Salmon Fishery and Railway Preservation visits

Our host Dr Richard Kennedy explained to us the life cycle of the Atlantic Salmon and highlighted its plight due to decreasing food stocks caused by climate change. He explained how 2 years after being born in the local River Bush the young salmon migrate to feeding grounds in the North Atlantic where they mature and then attempt to make their way back to their river of birth to spawn.

We were shown salmon in various stages of early life and then taken to the main River Bush where two cages were raised first one showing the small smolts about to start their long hazardous journey and the second one containing larger fish to spawn.

On 4th June we visited Whitehead Railway Museum and learnt all about the early railways in Ireland. We climbed onboard the many steam trains being restored and idly walked through the old wooden carriages every doorway telling a story of bygone days.

We were given a guided tour of the platform with a fully operational signal box and were shown how each lever had a purpose.

We finished the night with tea and coffee in the stables after a very informative and enjoyable night.