Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Carrick-a-Rede Terifying Rope Bridge, Tranquil Spaces, IRELAND




Carrick-a-Rede. Blue-green waters and moss-topped rocky islands accompany walkers on the winding path to the famous rope bridge.


The swaying planked rope bridge spans an 80-foot chasm and mouth of an ancient volcano, swinging 1,000 feet above the blue green sea. It is hailed as one of the most frightening bridges in the world. I made it half way across and did dare to look down—fleetingly—once or twice. To add to the angst of its height, wind rocks the bridge and fellow crossers make it bounce. However, the bridge today is a cakewalk compared to when it was originally erected in 1775 by fishermen hauling gear and catch—only a single hand rope with widely-spaced slats.  Although no one has been injured falling off the bridge, many visitors each year are unable to face the return crossing, and have to be taken off the island by boat.








Monday, May 15, 2017

The Burren, IRELAND



The Burren’s limestone has been dissolved and eroded in such a way that the exposed rock resembles the pieces of a puzzle. Due to its long growing season and unusual soil content, arctic, Mediterranean and alpine vegetation grow side-by-side and many rare plants thrive in the niches among the rocks.  The Burren is also rich with archaeological sites—with more than 90 megalithic tombs, portal dolmens, and a number of ring forts.

Poulnabrone dolmen is constructed of limestone slabs. The remains of nearly 30 Neolithic people, including many children and infants, were found here.  The dolmen dates between 4200 BC and 2900 BC.


Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Bunratty Folk Park, Bunratty IRELAND



Bunratty Folk Park.  This living museum of 19th century Ireland is set on 26 acres. More than 30 homes, shops, and other buildings are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared given their purposes and social standing—from the poorest one-room fisherman’s hut, to a gypsy caravan, to a country cottage, to the proper Georgian residence (Bunratty House).

Village Street reinvents a collection of typical 19th century Irish buildings including a school, doctor’s house, grocery, hardware shop, post office, and a working licensed pub.


The Walled Garden.

Ardcroney Church.