Magical Places - Travel photos of mystical places worldwide

The ever splendid Emerald Isle, land of endless green countryside... shadow swept rolling hills...castles, forts and stone circles...

From ancient Celts to medieval knights to leprechauns and faeries, Ireland is truly a magical land rich in history and lore.

I've been to this magical land twice now: September 1996 and May 2000. Both trips were a glorious exploration of southwest Ireland, including Dingle Peninsula, Killarney and the beautiful Ring of Kerry.

Click the images for a larger view

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher panorama view

The grandeur is unbelievable... You can actually walk right to the cliff edge!

Turn right to follow the path to O'Brien's Tower...

Stunning coastal scenery just beyond O'Brien's Tower

Hostels in Ireland

Shannon

Click the images for a larger view

A stroll through this magical Tolkeinish land...

Ireland has the most beautiful countryside I've ever seen

Dingle Peninsula

Click the images for a larger view

Cead Mile Failte! (Gaelic for 'One Hundred Thousand Welcomes')

Slea Head on the western coast of Dingle Peninsula. Dingle's energy is so unique - very ancient and haunting

Slea Head a bit further up the road

My B&B was nearby in Ventry: Mount Eagle Lodge
If you're heading to Dingle stay here for a friendly welcome, reasonable prices and stunning views!

Path to ancient Celtic Dunbeg Fort, down by the shore

Dunbeg Fort

The peninsula is chock-full of ancient ruins such as this one

View of Clogher Head from Dunquin

Hostels in Dingle

Scenery from Clogher Head looking to the northern coast of Dingle.

See the 3 bumps in the middle? Those are called the 3 Sisters.

A snaking road through the center of Dingle takes you high up to Connor Pass. The views will astound you...

Gallarus Oratory

Over 1300 years old, this watertight, perfectly symmetrical structure was made without mortar - only rocks fitted perfectly together.
Pretty amazing...

Kilmalkedar Church

One of the many ancient ruins still standing on the peninsula

Kilmalkedar Church

A look inside...

The ruins of Riasc Monastary dating from the 7th century

Though in ruins, Riasc seemed to me to be so alive. I kept sensing ghosts of little children running around -- then on a nearby plaque I read the site had once been a children's graveyard

Ogham stone at Riasc

Killarney

Click the images for a larger view

The charming town of Killarney

With friendly people and gorgeous scenery nearby, once I arrived I didn't want to leave!

Everywhere are B&Bs and souvenir shops...

Unlike American homes, many homes in Ireland do not have front lawns, but rather have driveways extending the entire width of the house, often with ornately patterned masonry.

Killarney National Park

Entrance to this glorious green park on the outskirts of Killarney

Knockreer Estate

Hostels in Killarney

The Ring of Kerry

Click the images for a larger view

Gap of Dunloe

A winding road leads through a dramatic gorge created by glaciers.

Gentle sheep dot the countryside on the tip of the peninsula

On the road to Glenbeigh. Driving on the left side of the road was actually fun!

Moll's gap

Breathtaking view of the mountains. The interplay of sun and clouds sweeps dramatic shadows over the terrain.

Staigue Fort

Constructed (without mortar) in the Iron Age, this fort is one of the best preserved in Ireland. (from a postcard)

Hostels in County Kerry

Exploring the inside...

Ladies View

By far the most beautiful spot on the Ring of Kerry, in my opinion.

Ladies View

A view fit for a lady...

Click the images for a larger view

Carrigafoyle Castle

Of all the castles in Ireland, to me this one was the most fantastic. Located just south of Shannon on the western coast, it dates from the 15th century and stands unrenovated. A stone spiral staircase takes you up 5 flights!

A look inside...

So much is left intact after all these centuries