinations, the speed that can be expected, and risk levels involved with large surf at harbor entrances. There is an emphasis on the description of cliff walls to the coast and in particular to the harbors, the features of which have limited the shipping approaches through history on the extreme coastline areas. There is discussion of the currachs encountered and the traditional fishing methods employed by the fishermen encountered.
Readers expecting a high testosterone mechanical breakdown of adventure kayaking techniques will be disappointed. However the experience level of the author is impressive both as to kayaking and to ocean diving experience in cold waters.
July 19, 2014
Compared to my normal reading speed, it took me about as long to read this book as it did for Chris Duff to kayak the circumference of Ireland. This is a slow, ponderous read.
In the run-up to my recent trip to Ireland, I picked this up for $3 at Goodwill, because I like to read about where I am. I never got to it on the trip, but it was nice to think back on Ireland while reading about it through the author's eyes. Just...could've done without quite so much stroke-by-stroke paddling description and circular thought process navel-gazing. Though, in all fairness, it IS a kayaking trek book.
On one hand, I was impatient to be moving a little faster; on the other, I have a grudging respect that Duff was able, through written words, to slow the reader down and force them (me) to be in the moment, which is what he is seeking on his long-distance paddles. I love the glimpses of the Irish people, and share the author's appreciation for ruins and the energy about them.
If you're a gung-ho paddler, grab this book. Otherwise, maybe not...though it has a sweet, foggy, peaceful feeling overall.
In the run-up to my recent trip to Ireland, I picked this up for $3 at Goodwill, because I like to read about where I am. I never got to it on the trip, but it was nice to think back on Ireland while reading about it through the author's eyes. Just...could've done without quite so much stroke-by-stroke paddling description and circular thought process navel-gazing. Though, in all fairness, it IS a kayaking trek book.
On one hand, I was impatient to be moving a little faster; on the other, I have a grudging respect that Duff was able, through written words, to slow the reader down and force them (me) to be in the moment, which is what he is seeking on his long-distance paddles. I love the glimpses of the Irish people, and share the author's appreciation for ruins and the energy about them.
If you're a gung-ho paddler, grab this book. Otherwise, maybe not...though it has a sweet, foggy, peaceful feeling overall.
December 25, 2016
A soul touching memoir. I could never make this journey - solo sea kayaking around Ireland. Chris Duff writes beautifully about the tests of sea and wind, the wonderful people he met as he found ports of refuge, the ancient history held in the stones of the islands off Ireland's coast. Some of the places from the Cliffs of Mohr, north to Donegal and around the top of Ireland, I traveled (by car) and looked out to the places from which he was looking landward. A marvelous tale to finish today with soft Christmas music in the background. One of the most intriguing places he spoke of, and its people, was the Holy Hill Hermitage near Sligo. I'm adding to the list for my next trip to Ireland.
July 12, 2012
Reading this book I became totally immersed in the experience of going around Ireland in a kayak. I loved the strength of the descriptions of the places and people he met along the trip. I also loved the passion he had for the sea and his clear intimacy with the journey he was on. I felt that not only was he open and honest about what the trip meant to him, he also sparked my desire to experience some of what he did on that trip.
August 8, 2012
Very inspirational. More than one of those "There I was..." kind of stories, Duff goes on to explain the relationships he forged with the people he met along his journey, and allows a peek into their lifestyles. Not "over-descriptive" and bragging like a lot of kayak travel books. I've had the pleasure of meeting Chris Duff, and he is a genuine, soft-spoken, and considerate individual...who just so happens to be an amazing kayaker and story-teller!
August 5, 2014
I read a number of kayaking books relating solo expeditions at the same time and this was by far the best. Of course, it contained lots of gripping descriptions of the ocean, the scenery, the people and the culture of Ireland. It was also a very reflective book, with unexpected depth and feeling. Highly entertaining and inspiring for those who are interested in kayaking or Ireland or a mans challenge against the elements.
July 20, 2009
An intimate and inspiring account of a physical and spiritual journey around Ireland in a sea kayak. Chris Duff considers a privilege "to see both the setting and rising of the sun and to have the time to sit and watch the shadows change. Such an ordinary thing - and yet so extraordinary." Descriptions of his paddling experience, places he visited and people he met are captivating.
April 9, 2022
Admittedly, I am far more of a mountain person than an ocean one so I am not sure what attracted me to this book. Perhaps it was because I am of Scots-Irish descent (along with a grab bag of other ethnicities). But, I am glad that I did pick it up as it's unlike other, somewhat dry, travel books that I have attempted in the past. It is a beautiful telling of an incredible adventure.
January 16, 2016
As a kayaker and avid outdoor adventurer, I loved this book. There is a lot of self reflection and local history which may or may not be your thing. If you have not kayaked, it may be harder to grasp the magnitude of his journey.
February 15, 2024
One of the best travel books I've read in years. Chris intersperses thrilling adventure, the loneliness of traveling alone, breathing descriptions of remote Irish coastlines, and the continuing thrill of what to expect next in this epic solo adventure.
April 7, 2008
This book will make you feel guilty for staying inside when you could be kayaking.
June 23, 2009
This is an interesting story/journal of the author's kayak trip around the coast of Ireland.
August 19, 2009
"Perhaps this Journey was not what it appeared. It wasn't an expedition, but an introspection...." (p255)
This says it.... I liked it but too much "head floating".
This says it.... I liked it but too much "head floating".
December 28, 2009
Lots of introspection by the author along with the exploration of the coastal fringes of Ireland.
August 2, 2011
author is a little full of himself, but there's some worthwhile bits
November 24, 2012
An interesting read for winter, good story and I found the descriptions of the coast of Ireland beautifully written.
October 14, 2015
I enjoyed this book. You could feel you were on the sea with him experiencing the wind and waves.
August 5, 2014
Nice mix of crazy paddling with Irish history. Learned a lot about both. Not your average adventure by any stretch of the imagination.
September 11, 2014
Great story and adventure. A must read for kayakers.
March 1, 2008
Lovers of Ireland, armchair adventurers, and kyakers would love this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews