Let us start the post with looking at what love is not. Paul makes a list of these and says: ‘ love doesn’t envy, boast, act arrogant, behave rudely, seek their own interests, become easily provoked/angry, keep a record of wrongs…’ A good reminder for a family travelling together.
We start in this post on the Ring of Beara, a 137 to 148 km scenic coastal drive looping around the rugged Beara Peninsula in southwest Ireland, split between two counties, Cork and Kerry. This ring is wilder, quieter, and less commercialized we stop in Eyeries, one of the most south westerly villages in Ireland. It sits on a bluff overlooking Coulagh Bay and the mouth of the Kenmare River looking towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Bantry town as seen through the enormous anchor arms shows a peaceful sunny morning with tourists enjoying breakfast. But why the anchor? It is a French Armada anchor dated 1796. It was salvaged in 1980 and placed in the square in 1996 for the 200th anniversary of the fated French Armada.
It is fascinating to notice the colours of buildings fitting so well with nature. Look for example at Eyeries.
It is late evening but the colours are still bright! Crocosmia orange, yellow and red. Purple, magenta and yellow like those of loosestrife are seen as paint on cottages.
Crocosmia on the road sides in full bloom now that it is summer. It is fully winter hardy across the Irish climate. It thrives in moist, well drained moderately fertile soil and is widely naturalised in the damp west and southwest of Ireland.
Lythrum salicaria / loosestrife pink purple and yellow. Colours used well here and there as paint on cottage walls as well as navy and green from faraway hills , water and fields.
Then white. A reminder of clouds and circles of white lichen, Ochrolechia parella and Diploicia canescens, Irish lichen. These lichens are very special and are an indicator of clean air. Southwest Ireland has pristine prevailing winds which allow these sensitive species to blanket coastal stones.
Two colour filled towns, Bantry and Eyeries, Irish towns. Good to spend time in with the quietness of wildness and yet the joy of colour.
‘ This world is so full of care and sorrow that is a gracious debt we owe to one another to discover the bright crystals of delight hidden in the somber circumstances and irksome tasks.’
Helen Keller
Take care,
Sandy 🙂
Ireland is just so different and lovely! Colourful in this troubled times. The quote by Helen Keller I love. Thank you for sharing your experiences Sandy💐
Yes, it seems more Irish now that it is a little grey and there is rain. Not complaining. Thank you for your kind comment.