Early Christianity in Ireland

The day was windy and damp, but blankets and complimentary coffee and tea (served with huge scones and sweet jam) chased away the chill as our Viking boat cruised down the Shannon River in Northern Ireland. Sitting on outside benches watching pastoral scenes of cattle and cottages, we made our way from the town of Anthlone to Clonmacnoise, a monastic site one and a half hours away. 

Captain Mike, owner of Viking Tours Ireland helped us understand what cruising on a Viking ship 1200 years ago was like. He was proud of his Viking heritage and provided knowledgeable commentary about this often overlooked branch of the Irish family tree. 

Meadows of grass grow right on the river’s edge; there’s virtually no river bank, so the area is prone to flooding.  But on this summer day, cattle grazed contently, even wandering to patches of land that extended into the water. Because the region is on a migratory path, conservation groups are working to save endangered bird species that come through here in winter or springtime.

As we arrived at the monastic community of Clonmacnoise in the heart of Irish midland, the sun began to shine. Overlooking the River Shannon in County Offaly, Clonmacnoise was founded in 548 by St. Kieran, who brought Christianity to Ireland. Unfortunately, St. Kieran died of the yellow plague at age 33 only seven months after establishing his monastery here.

The settlement was a major center of religion, learning, trade, craftsmanship and politics for several centuries, thanks to its position at a major crossroads of River Shannon.  Although religion was the central focus at Clonmacnoise, the settlement always had a large lay population and thus looked more like a town than a monastery. At its peak, the monastery covered 10 acres.

Scribes labored into the 10^th century, and the church prospered, as evidenced in an abundance of artistic and gold items by the 11^th century. Like nearly all monastic settlements in Ireland, it was plundered on several occasions by Viking and Anglo-Norman invaders. In addition to these attacks, fires and Irish assaults on the land occurred numerous times between the eighth and twelfth centuries. Although the monastery was rebuilt each time it eventually lost influence.  By 1550 it was in ruins; everything of value had been carried off or destroyed.

From the 16^th century onward, there was no actual monastery at Clonmacnoise, but it remains a powerful symbol of early Christianity. Visitors wander among extensive ruins including a cathedral, castle, round tower, numerous churches, two important high crosses, and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs.

Today people make pilgrimages to the tomb of St. Kieran (especially during St. Kieran’s feast day in September) and gather soil to spread on their farms.  Ecumenical ceremonies for Protestants and Catholics are held, and Pope John even preached here in 1979. Clonmacnoise was designated a national monument in 1877, and in 1955 the Church of Ireland transferred the site to the Office of Public Works.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Check out historic flying boats at this Irish museum

If you visit the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula in the southern coastal region of Ireland-- probably the most popular tourist destinations in that country—be sure to stop at the Foynes Flying Boat Museum in County Limerick.

Here you’ll learn about the nostalgic era when Foynes was the center of the aviation world, from 1939 to 1945.

From seaport to air port

The small town of Foynes was an important sea port since 1846 because of its sheltered natural harbor 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and 24 miles from Limerick City. Early in World War II, as aviation became an important strategy, the quiet town on the Shannon River estuary was transformed into a major international air base.

After Charles Lindberg landed the first solo non-stop trans-Atlantic flight in 1927, there was hope for establishing commercial flights across the ocean.  It was a treacherous journey because planes didn’t have instruments in those days; courageous pilots navigated by sight.

In 1933 Pan Am Airlines asked Lindberg to recommend the best routes. He chose the coast of Ireland as a destination point, landing on the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England. Amazingly, this feat was accomplished in spring of 1937.

Eight more round trips during the summer of 1937 proved this was a feasible operation, although there were still problems carrying enough fuel. Numerous options were tried including a double-decker plane similar to a rocket booster that separated after the main plane was aloft. That was unsuitable for passenger travel, so it only carried mail. Eventually, an American plane flew east from Newfoundland, while the British took off westward from Foynes. The two planes crossed mid-Atlantic, so neither could claim the first commercial flight.

During the peak time, Foynes was the stepping stone between Europe and North America and supported 35 flights a week. Celebrities, kings and queens, and politicians passed through Foynes on their trans-Atlantic flights.

The river as runway

Because there was no land-based runway, planes landed on the river and became known as “flying boats.” It was a very labor intensive operation because a pathway of flares had to be set on the water to guide the flying boats on landing. Local farmers were hired to ride into the villages and blow a bugle to signal when a flying boat was due in, so the flares could be set in time. The last scheduled flight from the Shannon River took off in October 1945, ending the flying boat era, although chartered flights continued till 1949.

The Foynes Flying Boat Museum is housed in the original terminal building. It opened in 1989 and features the only full scale replica of an early Boeing B314 in world.  Visitors can walk through this model, which boasts a 14-seat blue dining room from which freshly prepared seven-course meals were served to passengers—true luxury, indeed. Each pampered passenger had a regular bed, and their shoes were polished by stewards as they slept. Flight tickets during the World War II years cost $5000 one-way, and the flight lasted 16-18 hours, so only the wealthy--and adventurous--dared fly the route.

But it was fun to imagine being on this journey, a precursor to our modern-day air travels.  

Tourism Ireland partners with legendary Riverdance

 

Tourism Ireland, the organization that promotes Ireland as a destination, is teaming up with Riverdance as part of the Riverdance 25th Anniversary tour in the United States and Canada this year. The tour is set to include over 120 performances in more than 40 cities across North America. The beginnings Renowned dance troup Riverdance broke all box office records during its world premiere run in Dublin, Ireland in early 1995. When the show transferred to London, the reaction was unprecedented. There followed a hugely successful tour starting in March 1996, where a sold-out run at Radio City Music Hall, New York heralded the start of over two decades of touring by Riverdance companies throughout North America. Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, the show has played to a live audience of over 28 million people with over 6000 performances to audiences of 14 million in North America. Cliffs of Moher Joining forces The partnership will include inspirational Ireland video content playing on a screen to audiences before each performance. A new video has been created featuring the Riverdance cast at some of Ireland’s iconic locations including the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway and Dublin. Devil's Causeway The video will be shared on Tourism Ireland’s social media channels. To view the video, click here. Travelers will be inspired by unique Irish cultural highlights featured through music and dance. Add in epic scenery, and Ireland becomes a preferred destination. Executive Vice President, Tourism Ireland US and Canada, Alison Metcalfe says, “ “It’s hard to believe that Riverdance is 25 years old, and we look forward to being part of this special anniversary tour and hope that by showcasing the best of Ireland’s unique experiences that fans will start planning a vacation to Ireland in the near future.” Riverdance performers Director of Riverdance, John McColgan, adds, “Riverdance has taken its place as a performance US audiences enjoy and resonate with. For a quarter of a century the appeal has amplified: audiences of all ages and all cultures love the show, many of the performers are US born and of multi-ethnic backgrounds, and Riverdance with its deep-rooted links to Ireland and Irish culture is known the length and breadth of the US. We encourage our audiences to experience our island and all that it has to offer on future vacations.“ Riverdance’s 25th anniversary tour runs from March to June 2022 and is a powerful and stirring reinvention of the original show which is celebrated the world over for its Grammy award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Castles add to the lovely countryside Composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage, and costume designs. Information courtesy of Ruth Moran, Tourism Ireland rmoran@tourismireland.com  For information on Ireland as a vacation destination please visit www.Ireland.com

 

Cycle Ireland for a green adventure

 There is no better way to see the beautiful Irish landscapes than on your own two feet, on the seat of a bike and on a jaunt along one of the country’s fantastic collection of off-road greenway trails.

Travel on two wheels

Top of the list must be the Waterford Greenway in Ireland’s Ancient East. At 46km, this is the island’s longest off-road cycling and walking trail, though it is flat and easy to travel on.
 
Stretching from the Viking city of Waterford to the port of Dungarvan along a gorgeous coastline known as the Copper Coast, it offers not only stunning views but also a peak into Ireland’s past. The route  passes a number of historic sites including Woodstown Viking Site, Kilmeadan Castle, Kilmacthomas Workhouse and the gardens of Mount Congreve.
 

Book a cycle tour or travel on your own.

One of the longest traffic-free greenway routes in Northern Ireland is the 37km Newry Canal Way. Packed with things to see and do along the way, it runs from the town of Portadown to Newry city. Walkers and cyclists can explore the linen history of the villages en route, the museum at Moneypenny’s Lock and stop for something to eat at Scarva Visitor Centre.
 
For a traffic-free journey along Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, head to the 42km Great Western Greenway in County Mayo. This greenway brings spectacular views around Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain, as well as heritage towns, the stately Westport House, archaeological artefacts and golden beaches.
 
The Connemara Greenway

Connemara Greenway is fine for
a family adventure.

 in nearby County Galway is also one to look out for. With some sections open, it will eventually become a 76km route through the stunning Connemara National Park.
 
Handy for those looking to a Belfast city break when the time is right, the 11km Comber Greenway steers out through the east of the city starting from the famous Big Fish sculpture in the Titanic Quarter. Alternatively, the 17 km Lagan Towpath takes walkers and cyclists along the River Lagan and a canal system running from Belfast to Lisburn.
 
Elsewhere on the island, some may prefer to explore the quieter 40km Limerick Greenway which offers a spectacular ride or walk through time, heritage and nature. Along this route you will find Norman castles, abbeys, medieval ruins, old railway stations, a viaduct, the Barnagh Tunnel and breath-taking scenery.

Royal Canal Greenway, Ireland's newest,
traverses lush landscapes of Ireland's
Ancient East toward River Shannon in
Ireland's Hidden Highlands. 

 
There are many more greenways to be found around the island of Ireland and there plans afoot for lots more. So whatever your fitness level and wherever corner of the country you fancy exploring, there will be a greenway through Ireland’s lush green landscapes to suit you, your family or group as soon as it is safe to travel again.
 

E-bikes make the journey even easier.

And if any journey seems too daunting, you can always go electric and rent an e-bike to make the hills a breeze.

Information and photos courtesy of Tourism Ireland.

Where to find the best pottery in Ireland

I love pottery.  I rarely pass up a craft show, potter’s workshop, or artisan’s gallery without adding to my collection. 

So it’s no surprise that I purchased a piece from Louis Mulcahy Pottery in DinglePeninsula in Ireland. What is surprising is that I agreed to the steep shipping charge back to the U.S. for the oversized platter that I chose. But since shipping was almost the same, I added a pair of Mulcahy’s signature red candlesticks, both of which are on display now in my home.

Louis Mulcahy has been potting for more than forty years. After winning first prize for pottery in the National Crafts Competition in 1975, he decided to move his workshop from Dublin to Dingle. He and his wife Lisbeth, a weaver, sold their house and invested their savings in a risky venture because he wanted to produce the best pottery possible.

The last of the big potteries making all pieces exclusively in Ireland, Louis Mulcahy designs and makes each individual piece. For multiples, such as tableware and lamp bases, he designs and tests the prototypes before handing production over to assistants.  Most pieces take two to three weeks from start to finish.

His studio, workshop, and retail shop in Ballyferriter on the Dingle Peninsula produces and stocks an extensive range of exquisite porcelain and fine ceramic giftware and tableware, all made on-site. Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 pieces (200-300 different works) are produced there each year. Using four or five special glazes, his work has gained worldwide recognition for its durability and lively finishing touches. The stoneware and porcelain pieces are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe.

The pottery business is also home to an Open Room where everyone is welcome to try their hand at throwing a pot free of charge and under the eye of an experienced potter. It’s an educational experience that illustrates the skill and training required to master the craft. Learning to throw pots takes about three years, but it’s a lifetime commitment, says Mulcahy’s son-in-law, who also works as a potter at the studio.

Visitors are welcome to stop and browse and to refresh themselves at the Cafe upstairs, which  serves fresh local food, home-baked cakes, and coffees. After watching a demonstration, shopping for favorite pieces, and observing a guest try the potter’s wheel, we had a delicious lunch at the café of tomato soup, ham and cheese panini, and fresh lemonade. 

In an amazing bit of serendipity, we ran into a couple we knew from our Texas town at the shop, and they invited us to visit their Ireland home. If the sunny day wasn’t already glorious, that ensured our “craickin” day was just perfect.

The Visitors Center is open now, and online orders are also accepted. www.louismulcahy.com

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Stars, stones, and dark sky in Ireland

Combining a tour of the famous BeaghmoreStones Circles with some spectacular stargazing in Northern Ireland’s only designated dark sky area can only mean one thing – an unforgettable experience.

Experience the mystery of ancient formations at night.

From the mysterious Bronze Age formations at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains, to the twinkling blanket of night sky above Davagh Forest, a Stars and Stones experience is a unique chance to embrace the giant spirit of Northern Ireland and connect with land and sky, past and present, long held facts and eternal mysteries.

The experience centres around the prehistoric Beaghmore Stone Circles and the brand new OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in County Tyrone, both just a short walk from each other under some of the darkest skies on the island of Ireland.

What makes the stone monuments so important is their sheer scale. Featuring seven low stone circles of varying sizes, six of which are paired, there are also 12 cairns and 10 megalithic rows integrated into the overall layout. One of the circles is highly unusual – with 800 smaller stones placed upright inside its perimeter it has come to be known as the ‘Dragon’s Teeth Circle’.

While a local storyteller recounts enduring tales connected with the stones, you will be lured back thousands of years, when people marked time by the sun, stars and planets.

Feel the connections to ancient Ireland, ponder over timeless mysteries and discover myths and legends before heading to the OM observatory to learn about the night sky from an astronomer.  

Marvel at the stars in Ireland's only dark sky destination.

Featuring state-of-the-art tech, the purpose-built stargazing facility, named after the sound of the universe, offers exceptionally clear views of the night sky – just as it would have been seen in Ireland centuries ago.

From holographic installations and virtual reality headsets, to colourful, accessible interpretation panels and hands-on activities, night sky watchers will also be able to explore the solar system here at will.

As evening falls, the observatory’s sophisticated telescope is used to observe the heavens via a retractable roof, with images transmitted to large screens around the centre.

From sharp detail of the moon's surface to distant planets, stunning pictures of objects will be captured and the observatory will transform into a magical lightshow.

All the while, feel the links between the digital age, the Bronze Age and the natural surroundings, and enjoy a true immersion in this mystical Northern Irish region.

Finish your experience around a campfire under the dark sky, or head to one of the glass-roofed glamping pods situated only metres away from the intriguing stone circles and observatory. 

The dark sky observatory features a brilliant lightshow at night.

  Information and photos courtesy of Tourism Ireland, www.ireland.com 

Irish experiences you won't find online

Listen to a private bagpipe performance.

Whether it’s lunching with a lord, a private art gallery tour or shucking oysters on a beach with a fisherman, a host of ‘unGoogleable’ experiences await on a luxury Irish getaway.

The internet can tell you lots about a luxury holiday on Ireland, but once you arrive there you will soon discover there are so many unique experiences that simply don’t show up in the search engines.

Live like royalty

Offering top-of-the-line services, gourmet dining and utterly unique things to do, Irish castle hotels are the ultimate in sheer luxury and indulgence, be it in a room for two, a presidential suite, a state room or the exclusive hire of the entire property for family and friends.

Crom-Castle, County Fermanagh is one castle turned hotel you can stay at.

 Whether you’re looking for spa rest and relaxation, classic country pursuits, historic sights and cities, scenic Ireland or all of the above, you will be treated like royalty at the likes of Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ballynahinch Castle in County Galway or Dromoland Castle in County Clare, all among the most desired destinations in Europe.For those who like go it alone luxury, the stunning Crom Castle in the lakelands of County Fermanagh offers its complete West Wing for rent, and if you need more space, the entire castle is also available for hire. 

Ballyfin Castle has been restored to its previous excellence.

Your stay can be self-catering, or if you would like your food served, a cook can be provided. For a yet more exclusive experience, you can have afternoon tea with John Crichton, the 7th Earl of Erne and Baron of Fermanagh, or even spend your whole holiday with him as the host of your stay at his family's ancestral seat.

Garden at Lough Eske is a joy to walk through.

Ireland’s luxury destinations can customise your stay with the utmost creativity and discretion. Or you can easily create your own itinerary, or have one designed according to your interest.

For example: Forage for food with a local permaculture expert and then cook what’s been gathered with the head chef of the lavish Adare Manor in County Limerick.

Ashford Castle, junior suite

Rub shoulders with authors, historians and television personalities that epitomise the essence of Ireland, or delve into the Wild Atlantic Way to experience the meaty Connemara Oysters of Ballinakill Bay.

From meeting a leading fashion designer, coastal picnics beside a shipwreck and private tours of hit film and TV show locations, travel designers such as Adams & Butler can provide luxury Irish experiences totally unique to you.

Information and some courtesy of Tourism Ireland www.ireland.com  Other photos by Beverly Burmeier

A look at 2018 in pictures

Elephants leaving water hole in Etosha National Park, Namibia

As a new year arrives and we start planning travel adventures for 2019, it’s a good time to look back over the past year at the places and activities we experienced. There was a good mixture of domestic and international travel and even a little time off between trips. This is what 2018 looked like for Larry and me.  

View of Fishtail Mountain from our resort in Pokhara, Nepal

January:  We arrived in Nepal after spending two weeks, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve in India. As many of you know Larry became ill and spent eight days in a hospital in Kathmandu, but before that happened, we traveled to the beautiful resort town of Pokhara.

Walk trails beside water and through these lovely gardens in
San Antonio, Texas.

February: This was a month for recovery, but later we took a few days to visit San Antonio, a favorite city of ours that (fortunately) is just a little more than an hour away. Early spring blooms added color to the Chinese Garden near the San Antonio Zoo.

Climbing Enchanted Rock

March: During Spring Break we took a grandson to several notable sights in Central Texas including Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg and scenic Pedernales State Park where rocks and water combine for a perfectly scenic romp.

Limestone formations along the Pedernales River

April: We spent a glorious week in Carmel, California exploring beaches, parks, and forests of Big Sur along Highway One. This is one of America’s most spectacular road trips, with plenty of trails to hike and new sights to see around every bend of the coastline.

Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur can be hard to find, but it's totally worth a visit

May: We finished that driving trip in San Francisco with adventures including a round of golf, wine tasting at a vineyard, climbing the tiled steps on 16^th Avenue, and wandering around Golden Gate Park.


Spring blooms at Golden Gate State Park in California

June: Disneyworld may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s certainly fun when treating a granddaughter to the experience. If you go early enough in the summer before it gets too hot and crowded, you’ll come to understand the Disney magic that makes this place so well liked.

Night time in Epcot just prior to the fireworks show.



July: It was time for a trip to a less-traveled destination. We headed to the exotic country of Namibia, where we would not only see many species of African wildlife but would also have the opportunity to witness—and climb--the world's highest sand dunes, the red dunes of Sossusviel.

Climbing the magnificent red sand dunes in Namibia

August: Our African journey continued into Botswana, a growing destination for incredible wildlife safaris. We stayed in multiple remote camps and were able to observe activities aimed to conserve Africa’s resources and preserve wildlife species like lions, elephants, and leopards.

We watched this leopard stalking prey in Botswana.

September: Although we had been to Ireland and London, England several times, we wanted to see more of the United Kingdom, so we booked a cruise that sailed around the UK and Ireland. Despite the hurricane that interrupted our trip in Scotland, it was a pleasant journey that ended with a day in Bath and the Cotswolds.


Incredible Giant's Causeway in Ireland

October: We had booked a cruise on the magnificent Rhine River that started in Basel, Switzerland. Since we had five days between cruises, we spent that interlude in Geneva and went paragliding off a mountain in the Alps of France. Then we enjoyed the towns, castles, and vineyards as the ship sailed to Amsterdam.

All along the Rhine River are picturesque vineyards and castles

November: Most of the month was spent visiting children and grandchildren in various stateside locations, but one excellent Texas day trip we recommend is to Lost Maples State Natural Area. Fall colors made hiking on trails in the park an event to remember.


Autumn leaves are especially beautiful in this rare Texas stand of maples.
 

December: Back in Central Texas, we celebrated the holiday season with an evening drive to Johnson City for its Festival of Lights. We also walked down Austin’s iconic 37^th Street and reminisced about visiting to the famous Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. This annual event never ceases to amaze as it grows better every year.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

A couple of Irish tales for St. Patrick's Day



Irish coffee originated in Foynes

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I invite you to read of my Ireland stories which were published on Striped Pot, a boutique online travel site.

Visiting lesser known places, learning history of the area, and discovering beautiful art all add immensely to the enjoyment of traveling.

“Flying Boats” Made Foynes, Ireland Center of Aviation World

If you visit the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula in southern Ireland–probably the most popular tourist destinations in that country—be sure to stop at the Foynes Flying Boat Museum in County Limerick.  Here you’ll learn about the nostalgic era when Foynes was the center of the aviation world, from 1939 to 1945.

http://stripedpot.com/2012/01/12/flying-boats-made-foynes-ireland-center-of-aviation-world/

Louis Mulcahy Pottery is one of Ireland’s Best

A small sample of Louis Mulcahy pottery.

The last of the big potteries making all pieces exclusively in Ireland, Louis Mulcahy designs and makes each individual piece. I bought a large platter, one of his exclusive designs.

http://stripedpot.com/2012/01/12/flying-boats-made-foynes-ireland-center-of-aviation-world/

Photos by Beverly Burmeier

 

  

 

 

Irish coffee is created in Foynes, Ireland

A favorite chill-chaser, especially popular during the winter, is a steaming cup of Irish coffee. During our visit to the Republic of Ireland last summer we learned how this drink came to be—and how to prepare it ourselves.

Learning to make Irish coffee

 

At the Foynes Flying Boat Museum in County Limerick we learned about the World War II era when this tiny town became the center of the aviation world. The Foynes air terminal is also noted as the home of Irish coffee. A short videoat the museum re-enacts the night Irish coffee was created. Read about the importance of Foynes in the development of trans-Atlantic flight at

http://stripedpot.com/2012/01/12/flying-boats-made-foynes-ireland-center-of-aviation-world/

 

A perfect glass of Irish coffee

 

In addition to helping the war effort through new air strategies, planes were available for people who could afford the $5000 one-way price tag.  Primarily the rich and famous were the only ones able to make the 16-hour flight across the ocean.  On October 14, 1943 an American couple arrived early morning after a storm and needed a coffee boost to warm them up. Joe Sherridan, the chef serving drinks at the terminal, added Power’s whiskey and brown sugar to freshly brewed cups of coffee. He topped this with lightly whipped cream dribbled over the back side of a warm spoon to look like foam on pint of Guiness beer.

The technique takes a bit of practice, but the drink proved immensely popular, and we still enjoy the kick of Irish coffee.

Photos by Larry Burmeier

Read more about Ireland at StripedPot 

Crag Cave in County Kerry, Ireland

“Yippee,” said Margaret Geaney, wife of the farmer on whose land Crag Cave was found, when she was told about the underground discovery. After taking a scary tour into the undeveloped cave herself  (“My heart was jumping so much I thought I’d never get out,” she said), Geaney realized this was a natural creation of immense beauty that should be opened for public viewing. Even though she was excited about the prospect, extensive research and construction had to be done before that could happen.

Margaret Geaney, owner of
Crag Cave, is second from right.

There are five limestone cave systems in Ireland that are open to the public, and they are continually subject to erosion from water. Crag Cave in the Sliabh Luachra area, was formed from millions of years of shell and bone deposits, earth movements and upheavals, and volumes of water that carved out a dark maze of passages and unusual formations.

How the cave was discovered is another of nature’s amazing stories. As far back as the mid-1800s, geological surveys recognized the existence of a network of caves in the Castleland district in southwest Ireland at the entrance to Dingle peninsula. But there was never any exploration until water pollution in the area forced an investigation. In 1983 cave divers were trying to determine the source of a particular stream when they discovered a pool and dived 20 feet down to explore. That was the beginning of Crag Cave. More expeditions led to additional discoveries of the cave’s many decorated passages and chambers.

When Geaney’s husband, the local doctor, bought the farm he put it in her name. She was happy to become involved in the project, and accepted the offer of one of the original cave divers who helped with the development. Work began in 1987, and 350 meters was opened to the public in 1989.

Stalagtite inside Crag Cave

Special lighting was designed to create a visual and aural landscape without distracting from the cave’s natural attributes.  Far underground, stalagtites and stalagmites join to form columns. Creations like Corn on the Cob, The Kitchen, Theodens Road, and The Cathedral enthrall visitors. The Crystal Gallery is an especially enchanting area, and most people are amazed at the likeness of one specific formation in the distance called Madonna. A gift shop, café, and children’s playground add to the amenities.

As with other limestone caves, Crag Cave is a work in progress; it will continue to change with the elements. For now, it’s a lovely spot to put on your itinerary if you’re visiting Dingle peninsula and Ring of Kerry, well-known destinations on Ireland tours.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Read more stories from my trip to Ireland at Striped Pot.