| Dingle Peninsula |
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| The turquoise ocean intersects the rocky coast of western Ireland at Slea Head promontory. The scenery on this sunny day was breath-taking as we took most of the day to travel the 25 miles, or so, around the Dingle Peninsula drive. Our first stop was here at Slea Head. If you turn left, your next stop is Boston. |
| The Blasket Centre overlooks Blasket Sound and provides information on the language, literature, and way of life of the inhabitants of the Blasket Islands. We stopped here for an interesting video, exhibits, a nice lunch, and gorgeous views! |
| Semi-tropical plants grow here due to warmth provided by the Gulf Stream. Fuchsias were imported from Chile and spread like weeds in the hedges along the roads. The fuchsia decorate the hedges on the peninusla like Christmas tree ornaments. |
| The picturesque country side is divided by old stone fences into irregular little fields that once grew potatoes. Now many of the old homes have been refurbished for summer homes. Newly constructed homes intermingle with the old houses as this is a popular location to spend the summer. We can understand why people love to come to this beautiful place. |
| The Reasc Monastery was established in the 7th century and was used for about 600 years. The main area is surrounded by a rock wall with the remains of bee hive stone huts inside. The early Christian monks sought to integrate Christianity with the religion of the native Celtic people. The monks carved a Maltese cross over the Celtic scroll designs on the pillar stone to integrate Christian symbols with the pagan symbols. The pillar stones are archaeologically significant because they were probably the precursors of the High Cross. No mortar was used in the construction. The site is very well kept and fascinating. |
| A beach with the Three Sisters Mountains in the background. |
| The Gallarus Oratory is the best preserved Christian church in Ireland. It is probably 1,300 years old and still in amazing condition. The rocks are positioned so that water drains to the outside. No mortar was used to build the structure. The technique was first developed by Neolithic tomb-makers. |
| Tim Collins, the former Dingle police chief, was our local guide for the entire Dingle Peninsula tour. Here he explained an ancient sun dial at the Kilmalkedar church, once a pagan worship center. The Irish Christian church was probably built in the 12th century, but some of the tombstones in the yard may date back to the 4th century. Tim was knowledgeable and made learning from a local most interesting. |