An Evening in Killarney - Summerfest

The Golf is on (with big names we are told) and the town is packed.
The accommodation is scarce (it was good we had booked).
The youth hostel is in the centre of town (and filled with youths who like to party).
There is entertainment for all, just outside our door.

The wild Irish spirit with all the endearing aspects were on show - singing, dancing, artistry, talent, poetry and good fun.

Some observations;
a girl on her father's shoulders, wild eyed, long curly hair, clapping to the music
a baby being jigged on its mother's chest - wide smile - trying very hard to keep its eyes open
a drunk leaning on a wall trying to keep pace with the beat
a boy trying to peer over tall people to catch a glimpse of the tenors
an old lady dancing looping arms with strangers, broad smile, and the most animated of all
Irish dancing, squeeze box, pipes, voices, drums, piano, guitar - they do music well
very polite and concerned policewoman trying to keep a clear pathway in the crowd
all ages singing well known songs
'urchin' child with staring accusing eyes
rousing national pride when stirring songs were sung

A Day on the Dingle and with the Famine

The Dingle Peninsula is a must see for any visitor to Ireland who is interested in spectacular scenery and interest at every turn.
The Slea Head drive takes you around the coastline and if you go by the Connor Pass you get the best of the mountains and the sea.

On the road there are some cottages showing life during the Potato Famine.

 Complete with animal farm in the surrounding paddocks.

A Day at the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren

eHeading away from Galway and beautiful Berna of the superb breakfasts, is the Burren. This mountain range is like the Brecon Beacons only stony and craggy.

They look like piles of rocks, a giant's sandpit, with mound after mound of rocky mountains and layer upon layer of stone. The rocks rise from the sea and fall back in again, creating cliffs: some slight, some sheer.

Shrine like structures surprise us there.

The cliffs of Moher rise 214m from the sea and carry on for miles.

Puffins, seals, whales and sharks can be seen, but we only saw waves.
Flowers and wild goats are a feature too, but we only saw weeds and cows.

A Day an Inis Mor

Inis Mor is one of the biggest and hilliest islands on the west coast of Ireland. It is 15km long and 5km at its widest point.
It is accessed by ferry and if you only have a day there it is best to get the coach tour around the island. Safety instructions are in English and Irish.

The highlights are Kilmurvey Village,

Dun Aonghasa (a 2500yr old fort set on 100m high cliffs) 

the seven churches, 

thatched cottages 

and a seal colony. (no seals today)

The island is cross-crossed with stone fences, 

some holding livestock, 

most standing silently marking time.

A brooding atmosphere with mist and light rain made the viewing even more engaging and whispy and lunar.

The men take tourists around the island and the women knit and sell to the tourists. It appears very little else goes on here, but down the quiet lanes, away from public gaze, a fascinating other world is found.