“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery— air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy.’” — Sylvia Plath Next stop, Killarney, perfect hub for exploring the Ring of Kerry as well as the area’s charming towns and sights. Its nearby Aghadoe outlook offers a sweeping view … More Pure Beauty
“Be like the cliff against which the waves continually break; but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it.” — Marcus Aurelius After lunch and a comfort stop in Doolin Village at where else but Gus O’Connor’s pub (didn’t seem right to pass by an O’Connor family namesake😂), we moved on … More Rugged Coastline
“Legends have always played a powerful role in the making of history.” — Hannah Arendt Killary Harbour is the most dramatic of Ireland’s three fjords. Glaciers carved out a u-shaped valley, known today as the drowned valley. Legend has it that the Devil created the pass by dragging Saint Roc over the mountains by chain. … More Legendary
“On the whole, monks do not become famous – and that is a good thing – but monasteries do – and that is an excellent thing. In other words, it is the community that matters.” — Basil Hume Covering approximately 40,000 sq.’ with a principal wall that was two to three feet thick, Kylemore Castle … More Castle Monastery
“Study the past if you would define the future.” — Confucius Bog Oak sculpture Cong Bird by Galway artist Ronnie Graham overlooks the Cong River. Bog woods are unique to the peat bogs of Ireland where, over several thousand years, the tannins of the bog waters turned ancient submerged trees into haunting black wood and … More Antiquity
“Eternity is a moment standing still forever.” — James Montgomery Founded in the 6th century by St. Ciaran, one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, Clonmacnoise is among the most famous monastic sites in Ireland. Located along the River Shannon, it became a major center of religion and learning, visited by scholars from all over … More Standing Still
“Whisky making is an act of cooperation between the blessings of nature and the wisdom of man.” – Masataka Taketsuru Founded in 1757, Kilbeggan Distillery is the oldest licensed Whiskey distillery in Ireland. (a) * * * A 19th-century waterwheel has been restored to working condition. The distillery can also be powered by a steam … More Distilled Wisdom
“Ireland is so saturated with green that it’s the things not green that catch one’s eye: the roads, walls, shorelines, even sheep…” — Hope Jahren Scenic drive looking down on Galway Bay. Typical view of Ireland – immersed in green, dotted with ruins, framed with stone, softened with gorse and fragrant may flower. Ireland Journey … More Ireland Travels
“The well is within us, and if we dig deeply in the present moment, the water will spring forth.” — Nhat Hanh deep hole in the ground entryway to earth’s essence healing spring water * * * Cool Water ~ Deep spring water held in rock-clad well • Photo at Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford, … More Inner Spring
“I am struck by how precarious it all is. How the things that hold us are only as strong as the faith we have in them.” — David Levithan shaky foundation future built on lies won’t stand needs cement of truth * * * Strong Walls ~ Surging waters encircle solid walls • Photo at … More Precarious
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 