We had hoped to do a lot of biking. Unfortunately, my broken bone is prohibiting that. We are, however, getting to do a good bit of walking. Throughout England, Scotland and Ireland, we have seen the cyclists and the walkers wearing these vests, either yellow or orange, but this is the first time they have been provided for guests.
We start our day enjoying the wildflowers.
We are on our way around the southwestern part of the Dingle Peninsula known as the Slea Head Drive. Note the mountains in the middle of the peninsula....that is the Connor Pass which we crossed when we arrived!!!!
Again, the views are stunning.
With plenty of readily available building materials, most buildings are stone.
This stone cafe was built on the site of a small prehistoric fort. It seems that the Irish land owners who are lucky enough to have a prehistoric structure on their land have found a better way of making money than growing potatoes. They now charge the tourist to see their artefacts.
You couldn't go into the fort because of storm damage. So we opted not to pay but to zoom in from the public road. Our host, John, writes that the fort is in danger of falling into Dingle Bay.
Another site that we opted not to pay for, was a cabin abandoned during the Irish potato famine. The cabin has been restored and fitted with artefacts of the time to give the visitor a feel for life during the famine -- very tough times.
These fellows are trimming the hedges along the road. Without their work, the roads would be completely taken by the flora and nearly impassable.
The gulls are not skittish at all as they wait for a handout.
This is the edge of the road, straight down to the bay.
This is remarkable stone work. These buildings were built with no mortar, just cutting and stacking the stones precisely.
Not sure how they figured the dates.
Amazing buildings.
They had a great view from outside their dwellings.
It was worth the €2 that it cost to climb the steep hill.
Back on the road it gets even better.
The road is narrow and on the edge; at least there is a solid guard rail!
These are the Blasket Islands off Slea Head.
Tom climbed the hill at Dunquin which is supposed to be the western most settlement in Europe. Not sure how some of these statistics are decided. It appears that the settlement on Blasket Island would qualify. This standing stone was on top of the hill.
If the camera would allow, you could get a 360 degree panoramic shot.
Below the hill is the western most beach in Europe -- a wild and beautiful beach.
From atop the hill, we were able to get a pano showing the water on both sides of the point.
Down off the hill and back on the road, we find Jesus again.....
on a narrow and steep road....
with great views.
The buses and the photographers DO have an issue here.
Ah, the anticipated coffee break finally arrives. The strawberry and rhubarb crumble was not bad either.
Back to flat land....aaaaaahhhhh!
Another church with HMMG.
This is also a church of sorts. It is called an Oratory (Latin for prayer) and was used for early Christian gatherings.
It is reported to be somewhere between 1100 and 1300 years old. The Oratory was made using only stone -- no mortar. It is held together by gravity. It is a testament to the quality of stone working in those days.
The building is laid out east-west in length so that the morning sun comes in the door and the evening sun in the window. The stones sloped and overlapped such that rain water is kept out.
After all these years the inside is still dry.
The standing stone has a Celtic cross. This area may have been a burial ground.
Looks like we are back in Charleston!
Color, Color everywhere!
This is the front of the restaurant where we had dinner last night! Doesn't look appealing, does it? Had we not read the reviews, we wouldn't have entered! Kathy didn't even realise it was our restaurant till we had passed it.
This shop was one of the most popular in Dingle! Kathy heard a few different groups of women talking......they buy the hat FIRST and then shop for a dress to go with it!
Tonight we are dining at Doyle's, highly recommended by John.
Kathy is really hung up on this fried cheese starter. Each time, however, there is a different presentation, flavor or ingredient; this time it is sweet chill sauce and roasted tomatoes.
To me, Kathy, chowder is chowder, but Tom insists that each has its own flavour, too!
Tom's plate looks like a Christmas present! Sea Bass on potatoes surrounded by peas and tomatoes. The sauce is similar to Hollandaise. The Irish cuisine has improved 1000% since Tom was here 30 years ago!
This is not a mussel...it is garlic!!!
In downtown Dingle.....
What an appropriate ending to our delightful day! Taken from the verandah at Pax House, approximately 8 p.m.
