As an island nation, we have been building houses by the water for thousands of years, between dramatic cliffs off our coasts, to tranquil lakes in the middle of the country and to the banks of the rivers all around us. ‘Tithe Cois Uisce’ is an 8-part series that follows on from the popular “Tithe Cois Farraige’ series. Each week Síle Nic Chonaonaigh will visit a different location to meet those who have built houses by the water. With a different theme in each episode, between big and small, old and new, ordinary and extraordinary.
In the first episode Síle Nic Chonaonaigh visits artist Donnchacha Quilty on the outskirts of Galway City, Tracey Jeffrey of Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen in Newtownards, Co. Down and with masseuse Veronica Lydon in Letterard, Co. Galway. Síle is invited in by three people who use the water as inspiration for their craft.
In episode two Síle visits some more unconventional homes that have made interesting use of space. From surfer Kealan’s camper van to PJ’s barge and JP and Katie’s ‘modular home’.
The third episode Síle Nic Chonaonaigh meets with the designers of two wonderful homes. First, she meets Donegal architect Tarla MacGabhann in ‘Breac House’ in the rugged and beautiful setting of Horn Head. Moving along to Strangford Lough she meets architect Melanie and her husband, engineer Martin Hamill in Quarry Hill Church, a wonderful project and home they have renovated.
Episode 4 sees Síle meet with those who have decided to build hideaways in secluded areas. Antóin MacGabhann is a civil engineer and has built ‘Plug-In Cottage’ on the banks of a river estuary in northeast Donegal. Gillian Beare’s parents had been welcoming visitors to Finn Lough since 1983, now Gillian and her brother have taken over and have created the perfect hideaway.
In the fifth episode Síle meets with islanders who chat everything from the difficulties in building on an island, a tough road Máirtín Ó Conceanainn and Síghle Cotter on Inis Mór had to face. Mary O’Dirsoll talk about the rich history of the Manor House on Rathlin Island, and two caretakers explain what it is like to live all alone on the Great Blasket island.
In episode six Síle visits two homes that are hyper aware of climate change in the sixth episode. Irish poet and Aosdána member Paddy Bushe has lived on the water’s edge in Waterville, Co. Kerry for 50 years, he tells how his home has gotten closer and closer to the sea over this time. Síle also visits Nicholas agus Annie Bowen in Skibbereen who built ‘Passive House’ and are doing their utmost to remain as sustainable and climate aware as possible.
In episode seven Síle meets families who have by the water and what it means to them. For generations some of these families have lived by the water and explain its importance and how they couldn’t possibly be anywhere else.
In the final episode Síle visits two homes that were dreams come to life for their owners. Síle meets with Micheál Ó Grálaigh agus his wife Máire Ní Thoibín who have waited a long time for their dream location to come up on the much sought after Promenade, Salthill and after a long, hard road they finally see their dream come to life. Síle also visits ‘Lost Cottage’ an utter haven, nestled away in the beautiful Co. Kerry was a long time in the works for owner Brian Spain, it nothing short of spectacular.
