Day 10 Dun Quin & Meet the O’Sheas

Got an early start today, and made a straight path for some of the most beautiful parts of the Emerald Isle, which my family has come to know as Dun Quin. This seaside town is also known for being cast in the famous films, Ryan’s Daughter and Far & Away.

Before heading there, we stopped at yet another Irish beach, called Ventry Strand. This beach is not as big as Inch, but no less impressive. The water is clear and cool, about 55 degrees I’d say. (Lake Erie temps) Too cold to swim, but for those not too squeamish wading up to your ankles is not out of the question. Turns out we’ll stay in Ventry on both Sunday and Monday nights, so we’ll be seeing a lot of this town!

After beaching it, we headed around the horn towards Slea Head. This is a massive outcropping of rock, which reaches out towards the Blasket Islands. The drive along a sea cliff is breath taking, and whenever we come across a tour bus coming the other way, we always have to squeeze ourselves through the few inches they give us. The sun has been out between the clouds all day, so we are finally getting some good weather, and the forecast is called to be looking pretty good.

There is an island that is known as the "sleeping man" which can be seen in the back ground. Sometimes referred to as the sleeping bishop as well. I don't recall it's proper name, but if you look closely it does seem to resemble a man laying on his back with a beard or whatever.

Dun Quin (as Nora so rightly points out) has changed!!! Sooo many houses, and a new Blasket Island Heritage center which is VERY visable coming from the Slea Head side, which we understand to be a tourist magnet. However the landscape is still pretty. :-( We also learned that Krugger’s pub is up for sale!

Found Eileen’s house and went in for tea. She’s looking well, and gets around on her cane. She’s in good spirits and welcomed us with tea. We talked for a while until Michelle and Padraig arrived. Their kids were in school, which doesn’t let out until next Wed. It was good to catch up, and we shared stories over the years long gone. Padraig then had to do a show (on radio) and we went on our way. Tonight we’ll catch up with him as he plays at the “Small Bridge” Pub. Can’t wait!

Meantime, the drive home took us through Bally Ferriter, and on the way we got some great seascape shots. I’ll post what I can. We are in Dingle tonight, and tomorrow night. Last night for dinner we had Chinese food, just to break the monotony. Irish Breakfast, while good is slowly killing us via cholesterol. Eating eggs every day isn’t healthy, so we’re always trying to mix it up a bit.

I hope to post some more pics soon. Love to all back home.