HOME FROM HOME AT THE HELM
Traveling across Ireland checking out Angling Centers, and angling destinations we always find a few great venues and meet some wonderful people. Recently I was back in one of my favourite parts of Ireland, Westport, Co. Mayo. It was a family trip and as many of you fellow anglers know we simply can’t resist checking out Angling shops, and the local pubs where local anglers meet after a hectic day on the sea, lakes or rivers. Sometimes the locals take some time to get chatting about their chosen sport, but if you ask about the fishy pics on the walls, the net just bursts open. O yep that was Johnny with a great pollack out from such a point, and that’s his cousin Jimmy with a huge tope. Then the mighty question, do you fish yourself. That’s it hooked line and sinker and by the end of the night you are part of the family and a fishing trip is planned so you can join the lads on the local wall of fame. Anyway back to Westport. My port of call was the Helm, which I have stayed before, and some years back we had a cracking weekend for my younger brother’s Stag party. We ventured out to Sea that weekend with Austin Gill on the famous White Seahorse Custom Built Angling Boat, which is owned by Vinny Keogh of the Helm. It’s one of Irelands prime sea angling areas and in recent times has being boosted with a fantastic Angling Centre, just casting distance from the Helm. Later in the year the Annual Helm Skate Festival will take place and this attracts anglers from all over Europe. We will have a feature on this well in advance, but if you are interested please contact Vinny straight away on details below this feature.
THE HELM. The Helm is home from home for us family type, and with a crew of five including the Queen it’s a might place for family deals. The Holiday apartments have it all, you might as well be at home. They also have a fantastic B&B rate and in the Olde World Bar and Restaurant you can sit back and dine and wine on the best. Vinny and son Shane run a splendid ship and have a fantastic staff who are very helpful and really know how to make you feel at home. Also you can take advantage of the adjacent Leisure Centre, which is a great spot for the kids. Hill walking packages are also quite popular but, sadly I did not make it up Croagh Patrick, I settled for taking a photo of this famous Pilgrims Path.
THE WHITE SEAHORSE. This is one of the top charter boats out from The Quay at Westport and is owned by the Helm. It caters for 10 anglers so it is ideal for Angling Clubs who fancy a few days at Sea. Austin Gill is one of the top Charter Skippers in the area, and I met Austin down on the Quay last week. He was preparing the White Seahorse for a trip the following day. Also very popular in the evening for sight seeing trip, and all safety equipment is on board.
A SHORE THING. In recent times a fantastic Angling centre has opening just casting distance from the Helm. Here Top Shore Sea Angler Doug Priddy will sort out all your problems on the Sea front. Doug has a splendid shop and it’s packed with Sea, Game, and Coarse Angling gear. Doug is very helpful and will certainly put you where the fish are. Check it out www.ashorething.ie
HELM CONTACTS. Vinny or Shane can be contacted on 098-26398, e- mail thehelm@eircom.net, and if you fancy checking out their site www.thehelm.ie. Don’t forget the Helm Skate Festival, contact Vinny now and don’t miss the boat.
