Ceol na Mara - Harris Bed and Breakfast

Ceol na Mara is a phrase in the Gaelic language meaning something along the lines of "music of the sea". Ceol na Mara is also a common name for a guest house especially on the Isle of Harris, Isle of Lewis and other places in the Hebrides. Most commonly it is used on guest houses which have a view of the sea for obvious reasons.

Because the name Ceol na Mara is rather a common name for bed and breakfast places it is important that, if you recieve a recommendation and which to book accommodation at Ceol na Mara that you get the right one. Imagine if you got the wrong B&B.

The Isle of Harris is a wonderful place to take a relaxing break and, if you enjoy sea views, clean fresh air and fantastic beaches Harris should be perfect.

Interestingly Ceol na Mara refers to the music of the sea and music plays an important role in Hebridean culture. The unique sound of the Gaelic singing of the Psalms is both haunting and mournful and most appropriate at funerals. In direct contrast the Gaelic songs sung in the annual singing competition, called the National Mod, are lively and uplifting.

If you stay in a guest house on the Isle of Harris that is close to the sea it is, more than likely, that you will hear the "music of the sea" and very soothing it can be. Ranging from the subtle to the thunderous the sound of the waves breaking onto the shore varies with the weather and the strength of the tide. Obviously when the tide is high and the wind strong Ceol na Mara beats out a strong and deep roar as huge waves crash against the rocks. In fine weather Ceol na Mara changes to a soft and gentle wash which is relaxing and very pleasant to fall asleep to.

It is unlikely that you will find anywhere more relaxing than the Isle of Harris but there is one thing that may effect your sleeping while staying bed and breakfast on Harris, the length of the day. Being so far north the summer days are very long and, at the summer solstice, it is often the case that there is no real darkness as such. In complete contrast the days in winter are short and sometimes none existent, and in the middle of winter on a cloudy day, very little sunshine is seen.

One of the best ways in which to enjoy Ceol na Mara is by camping on the Isle of Harris. When you are camping you are closer to the environment and the sound of the waves is so much stronger that it can actually disturb your sleep. I remember the time when a lady from the south of England decided to camp on a beach on South Uist. So that she could gain the full experience of Ceol na Mara she set camp a little too close to the sea. Unfortunately the wind got up to such a degree that she felt unsafe in her 2 man tent and decided to flee to the nearest guest house. As she left she noticed that if she had remained there much longer the sea would have been encroaching into the camp. Maybe it was a lucky escape but it shows how important it is to take every safety precaution when camping in an isolated place. No matter how wonderful Ceol na Mara is it is not worth risking your life to enjoy it.