One's first impression of Ireland is awe at its beauty. It is hard to believe that a country that is about the size of South Carolina can contain so much topographical variety , rich history, charm, and lovliness.
The scenery is breathtaking and each view is more magnificent than the one before. This is Killiney Bay looking toward Sugarloaf, the mountain that is a landmark in Co. Wicklow. Co. Wicklow is the garden spot of Ireland and it is easy to understand how it got its nickname. A careful look at the photo will reveal the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train. Imagine this view greeting the commuters into and out of Dublin City each day!
Powerscourt Gardens and Home were laid out during the 19th Century. The 6th and 7th Viscounts Powerscourt travelled all over Europe to collect works of art and ideas for this outstanding example of gardens in the Hight Victorian Style.
The Terraces were designed by Daniel Robertson and complete in 1875. Located under the Great Sugar Loaf, the marble statues and urns are decoratively places throughout.
The ruins of the church at Glendalough present the visitor with a sense of going back in time. The old stone remains of the church lead one to use his/her imagination to go return to a time when the residents took refuge in the tower near the church to defend their land, families and place of worship.
The River Liffey separates Dublin City into two parts. The city bustles and it is nice to see that some of the historical integrity has remained. While some of the old Georgian architecture has been razed to make room for new construction, there has been an effort in some areas to restore and maintain the beautiful Georgian doors and wrought iron balconies that mark that 19th century era.
Galway, on the West Coast of Ireland is a busy city which is home to many students. On the shores of Galway Bay, there is a romance attached to the city that has been immortalized in song. In the picture above, one can see the Aran Islands in the distance.
Down the coast from Galway, in County Clare are the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs are ruggedly beautiful and are worn by the thousands of years of surf crashing against them. The view is spectacular from the paths that have been provided. No trip to Ireland would be complete without a trip to the Cliffs.
There are some who would venture closer to the "edge" than is truly safe. It appears that there is a cave at the base of one of the cliffs. One has to wonder how many people have explored these beautiful surroundings over the thousands of years they have been here.
Dingle, on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry is the termination of the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream keeps the country from being too cold considering Ireland is located between 52º and 55º North Latitude.
From Dingle a drive to Dún Chaoin (Dun Quin) gives a beautiful of the Great Blasket Island, the largest of the Blasket Island group.
At the side of the road a shrine was built. The roads are very narrow but the views along the way are breathtaking. One is struck by the rocky landscape in this area of Ireland. There are large areas for sheep to graze and there are many rock walls that have been erected.
One might also note that the wildlife in the area is fearless. These two gulls were very friendly, no doubt looking for a handout of some food. The Blaskets can be seen in the background.
One of the highlights of a trip to Ireland has to be a trip to Ballymaloe House. The Ballymaloe cooking school is famous around Ireland and around the world. Ballymaloe House not only showcases fine dining in what can only be termed a symphony of food, but the house itself is unique, located near Midleton, County Cork. The property is difficult to find but well worth the effort. Each room is uniquely and tastefully decorated and affords the guests a variety of activities including golf, tennis, croquet, or just a restful place to relax. The giftshop is also a treat, containing a wide variety of items, not the least of which are cookbooks from the cooking school and a nice selection of kitchen gadgets.
While in Midleton, a trip to the Jameson Distillery is a definite must. The guided tour is very well done and includes a "sip" at the end of the tour. There is a very complete gift shop there as well.
There are so many more pictures and so many more memories of Ireland, but I will add more over time.
