VISIT TO IRELAND'S EYE 26 JULY 2008 In spite of the constant bad weather we decided to attempt a picnic on Ireland's Eye.  It was intended as a simple trip within easy reach of Skerries and with the proximity of Howth Marina as an advantage .  Carrigeen Bay is a fine anchorage but the clusters of seaweed can prevent an anchor from digging in. The day turned out to be one of the best of the summer as far as sunshine was concerned.  Only three boats made the trip but all agreed that it was a great day.  Rockabill and Blue Air motored south through flat calm taking in a visit to the back of Lambay on the way.  Gunrunner of Howth picked up the breeze that appeared from nowhere around 1300 and had a good sail north of Ireland's Eye before joining us on the beach. Salads, BBQ, sangria and fruit matched the Mediterranean conditions on the beach.  Later we all set out to explore the island's interesting coastline and found one useful spot (see below) for troublesome crew members! On the way back to Skerries we managed to get some good sailing as far as Lambay but then the wind lost its strength again.  Overall the day was a great success and we only wish more could have shared in that.   IRELAND'S EYE Ireland's Eye, just off the Co. Dublin Coast opposite Howth is an uninhabited island of 53 acres.  It has an islet called Thulla just to its south and this together with Rowan Rocks is the main obstacle to sailors wanting to approach the island.  At the north western tip is a rocky islet called "The Steer". At high water canoes can paddle through the gap with a bit of care.  At the northeastern corner of the island is an impressive free standing rock called "The Stack".  Ireland's Eye has two buildings: a Martello Tower and the ruins of the Church of the Three Sons of Nessan, an 8th century construction. In 1852 there was a murder on the island when a Mr. Kirwan murdered his wife. The island's name derives from "Eria", its original name, and "Ey", the Viking word for island.  .