newsgathers

This film chronicles the extraordinary maritime journey of two Irish friends, Jon Hynes and Sean Cahill, as they undertook a challenging two-month expedition, circumnavigating the 1,500-kilometer coastline of Ireland by sea kayak. The documentary captures their remarkable endeavor, showcasing the trials and tribulations encountered during their epic paddle. It delves into the deep bond between the two men, formed through years of shared adventures, and illuminates the breathtaking yet formidable beauty of Ireland's coastal landscape.

Jon Hynes, who had harbored the dream of this coastal voyage for two decades, found the ideal partner in Sean Cahill. Their friendship, forged in the French Alps where Jon worked as a river guide and Sean, a seasoned kayaker, transitioned from whitewater to sea kayaking due to physical demands, proved to be the bedrock of their ambitious plan. After two years of meticulous preparation, ensuring all necessary gear could be stowed in their kayaks, they finally commenced their expedition in the early summer months.

Their journey began at Old Head, a promontory near Kinsale in County Cork. The initial days were particularly arduous, marked by strong headwinds and challenging tides. Jon described the first week as the most difficult, with persistent fog severely testing their navigational skills as they rounded the southern coast of Ireland. The dense mist forced them to rely heavily on their expertise to maneuver safely through the unfamiliar waters.

Physical toll quickly became apparent. Within ten days, Jon's hands were severely blistered, necessitating the removal of his wedding ring due to swelling. Despite these early hardships, they reached the iconic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. However, adverse weather continued to plague their progress, a common theme along the Irish coast. They were frequently forced to seek shelter in their tent, waiting for breaks in the weather before attempting to round the northern tip of Northern Ireland.

Their perseverance was eventually rewarded when they successfully navigated around Fair Head, the northernmost point of the island, under bright sunshine. Throughout their journey, they were met with encouragement and cheers from strangers who waved from cliffs and beaches, a testament to the local appreciation for their daring adventure. However, as they made their way down the East Coast, strong winds once again created hazardous conditions, particularly around Dublin. A powerful gale in County Wicklow forced them ashore.

During this stop, Jon sustained a leg injury when a gust of wind knocked him from a fencepost while filming. Despite the pain and challenging conditions, he convinced Sean to continue, unwilling to abandon their goal so close to completion. With renewed determination, they pressed on, finally turning west and pushing through more strong winds as they returned towards Old Head. Their journey culminated symbolically as they passed through a sea cave, emerging into the light of their final day, ultimately touching down on the beach at Old Head, marking the triumphant conclusion of their incredible circumnavigation. Sean eloquently summarized their achievement, expressing the profound privilege of having paddled around their homeland.