I’m sure this castle has a name but I don’t know it. It’s located off the Sky Road, outside Clifden, in County Galway, Ireland. This image is just so quintessentially Irish……castle ruins, relentless ivy covering it, emerald fields, stone walls, gentle mountains, the Atlantic Ocean…..it has it all!
Copyright 2012 Mary Jane E Clark
It’s the season……………I forgot yesterday was Monday! This is Dunluce Castle on the County Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland. Legend has it that part of the castle tumbled into the sea, carrying several of the help, during a bad winter storm. It’s precarious perch makes for a spectacular sight very close to the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmill’s Distillery. For you golfers, the golden strand of beach in the background is part of the Royal Portstewart Golf Club, which hosted the British Open this year.
Copyright 2012 Mary Jane E Clark
This portal tomb, at Craggaunowen in County Clare, is a Stone Age burial chamber. It dates to between 2750 – 2000 B.C. and is one of many found around Ireland. No one is sure why these dolmens were constructed in such a manner but there is certainly a ceremonial, ritualistic meaning to them. When I see these, I find myself wondering who built them, who’s buried there, what were their lives like, who did they love…………………….?
Copyright 2012 Mary Jane E Clark
Crannogs (“small islands built with young trees”) are artificial islands built of layers of wood, peat, stone, heather and soil using the simplest of tools. They are surprisingly long-lasting and were built from the 6th through the 17th centuries as defended farmsteads, craft centers, storehouses for valuables, jails and hideouts for rebels and recluses. Although there are over 1200 known remains in Ireland, few have been properly excavated. This one is found at the entrance to the Bonane Heritage Park in County Kerry.
Copyright 2012 Mary Jane E Clark
This is the magical Newgrange Tumulus, a part of the Bru na Boinne (Palace of the Boyne). It’s a Stone Age necropolis built around 3200 B.C., 600 years earlier than the Pyramids at Giza and 1,000 years before Stonehenge. As well as being a final resting place for the ancient kings, it is also thought to have been a center for rituals. The alignment of the tomb with the rays of the rising sun on the winter solstice indicate a deeper, astronomical/astrological purpose……………no one is sure. The white quartzite exterior is NOT a recent addition and the stones were quarried on County Wicklow, over 70 km away, during a time predating the horse, cart and even wheel. The Stone Age people of Ireland in no way resembled the Flintstones!
Click on the highlighted words for more information and on the photo for a larger image.
Copyright 2012 Mary Jane E Clark
This bullaun is called the “Rolls of Butter” and dates back to about 3500 BC. It is the only multiple stone bullaun so far discovered, anywhere in the world. It’s located near Bonane, County Kerry, Ireland. Its purpose is a bit of a mystery but the placement of the wells mirror the lower part of the constellation of Orion as well as Sirius. There is an amazing number of astronomical features throughout the area, including stone circles, stone rows, standing stones etc.
As always, click on photo to see a larger image.
Copyright 2012 Mary Jane E Clark
This is O’Brien’s Tower at the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland. What intrigued me is that the cliffs are over 700 feet high, so that plume of water had the force of the Atlantic behind it! Remember, you can always click on the image to enlarge or on a highlighted word to learn more.
copyright 2011 Mary Jane E Clark
I just love exploring the ruins in Ireland! This was taken from inside Trim Castle (County Meath) looking toward the old abbey ruins. BTW, Trim Castle was featured in Mel Gibson‘s “BRAVEHEART“. (For a larger view, simply click on photo)
