Vincent Hyland on Kerry’s underwater wonderlands, his favourite whiskey, and how the Kingdom’s peaks reward an open mind
“The Kerry Creators Series grew out of a passion to connect with other writers, illustrators and photographers with links to the Kingdom. Kerry’s motto is “Comhar, Cabhair, Cairdeas,” which translates to “Cooperation, Help, and Friendship” and I can think of no better description of the people in this place that, as a blow-in, I’ve come to love.”
Vincent Hyland was born in Dublin and as a child went on holidays to Derrynane, Co. Kerry, where he now resides. His passion for everything to do with wildlife, scuba diving and underwater filming, playing music, painting and teaching in the coastal outdoors, has taken him to some of the most amazing parts of the globe. He barely has time to rest, but highlights include filming penguins in Antarctica and whale sharks at Galapagos.
In the mid 1980’s he discovered electronic design. This passion led him to establish one of Ireland’s first digital publishing companies. He went on to publish the award winning Wild Ireland magazine. When he finally moved to South Kerry he went back to his passions and fifteen years later has self-published his ‘Magnum Opus’ - Wild Derrynane. This combination of writings, images, illustrations and poetry, illuminates the wonderful wild world of the Skellig Coast.
Q&A
1. You’re taking a writing break in a Kerry café … Where is it? What Kerry author would you be reading? And which Kingdom-inspired dish would you be absolutely unable to resist?
Cafe Cois Trá - Ballinskelligs
Des Lavelle - Island Boy
Mackerel
2. Which month do you love most in Kerry, and why?
May - the sea is alive with marine mammals and returning seabirds and the trees, ditches, reeds and fields are full of visiting birds, who have returned for their summer breeding.
3. Who would you rather share a pint of Guinness with: Tom Crean or John B. Keane? Tell us a little more!
Tom Crean. Back in the day when I visited Antarctica, Tom’s story was little known. To be able to chat to the man who so gallantly and unselfishly gave so much to the Scott and Shakleton expeditions would be amazing. He also loved dogs!
4. Which is your favourite Kerry …
a. Beach? Derrynane (Ed note: the Derrynane Seashore Nature Trail Virtual Tour was conceived, created, developed, written, photographed and filmed by Vinny, and is must if you’re visiting Derrynane).
b. Pub? Freddies (sadly closed)
c. Drive? The Skellig Ring
d. Hike? Waterville to Caherdaniel
e. Bookshop? Local bookshops who stock my book including John’s Kenmare Bookshop, Una’s Sneem Bookshop and Coleman’s Quirkes, Cahersiveen.
f. View? Coomakista
5. If time travel allowed you to go back, visit the Blaskets, and give one item and one piece of advice to Peig Sayers, what would they be?
I’d give her her book back and tell her to keep it to herself!
6. We’re lucky to have Ireland’s mightiest (and highest) peak right here in the county. Have you ever climbed Carrauntoohil? If so, how did it make you feel? If not … would you consider giving it a go?
Yes. It felt great and made me think - having spent a lifetime exploring underwater, that there are other things in life to explore. Open your mind and you will be rewarded handsomely.
7. If you could pick one thing the county could do without, and one thing that it must never, ever lose, what would you choose?
Salmon farms
Trees
8. Finally …
i. The reeks or the strand? Strand
ii. Dingle or Killarney? Killarney
iii. Blaskets or Skelligs? Skelligs
iv. Black or white pudding? Black
v. Kerryman or Kerry’s Eye? Kerry’s Eye
vi. Hunter, Dubarry or good old Dunlop? Dunlop
vii. Rooster or Kerr’s Pink? Roosters
viii. Turf or timber? Timber
ix. Dingle Gin or Skelligs chocolate? Neither, Liberator Whiskey
x. Fassbender or Buckley? Buckley
Find Vincent’s website at www.vincenthylandartist.com for a treasure trove of information on Derrynane and the Great Skellig Coast, plus details of how to purchase his incredible book which is sure to be found well-thumbed and in pride of place in every Kerry house and holiday home for years to come.
“One of the most beautiful books I have ever come across.”
