Round Ireland Swim DiaryMore dolphins, more swells and more sheer frustration. Seán Kenny reports on the team's progress up the west coast as the end heaves into view

Thursday, August 3rd

"Every arm over is an arm towards home." As the expedition enters its second month, Nuala Moore allows herself to look forward to its completion. "Now we're actually thinking about the finishing line. That was inconceivable two weeks ago, when we were only thinking of swimming X miles per day. Now every day is a countdown."

Ian Claxton is still circumspect. "You have to be careful with yourself now. You could get injured tomorrow. You have to be cautious, while going for it at the same time."

A northwesterly wind initially buffets the swimmers, but drops later in the day. Kilkee is this evening's port of call.

Friday, August 4th

A 5am start is the price to be paid for the slow progress of recent days. The bleary-eyed haze of morning is the prelude to a foggy day at sea. The absence of land bearings is disorientating. The dampness of the air also hinders the swimmers' efforts to warm up between stints in the water.

Unperturbed by the fog, a pod of dolphins appear. Tom Watters finds himself within touching distance.

"Their curiosity must have been huge. Imagine if I was sitting in my kitchen and a dolphin walked in and said hello. It's basically the same thing: you're on their territory. If nothing else happens, I'll never forget that experience." He almost sighs at the recollection.

Moore finds herself sighing at her own dolphin encounter, but it's more like the sigh of someone caught in rush-hour. "I had up to 12 dolphins around me. It was beautiful, even though I just felt, 'Will you get out of my way, I've got work to do!' "

The team stay overnight in Quilty, Co Clare.

Saturday, August 5th

A force three wind blows as the expedition puts to sea this morning. Before any swimming is done, the anemometer is giving a reading of force six. An area of low pressure has arrived off the west coast sooner than expected. The weather is staying put, so the team must return to shore without having dipped a toe in the water. Tomorrow is a rest day.

Monday, August 7th

The sun shines, but otherwise conditions are trying. "It was tough; there was a northerly wind in our faces and the waves were big. But it was good to get a full day in," says Claxton.

After the frustration of Saturday, the swimmers have a fruitful day, finishing 30 miles further north than they began. Along their way, they get an alternative perspective on two of the West's landmarks: the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. Their overnight base is in Roundstone, Co Galway.

More dolphins today. They appear to be as populous off the west coast as jellyfish were off the east, not to mention vastly more popular.

Tuesday, August 8th

The morning begins with an interview for TG4 on Roundstone pier. The expedition boats steam out into a typically inhospitable Atlantic.

Anne Marie Ward is first in the water. She has only been swimming a few minutes when she momentarily disappears under a huge wave.

The boat travelling alongside her is also drenched in the heavy swell. No one wants to pick a fight with the Atlantic when it is this volatile. The boats head for shore.

It's another frustrating day, but there is nothing to be done. "That's the nature of the game; we knew from the start that the one thing we can't rely on is the weather. As a swimmer, you've no business being out there in those conditions," says Watters.

Frustration mounts with the news that Wednesday's forecast also precludes swimming.

kennyseanf@yahoo.co.uk