Attended Solemn (sung) Vespers in Latin in this contemporary church.
Travel: Ireland / Abbey of Saints Joseph and Columba Glenstal
Travel: Ireland / Cliffs of Moher
A two hour drive today out to the Cliffs of Moher, which are on the edge of the Burren. A beautiful scene looking up and down the coast and out over the Atlantic. There at mid-day, so the sun wasn’t quite on the cliffs at the time.
Directly behind me from the 2nd picture above is O’Brien’s Tower, which was constructed in 1835.
For you Harry Potter fans, that cave is where Harry and Dumbledore found the locket…
To give you a perspective as to how tall the cliffs are, I’ve circled some people standing at the top. Apparently it is the place to fling yourself off if you’ve been rejected by your love. I think it would do the job.
If you ever make it to Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, I can earnestly recommend to you The Roadside Tavern. (Pictures not mine) I had the lamb, which was outstanding. I sat at the table there in the middle, although I did not line the beers up like that.
Your’s truly looking particularly windblown and in need of a shave.
Travel: Ireland / Rock of Cashel
The picture below is not mine, but is Devil’s Bit Mountain. The Devil’s bit is that gap in the middle.
Legend has it that Saint Patrick vanquished the devil from a cave. The devil became so infuriated that he took a bite out of the mountain. When he did, he broke a tooth. Being in pain, he spat out the mountain and his tooth. The site of the Rock of Cashel (about 22 miles south of Devil’s Bit Mountain) is the bit of the mountain and the devil’s broken tooth that was spat out. Originally the Rock of Cashel was a castle, but was later donated to the church by someone seeking favor. From there, it was transformed into a great community. It now lays in ruin, but you get an idea of what it once was.
From the website (Source):
Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, The Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.
Originally the seat of the kings of Munster, according to legend St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity (note: this occurred in the year 432 a.d.) Brian Boru was crowned High King at Cashel in 978 and made it his capital.
In 1101 the site was granted to the church and Cashel swiftly rose to prominence as one of the most significant centres of ecclesiastical power in the country.
As with all cities and castles, it was built on a hill to give a commanding view of the surrounding lands.
Cormac’s Chapel dates to the 11th century. Pictured below is the restored chapel. In the process of the restoration, beautiful frescos were discovered beneath the centuries of dirt and whitewash. Although no longer fully intact, the second image is what it is believed to have originally looked like.
After such a hard day of walking and looking, what better place to stop than a traditional Irish pub and have a very tasty Irish coffee.
I hear that the weather has been absolutely remarkable and it was again today, although a bit blustery. The foot is doing well and did not give me any grief. A very good day. Next Wednesday, I travel again. Where will I land this time?
Camino: a day in Los Arcos
It only looks like I need to wash my feet, but it is actually a bruise on my right foot brought on by a stress fracture. The swelling was enough this morning that I could barely get my sandal on. I did not try my shoes.
And, yes, I am aware that I have finger toes, and that there is a massive gap where another toe could fit in.
What does this all mean? I am seeking further advice from a podiatrist. I have to be out of this hotel by noon tomorrow so things could happen quickly.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller.
Stick with me my blog reading friends, we have a change of plans. Two to four weeks of little walking or it will be a couple of months in a boot. I choose to rest, and what better place to rest than the Irish countryside. I’ll be there for three to four weeks, then we’ll see what’s next. Heck, I already have an invitation from friends to meet them in Vienna and I’m definitely still planning on Norway. Regardless of the aches and pains, life is very good. Love living it.
Tomorrow is mostly travel: hotel to bus stop (car), Los Arcos to Logroño (bus), Logroño to Madrid (bus… about 4.5 hours), and Uber to hotel. The flight to Dublin leaves Saturday morning.
Dora sent me this one…
I do believe that I will. Can’t wait!
Candle in a Cave 