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Message in a bottle
Atlantic Ocean carries love note from Canada to Ireland
In 2012, Brad and Anita Squires, a young Newfoundland couple navigating a long-distance relationship, tossed a message in a bottle into the Atlantic Ocean from the shores of Bell Island, Newfoundland. Thirteen years later, their note completed an extraordinary journey and the bottle washed ashore on Ireland’s Maharees peninsula. There, 3,000 kilometres and 13 years later, it was discovered by Kate and Jon Gay of the Maharees Conservation Association. Honouring the request for whomever found the note to call, the writers were contacted, sparking a new friendship with the bottle's senders and forging yet another meaningful connection between Canada and the island of Ireland. To everyone's delight, Brad and Anita are now married with three children, and the story of the bottle sparked transatlantic toast and friendship between the two couples.
Message in a bottle letter
The bottle's journey to Kerry
What Brad & Anita got up to in Ireland
EPIC Museum
Learn about the unique experience of Ireland’s people and get under the skin of Ireland’s emigration story with a visit to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum.
Midleton Distillery Experience Guided Tour
Discover the heart and soul of Irish whiskey at Midleton Distillery Experience, Co. Cork – home to Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare, The Spot Whiskeys, Method and Madness, and Knappogue Castle.
Ballyseede Castle
With 45 Individually designed rooms indulge in fine dining with traditional Irish cuisine, meticulously prepared to provide a culinary experience like no other.
Valentia Island
Over 150 years ago the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was laid between Valentia Island and Newfoundland, Canada. Today you can disconnect and reconnect with mother nature, learn about significant places and extraordinary people, step back in time and discover the local history.
Bellevue Spa
Step into Bellevue Spa at the Montenotte Hotel - a beautifully designed sanctuary in Cork city offering indulgent treatments, healing rituals, and holistic relaxation.
Spillane's Bar & Restaurant
Nestled along the scenic shores, offering breathtaking views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. For over 50 years, it's been a beloved local gem, serving up fresh crab claws, Cromane mussels, handcrafted burgers, and its famously chargrilled steaks. With a diverse menu to suit every taste and budget, Spiillane's is the perfect stop for travellers seeking authentic Irish flavour and hospitality.
The Maharees is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. A natural tombolo, and special area of conservation, boasting one of the longest sandy beaches in Ireland on Brandon Bay. The Maharees Conservation Association was formed to address the adverse impact of coastal erosion by raising awareness and putting in place practical measures and a comprehensive management plan to ensure the future of the coastline for all to enjoy. The Maharees offers a wide variety of water activities such as surfing, windsurfing, waterskiing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, angling and canoeing. Equipment and instruction are available locally with all levels of experience catered for, a perfect day out for families wanting a fun or adventurous experience. For land-based activities, you can try pony trekking along the beach or enjoy glorious walks on mile upon mile of white sandy beaches. Find out more about the area.
Conservation works underway at the Maharees
Anyone who comes here and spends time here, it leaves its mark on you. You don't forget us.Martha Farrell, Maharees Conservation Association
WestJet crew with Brad & Anita
Thanks to our friends at WestJet, who partnered with us to make this Message in a Bottle transatlantic story a reality. WestJet offers direct flights seasonally to Dublin in Canada from Calgary, Toronto, Halifax & St John’s.
From Toronto to Dublin flights run from March 16th ramping up in frequency until April 27th where they begin to run daily until October 25th.
From Calgary to Dublin flights run 3 days a week from late April until November 1st.
From Halifax to Dublin flights run 4 days a week from May 18th to October 11th.
From St John's to Dublin flights run 2 days a week from May 25th to November 1st.
Find these flight options and more at WestJet.com
It just feels like it was meant to be hereBrad Squires, Newfoundland
