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Ireland Photos including Cliffs of Moher, Dingle and the Ring of Kerry
Ireland Map

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.

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Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

 

Cliffs of Moher panorama view

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

 

O'Brien's Tower at the Cliffs of Moher

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stunning coastal scenery just beyond O'Brien's Tower

 

The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

Shannon

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Shannon, Ireland
Shannon, Ireland

 

A stroll through this magical Tolkeinish land...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ireland has the most beautiful countryside I've ever seen

 

Dingle Peninsula

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Dingle Peninsula in Ireland
Slea Head on Dingle Peninsula in Ireland
Path to Dunbeg Fort on Dingle Peninsula
Dunbeg Fort on Dingle Peninsula
Clogher Head on Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

 

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

 

The 3 Sisters on Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

 

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

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

 

View from Conner Pass on Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Gallarus Oratory in Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Kilmalkedar Church on Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Kilmalkedar Church on Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Riasc Monastery Ruins on Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Riasc Monastery Ruins on Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Ogham Stone at Riasc

 

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

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Killarney, Ireland
Killarney, Ireland
Killarney, Ireland
Killarney National Park, Ireland
Knockreer Estate, Killarney

 

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

 

The Ring of Kerry

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The Gap of Dunloe at the Ring of Kerry, Ireland
The Ring of Kerry, Ireland
The Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Glenbeigh on the Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Moll's Gap on the Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Staigue Fort on the Ring of Kerry, Ireland

 

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)

 

Staigue Fort on the Ring of Kerry, Ireland

 

Exploring the inside...

 

Ladies' View on the Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Ladies' View on the Ring of Kerry, Ireland

 

Ladies View

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies View

A view fit for a lady...

 

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Carrigafoyle Castle

Carrigafoyle Castle, Ireland
Carrigafoyle Castle, Ireland
Carrigafoyle Castle, Ireland
Carrigafoyle Castle, Ireland

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Climbing almost to the top looking out on the glorious countryside

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking down from the very top...Don't fall!

 

The Rock of Cashel

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The Rock of Cashel, Ireland
The Rock of Cashel, Ireland
The Rock of Cashel, Ireland
Path to Hore Abbey, Ireland
Hore Abbey, Ireland
Hore Abbey, Ireland
Hore Abbey, Ireland

 

Dating back to the 5th century, this impressive building stands proud atop a high hill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A look up at round tower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stepping into the elaborately ornate cathedral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strolling down a pretty path to the remains of Hore Abbey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hore Abbey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploring the archways and doorways of this fascinating structure, imagining what it must have looked like centuries ago...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A peek into one of the many doorways

 

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