Dingle, anyone?

Hi, all!

It's been a couple of days...but I haven't been slacking. When my photography friends went home I was busy exploring both the Lisdoonvarna and Doolin areas. I was able to take a ferry out to the Cliffs of Moher because I really wanted a more unique photographical perspective. I got that and then some...talk about waves rocking the boat. I was one of the very lucky few who didn't become violently sick...and I was also one of the few whose camera stayed safe and dry even among the waves that soaked me from waist to toes.

From there, I headed south and landed in Dingle town. It was a tourist paradise; since I preferred being a visitor to that of a tourist, I only stayed long enough to take an archeological semi-private tour of Dingle Peninsula with Dennis.

Our first stop was visiting the beautiful estate once owned by Lord Ventry, and there we saw a group of Ogham stones and learn about the earliest form of Celtic writing dating from the 4th century. It was fascinating how this rich and powerful man could simply steal valuable religious stones and place them at the entry to estate. There are other Ogham stones still around the peninsula, and his moving them might have protected them a bit more than if they had remained where they were. He also imported what we refer to as Palm Trees, from New Zealand and they seem to be flourishing all these years later even though Ireland is anything but tropical. Go figure! :-)

Passing the beautiful Ventry beach, we made our way to the site known as ‘Dun Beag’. The Gaelic words, which mean ‘small fort’, refer to a defensive structure dating from approximately 500 BC. It was really interesting how anyone who owned anything of value needed this type of structure to keep others from stealing their property, including their animals. So, the outer ring was used to place the valuables while the inner fort ring served as the home.

We drove on through stunning ocean views till we cross a ford, which crashes down the mountain, and across the road into the sea far below. Locals call it the upside-down bridge because the water crosses over the bridge instead of beneath it. How cool, right?!

Had a spectacular sunny day to see two of the Skellig Islands and the Blasket Islands. I would love to meet the one woman who still resides on the island. Imagine, to be so isolated but content enough with your life that you enjoy your own company. She is a weaver who receives much of her wool from local farmers and she is able to sell her wares and offer small group eco-tours to sustain herself. My new hero!

We finished our tour with a short visit to Gallurus Oratory. Dennis was really great but he wasn't Olcan; I'm guessing no one ever will be.

That's it for now...until I post again, "Slainte!"