Share with me my trip to Ireland. It started when a friend asked me if I'd accompany her.
Ireland is the land of lakes, standing stone circles, myths, and sheep. Because we went in the spring, there were plenty of lambs. The sheep are often sprayed with paint as a form of identification. Soon after the lambs are born they get a dab of color, too.
The fields are usually divided by hedge groves or ancient stone fences. There are a few wood and wire fences to keep both lambs and cows contained.
Lamb meat while expensive in the United States is an affordable dish in Ireland. Woolen stores are everywhere and sell the most beautifully woven merino wool scarves.
The fields are usually divided by hedge groves or ancient stone fences. There are a few wood and wire fences to keep both lambs and cows contained.
Lamb meat while expensive in the United States is an affordable dish in Ireland. Woolen stores are everywhere and sell the most beautifully woven merino wool scarves.
Ireland contains 60% of all megalithic stone circles in the European Union and the UK. Most are on private property, but are still open for tourists/locals to visit.
This is a Hawthorne tree and is considered a fairy tree. Roads and building projects have been planned around in such trees in Ireland. Our guide told us a story where a road was either built around or cut down the Hawthorne tree and wrecks kept happening there. They eventually changed the road and offered an apology to the fairies.
The Lakes
Ireland is an island surrounded by the Alantic ocean, but inside the mountains, you have magnificent lakes. A good part of Ireland is National Parks land including the lakes. The parks are open for all to visit. Boats and kayaks are available for rent. We chose a boat tour with a guide who not only had a motor on his boat, but knew all the tales that go along with the magnicient, scenery.
One of our day trips was to Innisfallen Island, which is now deserted, except for the deer. It had been once a monastery. In ancient times, it was believed to be a place of learning for both men and women. There's a possibility it could have served as a leper colony, too. Now it is a park belonging to Killarney. People often picnic on this peaceful place while exploring the ruins. It is only acessible by boat.
Jaunting carts through the hills and Celtic Steps Dancing |  |
 |  Bunratty Castle to the left and my normal fish and chips lunch above. The green stuff is mushy peas, which is a staple that comes with almost every meal. Bunratty Castle is a restored castle that hosts many events including a madrigal dinner. I undertand that reservations must be made very far in advance. There is a folk park surrrounding the village that gives a feel for life during the castle's heyday. There are shops to visit and tearooms and pubs to frequent . I took advantage of the tea room during the rain shower. (Yes, it did rain several times on my trip.) |
There was a whimisical atmosphere about my Irish sojurn. There were swings everywhere and I did stop for a few pumps of the legs. Some of the swings were over water testing my resolve. I tried out those swings, too and didn't end up in the chilly water.
Here I am crawling out of OWEYNAGAT , which is sometimes called the entrance to the Irish Underworld or the Cave of Cats. It is dark, muddy, and amazing. It gets bigger once you get inside. I You'll have to try it out for yourself.
Find out more about Irish Caves.
Find out more about Irish Caves.
It is fitting we end our visit to Ireland with sunset over the Killarney countryside.
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