Dingle - here we come!!

On our way to Dingle we took the scenic Connor Pass route. Along the way we happened upon this cool mountain lake. We hiked half way up the mountain to the galacial lake. I know what you're thinking - "Bob Patterson hiking? On vacation?? In Ireland??? Shouldn't he be in a pub drinking somewhere?"

When we were hiking back down we met a group of boys - probably around 16 or 17 years old - heading up the mountain with towels. I asked if they were going swimming. They answered "Yes". Now, this was a glacial lake. Don't think there would be much action with the ladies that night!!!

So, we arrived in Dingle, checked in to our B&B, then went for a walk. Little Red Dog made friends with Dingles mascot, Fungie the Dolphin. He frolics in the Dingle Harbor. 

Next day we went for a drive around the Dingle Peninsula and stopped at one of the many beaches. Of course, I had to stick my toe in the water. Now I have had my foot in both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. In the Canadian Maritimes and in Europe.

On our drive around the peninsula some of the sights we saw:

 A potato famine era farm. Boy, times were rough then. Very stark conditions.

These bee hive were quite plentiful. They are believed to house animals or perhaps farm implements.

A patchwork of fields on the side of the mountains.

The beach where part of "Ryan's Daughter" was filmed with Robert Mitchum & Sarah Miles.

The sleeping giant - a distant relative of the one near Thunder Bay, Ontario

The Gallrus Oratory. The smallest church in Ireland. It is believed to have been built between the 6th century and 9th century.

Another church ruin. What is interesting about this one is the stone pillar in the foreground. Notice the hole near the top. This is where people would come to "seal a deal" centuries ago. Standing on the graves of their ancestors and in front of the house of God, they'd "swear to God" by touching thumbs through the stone. You can use the stone to renew your marriage vows. (Which, of course, we did!!)