Ceol na Mara & Harris | Vacations

By PhilMacDonald
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The Gaelic language is a most poetic ancient language still spoken in areas such as the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles of Scotland. The language includes some of the most beautiful phrases used to describe things that are rather common and generally considered, by modern society, as unimportant. One such phrase is Ceol na Mara which describes the sound of the sea and means "music of the sea". You may see a number of seaside guest houses bearing the name of "Ceol na Mara" as it is a highly popular name in places where the Gaelic is common.

The Outer Hebrides consist of a number of inhabited islands which are found off the west coast of Scotland. The main town is Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. The isle of Lewis is joined to the Isle of Harris and are together known as the long island. Throughout the Isle of Harris most people have Gaelic as their first language and English as their second. The accent is incredibly soft but also very clear and the English spoken is beautiful and sometimes contains phrases akin to the Gaelic phrases (and Gaelic also contains many English words but usually for most modern things such as television).

When the weather is fine the Isle of Harris is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The air is pure and the waters crystal clear and the countryside is incredible. However it is the beaches of South Harris which are the most famously beautiful parts of the island. Many parts of Harris are special sites of scientific and historical interest with a few important historical sites and plenty of ground known as machair (which is a rare type of fertile land on which many rare wildflowers grow).

Part of the charm of the Isle of Harris is the Gaelic culture of the Hebrideans. Rich is songs and poetry to this day the National Mod (a Gaelic singing competition), is still one of the most important events of the year). Visiting a local church or walking by one during a service you will hear the Psalms sung in Gaelic to a most unusual, but highly pleasing tune. While the songs of Harris have been heavily influenced by Ceol na Mara and the beauty of the island, it is also the sea that has, over thousands and thousands of years, had the most major role in shaping the islands we see today.

As well as the incredible beaches, gorgeous countryside, amazing culture and immensely interesting flora and fauna, the Isle of Harris has only a few places that could be described as "tourist attractions". The main reason for visiting Harris is the fact that it has hardly been developed. Over the last few years there have been improvements with a few facilities for tourists but generally it is hardly commercial. There are a few places worth visiting on the Isle of Harris besides the beaches. At the very tip of Harris is the small village of Rodel where you will find the most incredible medieval church with a fascinating graveyard. The key is available from the local hotel and I strongly suggest that you get it. Inside you will find ancient carvings around tombs and upon some gravestones now stored inside for safety.

If you want to enjoy Ceol na Mara you will need to pay a visit to the Isle of Harris. Fortunately there is a regular ferry service to the main town of Tarbert and also a ferry from the southern islands which docks in Leverburgh on South Harris. You can also travel, by ferry, to the main town of the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles, Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis (Lewis is attached to Harris). It is also possible to get flights to Stornoway airport if you so desire.

One of the best ways to enjoy the sounds of Ceol na Mara is to stay bed and breakfast in a guest house close to the sea. Fortunately there are plenty to choose from and all offer the most luxurious accommodation and the friendliest atmosphere you are ever likely to experience.

Of course there are other ways to stay on Harris. There is only a very small selection of Harris Hotel accommodation but it is some of the friendliest accommodation available. Ardhasaig House near Tarbert is one of the best hotels on Harris and has the advantage of some of the best views. Camping and caravanning are also very popular and there is a campsite on South Harris that is almost on the shore. Basically just a field it is the perfect place to hear Ceol na Mara.

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If you want to hear the sounds of Ceol na Mara and visit harris then you should visit bed and breakfast on Harris

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