Oirish
Wind and rain in the night cleared to leave a beautiful day - bright and breezy. We headed out to take photos where there are a few gaps in the book and to check a few things.
We started at the local stone circle. The gorse has been cleared from around it and a large holly tree cut down from behind one of the stones. It felt quite different. We then went off towards Durrus to locate the grave of JG Farrell, rather dull, and take a few photos of the church. The rooks were nesting in the trees high overhead and making an enormous racket. On to an old creamery - very dull and we both agreed the best picture would be of the decaying and peeling paintwork on the door. Himself surprised me though by leading the trespass! There is a small abandoned mill next door and he was off, through the a gap in the fence, battling with brambles to have a peer inside. I followed soon after. Very interesting for all its bits are still inside including a big wooden hopper. On to Vaughan's Pass high above Bantry and on a clear day you can see for miles. It was hazy today but still spectacular. The wind was blowing madly as we trudged off to look at Queen Medbh's tomb - a rather forlorn and battered wedge tomb. Not really worth the 20 minute detour we decided. Down to the town and a linger outside the hospital - the site of the former workhouse. Very unpicturesque but we did venture into the old graveyard - just a grassy space now with a single cross remembering the hundreds buried there during the Famine.
Homewards with a quick stop off at the Kilnaruane stone - an intricately carved cross base, now in a muddy field with no protection from the elements. Himself was flagging by this time and stayed in the car, as he did when I yomped across yet more mud to visit the Blessed Well. This is an ancient site, still venereated and the whole area is covered in offerings to the BVM. The water is not terrifically clean or enticing but here is this little plastic cup should you wish to partake - rampant with Oirishness: shamrocks, leprechauns, toadstools galore, and do check what he's reading! I looked into the well hoping to see the resident eel - guaranteed everlasting joy to those that glimpse him, but no sign.
Wrecked now.
By the way - yesterday's tyger was the reflection from this , buoyant at high tide! Thanks for all the guesses.
Comments
Sign in or get an account to comment.