Barry and I were just a few days into our first trip into Ireland, when we drove to Wicklow County to see Glendalough. The word Glendalough in Gaelic is Gleann Dá Loch meaning Glen of the Two Lakes, which is so fitting for this serene photograph. Not too far from this beautiful lake is the home one of Ireland’s most impressive monasteries. I found this ancient site captivating....
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These lone hawthorn trees sprinkled throughout the Irish countryside are thought to be a sacred home for fairies. While we were traveling on the West side of Ireland, we kept finding these lone fairy trees. We were drawn to them. What we learned that trees were worshipped in Ireland for centuries and most were believed to have magical or healing properties. For example Fairy trees, typically a Hawthorne, are found all over the countryside. Certain Hawthorne’s are considered sacred in Ireland. Stories are told that these trees are a favorite gathering place for fairies. Irish beliefs say never to disturb the home of the fairies or it will bring you bad luck. When we Irish look at our history, our literature and...
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The Wicklow Mountains are not that far south of the city of Dublin. In the past centuries, these mountains were remote enough to have provide a refuge for opponents to the English rule. Rebels that took part in the 1798 Irish uprising, hid out in this region for years. In 1800, the frustrated British started building a military road. This road was devised to help flush out the rebels, and in the end has only made this area more accessible. Currently, this winding road makes for a spectacular drive with many views of breathtaking scenery. While wandering though the Wicklow Mountains, Barry and I discovered these ruins. One can only imagine what this structure was used for in the past. Barry...
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Connor Pass (In Irish: An Chonair) Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland One of the roads out of the town of Dingle leads to Connor Pass -- one of the highest points in Ireland. We left early that misty morning, driving the twisting, winding road up and up into the mountains. It’s one of those roads so windy and bendy, that you are not permitted to drive it in a bus, motorhome or truck. You will not get through. And so narrow at times you need to pull aside to let the opposite driver pass! As we finally neared the highest mountain point, Barry was so excited to capture what he saw, he just grabbed his camera and jumped out of the car -- leaving...
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