Spring Seaweed - Máirtín Ó Direáin

In Spring Seaweed Ó Díreáin captures both the soul of the Aran Islands and an artist's jourmey between two worlds.

Through lyrical prose, Ó Direáin tells of island life: from shawled keening women whose voices carry 'an ancient and mysterious beauty' to the 'wild, red flood of tide' washing over the shore. Unfolding in vivid vignettes he describes seaweed and kelp drying into a 'multicoloured quilt' beneath the 'spiralling music' of larks. He weaves together memories of lost love and friendships with profound meditations on art and exile. The prose echoes centuries of Irish storytelling and explores the universal themes of belonging. memory and artistic creation, while detailed footnotes expand cultural references for contemporary readers. 

Mícheál Ó hAodha's translation remaind faithful to Ó Direáin's original version, masterfully conveying the author' gift for Irish conversation, particularly in the lightning-quick exchanges of traditional 'agallamh beirte.'

Spring Seaweed  stands as both a vital record of Irish island life and a timeless collection of essays from a master stylist - one that rewards both first-time readers and those returning to discover new depths in Ó Direáin's writing.

Translated from Irish by Mícheál Ó hAodha

Cheannaigh an leagan Gaeilge anseo Feamainn Bhealtaine