Well the good weather has disappeared so that must mean I’m on the move again! Heading to counties Kerry and Clare in Ireland’s southwest and once more packing for 4 seasons!
We spent a few days in Kerry last summer and as I looked out at Skellig Michael I swore that if I were ever in Kerry again in summertime, I’d make the trip. Of course that was highly unlikely to happen because post covid I’d be off the island in a shot and all my travel fund would be spent on foreign shores!
So … here I am! And yes – I’ve booked Skellig Michael for next week. I’m totally ill equipped for the adventure – bad on boats and no head for heights -should be fun! Fun, that is, if we get going at all -it’s weather dependent and it’s not looking good at the moment! It’s not a matter of bumping the trip to another day – boats are usually fully booked so if you don’t get out on your designated sailing then bad luck – see you next year!
The UNESCO listed island of Skellig Michael is the site of an old Irish monastery. Monks occupied this isolated place from the 6th century. Situated about 12km from shore, conditions must have been harsh – especially in winter. Days would have been filled with prayer and physical work. Their diet probably consisted of fish and bird eggs. By the 12th/13th century, the monks had relocated to a priory on the mainland but it’s thought that they continued to use the island as a place of pilgrimage during the summer months.
It is a testament to the skills of those monks that so much can still be seen today in its original form. The monastery is accessed by over 600 steps and is made up of churches, the famous bee hive huts (where the monks slept) the cemetery and garden. There is a hermitage on the other island peak.
Of course, Star Wars fans will recognise the location from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
I’ve spent the past few evenings phoning bars and restaurants, trying to get dinner reservations for indoor dining. I’d say at least half of those I’ve spoken to are either not considering indoor dining for now or are not taking bookings – citing staffing issues, unclear guidelines and a sour taste left from the number of ‘no shows’ last year. I persevered – I’m not interested at this stage of my life in queuing outside an establishment for up to an hour in the hope of getting an indoor table…. not in Irish weather! And I think I’m sorted…so at least I’ll be fed!
I married a Clare man but it’s years since we actually did any touring as such in the county and I’ve never written even one word about it. So we’re going to spend a few days on the Clare coast before we come back to Dublin.
As with the Mayo trip in June, I’ve scheduled a few challenges over the next 10 days or so – but I won’t be blogging as such. Apologies in advance if I don’t get to reply to you for a while but I will catch up once I’m back in Dublin.
Meanwhile, stay safe y’all and I’ll ‘see’ you in August.
Slán go fóill (Goodbye for now….) Arís (again!)
Looking forward to your adventures Marie. Hope your expectations are all exceeded. Allan
Me too!!! XXXXMarie!
Have a wonderful time, even if not on ‘foreign shores’! I hear you on that topic – who would have thought we’d still be ‘staycationing’ a year on from last summer?! I do hope you make it to Skellig Michael as I’d love to read about it, but I’m looking forward to hearing all about the trip whatever you get up to!
Weather has turned for the worse! Ah sure – what will be will be!! XXXM
Fingers crossed for you 🤞
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Have a great time!! Look forward to reading all about it 🙂
Thanks Hannah –
I hope you get a chance to take the trip over there! Boats and heights withstanding it will be a fabulous adventure. Bernie
It looks amazing so I hope we get there!
Wonderful adventure, Marie
Thank you – looking forward to it……
I hope
Marie and Tom enjoy Kerry and I hope you get out to the Skelligs. I look forward to reading about your rambles through Clare. If your down Doolin way shure you might even get out to the Aran Islands.
Another boat Barry!! 2 on one trip would really be pushing it!!! Looking forward to all of it – and happy travels yourself…..XXXXM
Pack your wellies, waders, brollies, rain-hats, woollen socks and stout shoes, then on top put a sun-dress, sandals and a cardi for evenings. You’ll then be OK for whatever the Irish weather throws at you. Enjoy. I look forward to reading about your trip. I should be back on site again soon.
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Have a wonderful time exploring County Kerry, Marie. I can’t wait to read all about your adventures 🙂 Aiva xx
Thank you Aiva …. XXXM
In nine years I had to come back several times to get some sunshine. Some parts of Clare still seem so far from the 21st century.
Which is wonderful to find – puts a lot of our ‘progress’ in perspective!