€5 off first Book Purchase of €50+ | With Code: CHAPTERSBOOKSTORE
So Far, So Good recounts the story of an ordinary man who has enjoyed extraordinary adventures throughout his life. Trained as a civil engineer, Paddy Barry managed to combine raising a family with exploring remote parts of the world, often on his Galway Hooker sailing boat. From Siberia to Tierra del Fuego, Connemara to Malawi, Greenland to Ethiopia, on mountains and on sea, Paddy has endured hardships and visited places very few could match.
In this fascinating memoir, Paddy describes sailing his leaking Galway Hooker across the Atlantic Ocean to a triumphant arrival in Boston Harbour; a near `wipe out' while successfully recreating Ernest Shackleton's exploits in Antarctica; capsizing near Mount Brandon on the night of the Fastnet Race disaster; accomplishing the first westward circumnavigation of the North Pole in a small boat, winning the Blue Water Medal; and completing the hazardous journey through the Northwest Passage, one of only a handful of boats to do so.
There were also a few less perilous journeys such as sailing across the Bay of Biscay to trade Irish woollens and whiskey for Spanish wine and cheeses - though even then they nearly collided with a tugboat and its tow - and retracing the remarkable journeys of Irish monks in Iceland.
On land Paddy had further adventures building bridges in the fierce heat in Malawi, and later in life worked for the Rapid Response Team for the United Nations World Food Programme in Ethiopia. And in Ireland he worked on the construction of the iconic Poolbeg Stacks which still dominate the Dublin skyline, and which his children always referred to as `Daddy's Chimneys'.
But he was always drawn back to the sea.
So Far, So Good is a rollicking, delightful account of a life truly well lived, and a striking example of a work/life balance that is much to be envied.
In this fascinating memoir, Paddy describes sailing his leaking Galway Hooker across the Atlantic Ocean to a triumphant arrival in Boston Harbour; a near `wipe out' while successfully recreating Ernest Shackleton's exploits in Antarctica; capsizing near Mount Brandon on the night of the Fastnet Race disaster; accomplishing the first westward circumnavigation of the North Pole in a small boat, winning the Blue Water Medal; and completing the hazardous journey through the Northwest Passage, one of only a handful of boats to do so.
There were also a few less perilous journeys such as sailing across the Bay of Biscay to trade Irish woollens and whiskey for Spanish wine and cheeses - though even then they nearly collided with a tugboat and its tow - and retracing the remarkable journeys of Irish monks in Iceland.
On land Paddy had further adventures building bridges in the fierce heat in Malawi, and later in life worked for the Rapid Response Team for the United Nations World Food Programme in Ethiopia. And in Ireland he worked on the construction of the iconic Poolbeg Stacks which still dominate the Dublin skyline, and which his children always referred to as `Daddy's Chimneys'.
But he was always drawn back to the sea.
So Far, So Good is a rollicking, delightful account of a life truly well lived, and a striking example of a work/life balance that is much to be envied.
- Publisher Name:The Liffey Press
- Product Format:Paperback
- ISBN: XV80995792708
- Author:Barry, Paddy
- Publication Date:2017-09-25
Refund Policy
If you are not satisfied with your order in any way, get in touch. We have an excellent customer service record and we will do our best to ensure you are pleased with your purchase.
📄 Exercise Your Right of Withdrawal
Under EU consumer law, you have the right to withdraw from your purchase within 14 days of receiving your order, without giving a reason. To formally exercise this right, use the button below. This is a distinct function separate from our general returns process.
Your right to cancel
If you order online, you have the right to cancel your order within 14 days of receiving your goods, without giving a reason. This cooling-off period runs from the day you (or someone you nominate) receives the last item in your order. To cancel, contact us at shop@chaptersbookstore.com stating your order number and your wish to withdraw from the purchase. Once we've confirmed your cancellation, you have 14 days to send the goods back to us.
Condition of returned items
To be eligible for a refund, your item must be returned unworn, unused and unread, in its original packaging, and in the same condition you received it. You'll also need your receipt or proof of purchase. If your return is based on the item's condition on arrival, please include a photo so we can advise the best resolution.
Faulty or damaged items
Please inspect your order on arrival and contact us immediately if an item is defective, damaged, or not what you ordered. Separately from the 14-day cancellation right above, you're entitled to a repair, replacement or refund on faulty goods for up to two years from purchase, under standard consumer guarantee rights.
This guarantee covers manufacturing faults only, such as printing errors, missing pages, or binding defects present at the time of purchase. It does not cover damage arising from normal use or wear, including creased spines, worn covers, marked pages or general signs of reading. If you're unsure whether an issue qualifies, send us a photo and we'll be happy to advise.
How to return
To start a return, contact us at shop@chaptersbookstore.com. If your return is accepted, we'll send you a return shipping label and instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. If a return is due to an error on our part, we'll cover the postage cost.
Exceptions and non-returnable items
Certain items cannot be returned, including custom products, special orders, sale items and gift cards.
Trade-In Programme
If you're trading in previously owned books rather than returning a purchase, please see our separate Trade-In Programme terms, which operate independently of this policy.
Refunds
Once we've received and inspected your return, we'll let you know if the refund has been approved. If approved, you'll be refunded automatically to your original payment method. Please allow some time for your bank or card provider to process and post the refund.
Free Delivery in the Republic Of Ireland on all orders over €30. Standard Delivery Charge in Republic of Ireland of €5 for all orders below €30.
Delivery is subject to warehouse availability. Out-of-stock items will be shipped as soon as possible, upon arrival from the manufacturer/publisher. Please take shipping time into consideration.
