1. Landscapes

IRELAND, Kerry Way, Skelligs Rock, & A Dab of Dublin

Cradled by the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea, the Emerald Isle is cloaked with mist, legends, and myths. The western coast, particularly, is a mystical place. Albeit sometimes mucky, slippery, and stony underfoot, the (215km/135 mile) Kerry Way in County Kerry offers a wonderful opportunity to view this part of Ireland year round. Founded in 1978 by Sean O'Sullivan, this Waymarked Walking Route winds along gorgeous oak-conifer forests, whispering wildflower meadows, and bountiful sheep farms. Friendly residents stop their work to chat on this unspoiled, uncrowded path.

Traveling by rocky valleys, lakelands, and seascapes is like stepping back to pre-Christian times. The Way uses middle-ages coaching roads, droving paths, and Mass Paths where believers assembled secretly to practice their faiths. Irish whiskey drinkers met in clandestine rock sheebins to sneak a nip. And, what better way to end today's walk than to enjoy a Guinness and steamed mussles at a local pub while listening to lively Irish musicians?



Shooting up from the ocean are the UNESCO-designated Skelligs Rocks. After ascending 600 steps, the hiker is rewarded with sweeping vistas at the apex of Skellig Michael. Beehive-shaped cells remind viewers of the monks who lived in this remote haven from the 6th or 7th centuries until the 13th. A pebble's toss away is Little Skellig, home to flourishing colonies of seabirds. Seals and dolphins are frequently spotted in the vicinity.

Highlights of Dublin are intermingled with the Kerry and Skelligs batch. Whether you are Irish or just wish you were, I hope that my images stir your senses and desire to go there.

To learn more, contact:

http://www.govisitireland.com
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Boats of Killorglin
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Boats of Killorglin

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  • Captivating Village Boats, Cahersiveen
  • Sea Quest en route to Skelligs Michael from village of Cahersiveen
  • 600 Steps test the cardiovascular system and lungs as one ascends to the top of Skellig Michael. And, oh, the sweeping Atlantic vistas and Monks' abandoned Beehive Cells are worth the climb
  • Apex of Skellig Michael overlooking Little Skellig<br />
Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.<br />
No more than 150 people may occupy Skellig Micael at a time.
  • Little Skellig, site of  flourishing seabird colonies
  • Viewing Little Skellig where seabirds nest
  • Bell Tower, Skellig Michael
  • At the apex of Skelligs Michael lie 6 Beehive Cells where Monks lived in isolation from the 6th or 7th  to 13th centuries
  • Entering Beehive Cell Colony, UNESCO historical site at Skelligs Michael.<br />
Little Skelligs looms in the background.
  • Beehive Cell, once occupied by monks on Skelligs Michael
  • Grave markers, Skelligs Michael
  • The Jaded Path on Skelligs Michael
  • Awesome Sea Energy at Skelligs Michael
  • Bouldered Skelligs Michael
  • Seagull, Skelligs Rock<br />
Numerous seabirds nest and stage at Little Skellig.
  • Boats of Killorglin
  • Seascape, Killorglin
  • Valentia Island, another take-off point to Skelligs
  • Boat en route to Skelligs Rock
  • Cahersiveen Church
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