26 June: Day Five Sheep!
Beal na Blath: Michael Collins Ambush Site
I have to admit that my knowledge of Irish history was limited before this trip. I knew there had been "troubles" throughout the years. Now, however, after traveling through this country and seeing sights like this one, I have a completely different comprehension of Irish history. Declan was so passionate about teaching us these important facts, it was impossible not to feel the pain of the Irish history.
This monument marks the place where Irish rebel leader Michael Collins was assassinated in 1922, during the Irish Civil War. Every time I hear the name Michael Collins, I will think of this small dirt road where he was ambushed. |
Sheep Farm
Here is a little known fact about me, I LOVE SHEEP! Well, really, I love seeing any farm animal in fields. On any given car trip, I will repeatedly announce, "Oh, look there are <insert names of animals here>!" So I was thrilled to visit the sheep farm today. The weather was perfectly Irish, a little bit of rain off and on. We first got to watch the sheep dog demonstration, where the dog rounded up the sheep from the hills. It was really remarkable how the dog and the handler communicated. She would speak in such a quiet voice, but the dog across the field could hear her. Next, we moved into the barn to watch a sheep shearing. After a few photos of the baby lambs we were back on the bus.
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Killarney National Park
After leaving the sheep farm, we were treated to some of the most amazing views from our bus windows! The drive through part of Killarney National Park was beautiful. We had a lovely walk through the woods before we made a short stop at the Torc Waterfall. Then we were heading to Dingle!
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Arrival in Dingle
Upon our arrival in Dingle, we were greeted not only by our B&B hosts, but also by rain. Our group was split between two B&Bs next door to each other. (No matter where one stayed, everyone thought their place was the nicest!) The B&Bs were located right along the water and had beautiful views. It was, however, a decent walk into the main part of Dingle. Let's just say that IF one has had a beer (or two) and needs to use the bathroom, it's a longer walk than you might want! (Not that I would know about that...)
Our group dinner tonight was at a very gourmet restaurant called the Global Village. The food presentation on the plates would give Picasso a run for his money! |
Fun on the Town
Don't judge us! But there are times when the food at the group dinners may not be our favorite. (You know, sometimes you just make the wrong choice, or sometimes our taste buds are just a bit simpler.) Don't get me wrong--we are all about trying things, participating in the culture, and not being grumps! We developed our family rule many tours ago: don't make a fuss if things aren't to your liking, just know that after the group dinner, it can all be fixed with a snack!
Have no fear...there were many pubs near! So we hit the first cute pub we saw, and ordered Rebecca a cheeseburger and fries! It actually turned into a great night. As the live music started, we got an education from the pub owner on red or white lemonade and felt like a part of the local scene.
Have no fear...there were many pubs near! So we hit the first cute pub we saw, and ordered Rebecca a cheeseburger and fries! It actually turned into a great night. As the live music started, we got an education from the pub owner on red or white lemonade and felt like a part of the local scene.