Tuesday morning, 6th June, saw a group from Through the Lens Camera Club boarding the ‘Fish & Trips’ boat in Malahide Marina to go on a day trip to Lambay Island. The weather was fair but the seas a little choppy which resulted in a few bodies being well salted before we reached the island ! However the welcome there was warm and we soon dried out. Skipper Eamonn gave us a potted history of the island then we set off, accompanied by the lovely Saffy, to climb the hill for the views. She was full of interesting information about life on Lambay, and the best places to spot wallabies, deer or bird life. A pleasant couple of hours was spent taking lots of pictures (with our 2024 calendar in mind) and trying to spot the elusive wildlife. We were fascinated to watch, from the hilltop, an aerial battle between a grey crow and a kestrel..too far away for photos unfortunately. On return to the harbour we grabbed a snack and a rest then Eamonn brought us around the buildings there including the Bothy and cottages, living quarters originally for coastguards more recently for the workers; the tennis court for ‘real tennis’ a game beloved by King Henry 8th and the forerunner to the modern game of lawn tennis; the 19th century church which was restored around 1916. We were also allowed a peep into the whiskey store where barrels of Lambay Whiskey lie maturing in the sea air. After all the exercise and photo opportunities we returned to the harbour where Skipper Eamonn was hard at work on the boat putting together a delicious BBQ which we all enjoyed on the way back to Malahide. Thankfully the seas had calmed so no extra salt was added ! The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all and I think we may feel the need to explore again.