Ireland - Updated

Fáilte (Welcome in Irish Gaelic),

It's been a few days since I posted some photos to show you a few scenes from our recent trip to Ireland.

I've decided to update this post and show you a few more photos of an interesting spot we went to during our trip. (Scroll down some)

 

This photo of the cliffs was taken approx. 10 miles from Dingle town heading west on a scenic road called the Slea Head Drive. After driving through the town of Ventry you will begin to see signs for the stone house restaurant which happens to be between two historic landmarks, Dun Beag Fort and the Irish Famine Cottages. 

Dun Beag Fort is an iron age promontory fort (circa 500 BC) that sits on a sheer cliff (the one in the picture above) projecting out into Dingle Bay at the base of Mount Eagle. 

To call it a fort is slightly misleading as it was really a fortified dwelling compound where the occupants could hold out against the celtic invaders.

The photo above shows you the entryway through the inner defensive wall (which is 18 feet thick at the base). This, and the remains of the beehive dwelling below, are both dry masonry structures (built without mortar). Some intact examples of this type of structure demonstrate how well constructed they are...still watertight after nearly 3000 years!

This dwelling is round on the exterior and is square on the inside. The structure would have originally been semi-spherical, like a stone igloo, with enough room for a large extended family inside the structure and livestock able to graze inside the inner wall.

Click to see the Panorama larger.

As descendants of Irish immigrants who fled Ireland during the Great Potato Famine, it was a bit sobering to see the poverty that our ancestors lived in prior to emigrating.

The main room of the cottage

Looking at the cottage from the barn

The history, to include our connection with it, is one of the things that drew us to come here and we were certainly glad to make that connection with our roots.

I'm nearly certain that you will get more on the trip very soon once Janet posts, so until then, cheers! (or Sláinte!)

~Andrew~

Scotland

Hello All,

I just returned from another work related trip this time to Scotland. I spent two weeks in the little village of Rhu, approx. 30 miles northeast of Glasgow. The town is situated right on the Gare Loch and the scenery is breathtaking - regardless of the weather.

My accommodations - The Rosslea Hotel in Rhu

The view from the hotel

Since it was a work trip, there wasn't much time for sightseeing beyond a Sunday morning after church to the southern end of Loch Lomond (a mere 10 mile drive!).

View of Lock Lomond looking north with Ben Lomond's peak hidden by a cloud.

Looking west from Balloch Castle

Balloch Castle on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond

My final day in Scotland afforded me the opportunity to take the hour long drive to Stirling - the heart of Scotland - to see Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. Stirling was the home to Mary Queen o Scots and the King James who authorized the Bible translation (amongst the many other kings named James that also lived there...)

Panorama of Stirling Castle

A misty view from the castle towards the town.

In the courtyard looking at James IV's residence.

The throne room

The Great Hall

Stirling Castle

The Wallace Monument

Stained glass image of William Wallace

The view from the top of the Wallace Monument

I enjoyed visiting places steeped in so much history, but it wasn't nearly as enjoyable because I wasn't able to share the experience with Janet and Sarah. We hope to visit Scotland as a family, and I know of a few places we will have to stop at when we are all together!

~Andrew~