Ireland
Page Five of Nine
June 13-28, 2008
Celtic Cross through an archway of a 12th century church
on an island on the Lower Lake near Ross Castle
View from Muckross House grounds. Though the weather looks nice here, just minutes before we were on
a motorboat on this lake in heavy rain and gale force winds. Several people in our group got soaked.
In my Frogg Togg rain pants and waterproof rain jacket, I was one of the few that stayed dry.
The weather often changes suddenly and unpredictably in Ireland.
Muckross House - a stately Victorian home at the edge of Killarney National Park that dates back to
when Ireland was a colony of England with English landlords. Queen Victoria stayed here for 2 days, and
the owners spent 2 years preparing for her visit.
They went bankrupt as a result of the cost.
View from the front of Muckross House
Sheep dog herding sheep
near Killarney
Sheep herder with one of his dogs and some of his herd
Pat with a future sheep dog. This puppy was so calm when being held. Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out a
way to smuggle him home with me in my luggage.
This guy looked and sounded like the epitome of a sheep herder to me.
He and his brother talked to us about training the sheep dogs and
the bond that develops between the dog and the sheep herder.
Most farmers/herders in Ireland work another job to make ends meet,
but continue farming because they love it.
Link to Page Six
Pat's Home Page