Savouring the tranquillity of Dromore Lough
Photographer Hu O'Reilly continues his popular series 'Chasing the Magical 365' in his quest to record and photograph all 365 lakes in County Cavan...
There is something quite relaxing about being on a kayak on a calm lake, with just the sights and sounds of nature around you. You barely make a sound as you glide along.
The lake is perfectly still, as the tall trees along the shore stop whatever small breeze there may be from coming onto the lake. This is one of the many things I learn on this morning in early October from Tony Gregory, who is my guide and pilot for this trip around Dromore Lough near Cootehill.
I met Tony a few months ago while photographing Castle Lough in Bailieborough, and he kindly offered to take me out on this trip. As a retired soldier he’s kept his physique by being an experienced kayaker and triathlete, and when he’s not working as school bus driver or GAA referee, Tony can be found kayaking or swimming on the many lakes in north-east Cavan.
We glide along and see a heron, sitting majestically among the low branches on the shore. I regret not bringing my telephoto lens as I missed a shot there without it. The shots I do take of the heron in flight are okay but could have been better.
When packing for this trip I remembered that the last time I was on a kayak - on Dublin Bay - I ended up in the water after getting hit by a wave side on. So I didn't bring my full kit of lenses and cameras for fear of a surprise dip. But there was no chance of that happening on a calm Tuesday morning in Cavan.
Dromore Lough is around 3km long and it is the border of Counties Cavan and Monaghan, with Bellamont Forest on the Cavan side. The lake is on Dromore River, which is a tributary of the Annalee River, meeting it near Tullyvin. In turn the Annalee River flows on past Butlersbridge and eventually joins the River Erne, Ulster’s second-longest river.
A bit further on our journey and we encounter some swans crossing the lake in front of us. The contrast of the white swans against the dark trees, reflected in the still lake, makes for a nice photograph.
We're in a double kayak and Tony is in the back. He offered to row while I take photographs from the front, which is ideal. I could get used to this! The chat goes from nature to football, family and everything in between. I’m especially interested in his stories from his army days in Syria and Lebanon, and I think about the contrast of those turbulent and dangerous missions with the peace and serenity of kayaking on a lake in Cavan.
Tony knows this area like the back of his paddle. We travel north as the lake becomes the river, and meet more swans who swiftly take flight. Seeing swans take off just a short distance away is a thrilling sight and I just catch this with my camera before they're gone.
This is not a bad way to spend a sunny morning and to see the beauty of Cavan's many lakes. Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year, as the light and colour in nature are at their best for photography.
On the way back we see some grebes- a duck-like bird, swimming near the shore. Too far away for a good shot so hopefully, I'll get the chance to photograph them again sometime.
As we glide back to finish our trip, I’m happy in the knowledge that the lake and the wildlife can go back to its calm and tranquil state, and Tony and I can return to our day jobs after an enjoyable morning on Dromore Lough.
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