Sunset from Drishane: Bealtaine

Running late having had a magical evening last night. It was the true Bealtaine, a cross quarter day and the start of summer, and the best place to watch significant cosmic things was of course from two weird and massive standing stones in Drishane gardens, from which spot you can watch the sun illuminate then disappear behind a stone ringfort way up on the hill. We went with Finola and two of her friends, one young woman an astro-physicist, and met up with another two friends at Drishane house, where Tom Somerville and his two sons joined us. Drishane house is a wonderful place, the home of Edith Somerville of the Irish RM fame and it is still in the family. It overlooks the Atlantic and Horse Island and not only is the house beautiful but the estate is magnificent with massive trees and startling views in every direction. The evening was crisp and sunny and we marvelled at the huge stones, no one quite sure what they are but they are covered in cupmarks. Just before sunrise the clouds cleared a little and Hal passed around a clever device made from three pairs of sunglasses so we could all see the sun disappear behind the fort.  We walked back through a bluebell wood and went to visit one more stone, now lauded over by the estate cat. Fabulous.  And can you see the angel?


And I’m off to North Cork tonight for a pattern and Mass at Inghne Bhuidhe’s holy well so might catch up tomorrow.


And it was Joe’s birthday. Esme had made him a beautiful card and a fox glove puppet which fitted him perfectly. He also got a cake in the shape of a koala bear. 


And there are too many extras but they will go soon.