When I Think Of Ireland …..

“When I think of Ireland….”  What comes to mind as you attempt to finish this sentence?

Last month, as part of our giveaway for My Ireland Box, entrants were asked what crafts come to mind when thinking of Ireland, or simply to tell us what they love about Ireland.  The answers posted by readers were beautiful, awe inspiring, and lyrically poetic.

I thought I might share some readers’ words today, because they captured so much of what is good about Ireland. 

When you search online for reasons to love Ireland, lists of the usual suspects like pubs, Guinness, shamrocks and leprechauns appear. While these are all valid reasons, I think all of you captured something more spiritual in your answers. So much so, I believe they are deserving of a blog post all of their own.

And so without further ado, here is a selection of your beautiful words:

 Ireland Collage

“When I think of Ireland, I think of comfort food, great

scenery, awesome music, pride, and warm people. I think of a

homeland that I haven’t stepped foot on, but know my heart is

always there.”

- Christina

 

“I love how friendly the people are

and how beautiful the country is.”

- Beth

 

 

“When I think of Ireland, I think of the beautiful green

countryside and the wild sea, cozy pubs full of laughter

and smoke, foamy stouts, mouth-watering fish and chips,

creamy potato soup, and rustic breads.”

- Erin

Colcannon

“I studied abroad in Ireland last year, and cherish my

memories of walking around Galway enjoying the booths filled

with everything from jewelry to knitted garments to fresh

food. Now, each time I see an Irish-made good, it fills me with

comfort and happiness.”

- Emily

 

 

“I literally love everything about Ireland. I love

the green hills, I love the accents, I love the food,

I love the cozy atmosphere of the homes people

get to grow up in. I just love it.”

- Elizabeth

 

 

“When I think of Irish crafts, I think of wooden boats,

knitted sweaters, and musical instruments.

When I think of Ireland, I think of the beauty

of the land and the sea and the people.”

- Kari

Photos Of Ireland In Collage

“Since discovering Celtic Thunder 2 years ago my love for the

Irish and Ireland has grown. I have many Irish friends now

and the way they talk of Ireland makes me long for it too. 

Everything seems magical and beautiful there – the feel of the

nature surrounding you! They are a very warm and friendly

people. They put a lot of care and love into what they do.”

- Elaine

 

“When I think of Ireland or any craft that may come from

there, I think of the purest happiness I have ever found, I

found on those shores. The most genuine people, the most

precious land and where my heart feels at its most real home.”

- Chrissy

 

“… My heart is Irish and I dream in GREEN!!!!”

- Marie

Six Photos Of Ireland

“…. We haven’t found an unpleasant person in Ireland.

They have all been very helpful, funny and just so nice.”

- Mary

 

“The beauty of Dingle and the whole peninsula is tough to

match. From the Sleeping Giant, Connor’s Pass, Beehive Huts,

Inch Beach and further inland the lakes of Killarney, they all

take you to a magical place. So much history, kindness that is

matched by none, and a richness in heritage, all shape this

area. Great products from the sea, brown bread, cheeses, Celtic

Cross jewelry, beautiful paintings, pottery, they abound.

An isle full of wealth, not necessarily always monetarily,

but a sincere pureness.”

- Catherine

 

“I am very proud of my heritage. I come from a line of

survivors. Passed down through generations was the love of

baking, cooking, writing, reading, crocheting…..all Irish.”

- Betty

Irish Photos

“When I think of Ireland, I think of my Nana

and the stories she told me about the stories

and love woven into the items that were knitted.

I also wear her cross that has stones from Connemara.”

- Carol

 

I always think of wonderful handknitted sweaters, Irish

tweeds, and all shades of green when Ireland is mentioned.

I think also of hot scones and strong tea with a splash of milk.

Hope that one day I can visit.

- Wendy

 

“I think of beautiful scenery, emerald green fields,

a brisk wind weaving the grasses, the kiss of dew on leaves. 

The food, the peat fires, the simple life.”

- Maile

 

Thanks to everyone for their lovely comments, and above all for your love of Ireland.  And a big thanks to Katharine from My Ireland Box who sponsored our giveaway.  Tomorrow I will reveal the lovely surprise contents of the April craft box.  Subscribers received it by mail a few days ago, so hopefully I won’t need any spoiler alerts.

Feel free to continue this conversation in the comments section below.  I love to hear what stands out about Ireland, what makes it different, and special for you.

 

Slán agus beannacht leat!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

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A Soft Day, Thank God

“A soft day” is a phrase you will hear frequently in Ireland.  In the west of the country it is usually followed with a gracious salutation, of “thank God.”  These soft days occur regularly where Atlantic mists envelope the mountains.

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A soft day is a description of the weather, and is probably very unique to the Emerald Isle.  It is a day when the precipitation is a cross between mist and drizzle and is sometimes referred to as “mizzle”.

The rain does not fall to the ground in heavy droplets, but seems to hover and linger in the air.  Yet this rain is too heavy to be classified as mist, and it is not vaporous and rolling like fog.   It only takes a  few minutes outdoors on a soft day, to be soaking wet.

A soft day is refreshing, and can be unexpectedly bright.  The air is crisp, but not sharply cold. It’s just damp, damp, damp.

Irish MistImage Credit

 As I was writing this post I remembered a poem we learned at school describing these soft Irish days.  The English poet, Winifred M. Letts, spent quite some time in Ireland as a little girl.  Her poem “A Soft Day, Thank God” describes these typical Irish days with magical words.  In the first verse she says:

 

“A soft day, thank God!

A wind from the south

With a honey’d mouth;”

 

Then in the second verse she adds:

 

“A soft day, thank God!

The hills wear a shroud

Of silver cloud;”

 

Waking up on a soft day requires decisions -  is it a “day for the bed or the high stool”?

So for anyone planning a trip to Ireland this summer, don’t forget to pack your rain gear.  Not many tourists have the opportunity to spend the day in bed, tucked away from those Irish mists.

 

 

Slán agus beannacht leat!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

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The Celtic Cross by SS Hampton, Sr.

Today I am pleased to share a guest post from SS Hampton, Sr. a full blooded Choctaw Indian from Oklahoma.  While researching the links between his tribe and the Irish he came across my blog and a post I wrote about the Choctaw Nation’s link to the people of Ireland at the time of the Great Hunger. 

He wrote this guest post about his heartfelt connection to the Celtic Cross, a well loved symbol of Ireland.  I am honored to share his story with you today, to celebrate the connection so many people all over the world feel with Ireland.

 Celtic Cross

I am a Choctaw Indian from Oklahoma. Aside from the historical connection between my tribe and the Irish as a result of the 19th century famine known as “The Great Hunger,” I have always appreciated many things Irish, to include the music, dancing, and mythology. A friend and I even went to see Riverdance when they performed in Denver, Colorado many years ago.

Among the many things Irish that I appreciate is the Celtic Cross. I have no explanation why, I just do.

The Celtic Cross, carved from stone or wood, consists of a cross superimposed over a ring, and both are often decorated with Celtic-styled artwork. According to legend the cross was introduced by Saint Patrick during his conversion of the Irish, though Saint Declan is sometimes credited with its creation (he “preceded Saint Patrick in bringing Christianity to Ireland” and founded Ardmore Monastery). There are various theories regarding the origin of the cross design, such as the supremacy of the Christian Church over paganism as symbolized by the ring (sun worship). Regardless of purpose the cross is beautiful in design and stylized artwork.

As my biography mentions, I serve in the Army National Guard (my initial enlistment took place when I was 50 years old). I deployed to Iraq with a SECFOR battalion, security force, in 2006-2007; we were stationed at a convoy support center in northern Kuwait a mile south of the Iraqi border. Every day our Soldiers went north escorting supply convoys to various destinations throughout Iraq. Those first 30 days were rough—the battalion we were replacing lost a Soldier to an IED. The first two weeks on our own there were more casualties from IEDs, including the first death in our battalion.

Such a beginning was enough to make anyone cautious.

During our deployment I was a Human Resources NCO in the company HQ, so I didn’t have to go north. I went north three times. I had served with these Soldiers for years—how could I sit in camp in safety every day without going north, without sharing the danger my comrades faced? Fortunately, when I went north nothing happened.

Was I lucky? Was it simply that it wasn’t my time to experience the danger of combat? I don’t know.

After I volunteered for the upcoming SECFOR mission I had an urge to hunt for something special. Not specifically a good luck charm but something that would give me a feeling of comfort…and maybe safety and strength. I immediately knew when I found what I was looking for—a Celtic Cross.

Every Soldier is issued a set of rectangular metal “dog tags” that contain important information such as blood type and religious preference; they are attached to a thin chain worn around the neck. I put the Celtic Cross on the chain with my dog tags. I wore these through pre-deployment training, and when we boarded the aircraft to deploy overseas. I wore my dog tags and Celtic Cross throughout my tour. When I was on a convoy mission it was a comfort to reach within my uniform shirt under my body armor, and grasp the dog tags and Celtic Cross. Every movement triggered a tiny “clink” of those small objects on a chain that I wore around my neck.

I removed the dog tags and Celtic Cross upon our return to the States and arrival at the demobilization center.

Because I still serve in the Guard, though I may soon retire, I keep uniforms and personal equipment close at hand, ready for immediate packing. My dog tags and Celtic Cross are close by—they are the first things I will pick up if I ever receive orders again.

So, although I enjoy Saint Patrick’s Day as celebrated, and I enjoy many things Irish, there is something wonderfully Irish that I will always appreciate above all: the Celtic Cross.

You know, I really hope to one day visit Ireland before I die. Maybe I can place my hand upon a real stone-carved Celtic Cross.

 

SS Hampton Sr.

SS Hampton Sr.

SS Hampton, Sr. is a full-blood Choctaw of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a divorced grandfather to 13 wonderful grandchildren, a published photographer and photojournalist, and a member of the Military Writers Society of America. He is a serving member of the Army National Guard with the rank of staff sergeant. He served in the active duty Army (1974-1985), the Army Individual Ready Reserve (1985-1995) (mobilized for the Persian Gulf War), and enlisted in the Army National Guard in October 2004; he was mobilized for Federal active duty for almost three years after his enlistment. He is a veteran of Operations Noble Eagle (2004-2006) and Iraqi Freedom (2006-2007). His writings have appeared as stand-alone stories and in anthologies from Dark Opus Press, Edge Science Fiction & Fantasy, Melange Books, Musa Publishing, MuseItUp Publishing, Ravenous Romance, and as stand-alone stories in Horror Bound Magazine, Ruthie’s Club, Lucrezia Magazine, The Harrow, and River Walk Journal, among others. His books are available from Amazon.com.  He is an aspiring painter and is studying for a degree in photography and anthropology—hopefully to someday work in underwater archaeology. After 12 years of brown desert in the Southwest and overseas, he misses the Rocky Mountains, yellow aspens in the fall, running rivers, and a warm fireplace during snowy winters. As of December 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hampton officially became a homeless Iraq War veteran.

 

 

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig

(St. Patrick’s Day Blessings)

Irish American Mom

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Thoughts On The Irish Stereotype

March is moving onwards and once again advertisers are rolling out stereotypical Irish images of shamrocks, rollicking leprechauns and beer-drinking, freckle-faced party goers.

When St. Patrick’s Day approaches, let’s face it, most Americans think of cheesy “Kiss Me – I’m Irish” T-shirts, green beer, Irish fighting songs, claddagh rings and leprechauns.

Irish Stereotype Collage

Collage Created With Some Images from Vintagerio.com

And so I started thinking about whether I find these stereotypical representations of the Irish and Ireland offensive or not?  To answer this question I think we must appreciate how these stereotypes first arose.

The mass exodus of emigrants out of Ireland over the past centuries has resulted in a large Irish diaspora being spread to the four corners of the world.  Differing views of Irish immigrants have developed in the nations where we settled.

Stereotypes have arisen from the perception of Irish immigrants by others, some fueled by a romantic notion of the ‘Emerald Isle’, and some fueled by displays of boorish, drunken behavior.

Whether good or bad, flattering or offensive, there is no denying a strong stereotype is connected with the Irish, especially here in the United States.

There is the assumption that being Irish we are genetically predisposed to drink too much, leading to images of fighting, drunken Irish.  But is this truly offensive?  There is a seed of truth in the origins of this stereotype.

Our love-hate relationship with the demon drink is world renowned.  Unlike other cultures we drink less in the solitude of our own homes, instead preferring the socially stimulating environment of public drinking in aptly named public houses.

Our blarney, bravado, joking, singing, music, drinking and affinity for literature are often displayed openly in a true Irish bar.  So should we really complain when these attributes are assigned to us in advertising caricatures, witty word puns, and media clichés?

Do we want to start a “politically correct” campaign against faux Irish images, claiming they reduce our magnificent heritage to a racial slur, all the while allowing drunkeness to represent Irish pride?

 

And guess what my answer is?

 

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Get over yourself and enjoy it ! ! !

 

As one of America’s oldest, most deeply rooted and largest ethnic groups, we are big enough and bold enough to take it on the chin, and let it all run off us, like water off a duck’s back.

Other cultures might shout out if they were represented by such hackneyed stereotypes, but that doesn’t mean we should too.  If we can’t laugh at ourselves, then we have no business laughing at anyone else, or at anything at all for that matter.

And truth be told, Irish beer, food and hospitality businesses enjoy the attention and increased sales associated with promotion of this Irish stereotype.

If I had the audacity to complain about Irish stereotypes, then would I not need to remove every vintage image of shamrocks and Irish people I have used on my blog over the past year?

So there you have it!  Sit back, relax and enjoy the attention on all things Irish, real or imaginary over the coming days.

In conclusion I think this clever pun on Irish stereotypes sums it all up perfectly:

 

“I’m so sick of all the Irish stereotypes,

As soon as I finish this drink,

I’m punching someone.”

 

 

Slán agus beannacht leat!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

 

P.S.  If this topic piques your interest, we can use this blog to delve deeper into the origins and meanings of different Irish stereotypes.  I believe acceptance of the Irish stereotype gives me license to be sentimental and tell our Irish American story peppered with a little bit of nostalgia.

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County Kerry – The Kingdom

County Kerry is a mystical, rugged, and scenic Irish county that has captivated tourists for hundreds of years, making the Ring of Kerry one of the most famous attractions in all of Ireland.

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Waterville On The Ring Of Kerry At Sunset

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Known as The Kingdom to the people of Kerry, the county is the closest any tourist will get to experiencing an ancient, mythical, Celtic kingdom.  Misty mountains, glacial lakes, rugged peninsulas, magical rainbows, secluded hamlets and windswept beaches await.

Larger towns like Tralee, Killarney and Kenmare provide wonderful accommodations from budget friendly hostels to luxury castle hotels.  Many pubs host live traditional music sessions in the evenings, so tourists can experience the warm welcome of the Kerry people.

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Kerry is one of the six counties of the province of Munster and is the 5th largest county in all of Ireland.

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Ballybunion Beach

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Ballybunion is located in the northern part of the county and is famous for its challenging, blustery golf courses.  The town boasts a statue of President Bill Clinton holding his golf club, to commemorate his trip to the town.

Also famous for its sandy beach, Ballybunion is a surfer’s paradise.

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Listowel And Its Racetrack On The Banks Of The River Feale.

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Located in the very heart of north Kerry on the banks of the river Feale is the town of Listowel.  The ancient stone keep, Listowel Castle, dates back to the 1300′s.  The town is also famous as the home of the writer John B. Keane.  It hosts an annual literary festival and the famous Listowel Races.

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Blennerville Windmill, Ireland’s Largest Windmill, Just Outside Tralee.

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Tralee is the largest town in County Kerry, established in the 13th century.   Tralee town sits beside the River Lee from whence it takes its name, in Irish, Trá Lí meaning ‘strand of the Lee’.  The northern access route onto the Dingle Peninsula starts in the town.

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Candidates For The Rose Of Tralee

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The annual Rose of Tralee Festival crowns one fair maiden as the winner. Her duties, you ask.???  It’s simple – just represent Ireland to the world. No pressure whatsoever!!!

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Gallarus Oratory – Dingle Peninsula

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The Dingle Peninsula has the highest density of ancient archaeological monuments of any other landscape in western Europe.   Almost 70 Ogham stones are dotted around the area. Ogham (pronounced “o-am”) is the earliest form of Irish writing.  It is thought the stones may be old landmarks, or possibly could be signs associated with land ownership.

The Gallarus Oratory pictured above, is a small stone chapel dating back to between the 6th and 9th century AD.

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Clogherhead Beach, Dingle Peninsula

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The Dingle Peninsula is a mountainous finger of land which juts into the Atlantic Ocean.  The Connor Pass connects the peninsula to the Tralee road and offers some of the most amazing ocean views in all of Ireland. Be prepared for some daunting twists and turns, as the road hugs the edge of Atlantic cliffs with sheer drop-offs.  Spectacular beaches await, with breathtaking sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.

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Inch Beach On The Dingle Peninsula

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Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula is a beautiful sandy strand.  The movie Ryan’s Daughter was filmed here.

Dingle, in my estimation, can be counted as one of the most beautiful places in the world.  On a sunny day, there is nowhere on earth quite like it.  And on a wet day, you can’t beat the inviting atmosphere of one of Dingle’s many pubs and cafes.

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Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula

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Slea Head is a promontory on the westernmost point of the Dingle Peninsula offering spectacular views of the Blasket Islands.

The Blasket Islands

The Blasket Islands lie off the coast and were inhabited until 1953.  The islands were home to native Irish speakers, many of whom immigrated from Ireland and settled in Springfield, Massachussets.  Others moved across the water to Dingle, and their descendants continue to live within sight of their island home.

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Killarney

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Killarney is a hub of activity for tourists seeking to undertake a tour of the famous Ring of Kerry.  But my advice is not to rush out of town, but to spend some time savoring the atmosphere and visiting some of the local tourist attractions.

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Ross Castle

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Ross Castle, near Killarney, is open for tours.  It is an example of an Irish chieftan’s stronghold during the Middle Ages.

Muckross House

Within Killarney National Park lies Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion.  Here, tourists can appreciate the lifestyle of Ireland’s once landed gentry.  Downstairs, the basement displays the life of the servants.

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Rhododendrons In Muckross Gardens

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The Gardens at Muckross House are renowned for magnificent azaleas and rhododendrons, a water garden, and rock garden.

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Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park

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Torc Waterfall is one of Killarney’s famous tourist attractions.  You may not wish for rain on your trip to Ireland, but after a good downpour these falls are even more spectacular.  For the more energetic visitor, there are about 100 steps at the side of the falls.  At the top a magnificent view of the lakes awaits.  Torc Waterfall is a busy stopping point for bus and coach tours.

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Jaunting Car – © Copyright Graham Horn and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons License.

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Killarney is well known for its jaunting car tours of the surrounding lakes and national park.  To some this may seem a little too touristy, but trust me, the drivers of these jaunting cars are experts on local culture, environment and history.  They are true entertainers.

I remember taking a jaunting car trip as a child and laughing my heart out at our hilarious driver.  He even told jokes to entertain kids.  As they say in Ireland – “he was a real character”.

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Lakes of Killarney

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To the southwest of the town, lies Killarney National Park, a 26,000 acre expanse of rugged, mountainous country.  The extraordinary combination of misty mountains, reflective lakes, whispering woods and cascading waterfalls, all under tumultuous changing skies, adds magnificence to the scenic beauty of this natural wonderland.

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Carrauntoohil – Ireland’s Highest Mountain

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Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s highest mountain and is part of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks range, which boasts nine of Ireland’s ten tallest peaks.

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Ring Of Kerry Bus Tour – © Copyright Joseph Mischyshyn and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons License.

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Many tourists envision the Ring of Kerry as a town, or a place they can visit for an hour or two.  The Ring is in fact a looping road which winds for 179 kilometers around the Iveragh Peninsula.  In the summer months, many tour buses can be spotted, winding around the coast or stopped at scenic viewpoints dotted along the route.

Driving the Ring of Kerry is an experience of a lifetime.  Here the mountains meet the ocean with scenic splendor, making this trip one of the world’s most spectacular drives.

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The Town of Kenmare

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The town of Kenmare is a perfect stopping point on a tour of the Ring of Kerry.  South of the busier hub of Killarney, it is a great central point for touring Cork and Kerry.  Brightly colored houses, shops, bars, restaurants and hotels line the streets of this welcoming town, nestled in the Kerry mountains and set against the splendid backdrop of Kenmare Bay.

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Double Rainbow Over Cahergall Stone Fort, Near Cahirsiveen, Co. Kerry

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The Ring of Kerry boasts ancient ringforts, sublime scenery, rainbows, beaches and outdoor activities to suit every tourists needs.

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Beehive Huts In Sneem On The Ring Of Kerry – © Copyright Joseph Mischyshyn and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons License.

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Everywhere in Kerry, it is easy to feel connected to our ancient, mythical past.  Archaeological treasures seem to dot the roadsides and countryside.

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Valentia Island

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Valentia Island is located on the western loop of the famous Ring, and for such a small island boasts an amazing history.

The oldest footprints in the northern hemisphere were found on the cliffs here.  Slate from the island’s quarry was exported all over the world and was used to roof the Paris Opera House and the London Houses of Parliament.

The first weather forecasting station was set up here in 1860 and the first transatlantic cable landed here in August 1858.  This little island deserves a blog post all of its own.

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Little Skellig from Skellig Michael – Islands In The Atlantic

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The Skellig Islands, off the Kerry coast, are home to a 7th century monastic complex, perched on the steep sides of the rocky island of Skellig Michael.  The extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors.  The site is therefore exceptionally well preserved.

And so we come to the end of our tour of County Kerry.  There are many places I had not time nor space to include today, but trust me, if there is a county in Ireland that is not to be missed, County Kerry falls into that category.

Here are some links to help with planning a trip to this Celtic Kingdom of Kerry.

Discover Ireland – Kerry

Ring of Kerry Tourism

Kerry Tourism

Dingle Peninsula Tourism

For links to Irish American Mom’s tour of the other counties of Ireland here is the link:

Ireland: County-By-County

 

Wishing you all happy travels in the land of my birth.

 

Slán agus beannacht leat!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

 

 

 

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