Boat trip no 2

Along with Devenish Island in Lough Erne,  visited yesterday, we were also keen to visit White Island. However, the little ferry that used to take visitors across ceased operating some years ago. 
You can rent a small boat though, and take yourself across. We were in two minds earlier in the week, as it's been very windy at intervals; neither of us has much confidence with boats (even little motor boats).  Maybe we're also feeling our age a bit :-)
Anyway, today was flat calm on the Lough, and off we went from a local marina. Navigating out on the Lough can be confusing - there are so many tiny wooded islands.  So it's not unknown for inexperienced tourists like us to get lost and to have to phone for help.  
No problems today, however, though I did get out the iPhone at one point to check that we really were heading for the right jetty on the right island.
What a reward when we got there... This array of early Christian figures - thought to date from the 9th century - is absolutely stunning. The ruined church in which they are sited is thought to date from the 12th century. To be there on our own, in all the peace and quiet, was an added delight. Richard visited the island over 30 years ago, but it was the first visit for me.
As with so many places of this kind, there are mysteries and ambiguities about meanings and about historical details. That's fine with me; the beauty of the figures, and the atmosphere of the place, are enough. 
There's an overview here:
White Island Figures