Burren National Park (Killarney) Left hotel at 9:15 AM
The Burren National Park In County Clare, Western Ireland
A quick glance at the Burren would leave you thinking it was just rock
and little else. This however, is a very complex ecosystem. The habitats
within the Park grade into one another, and often are inseparable,
creating a mosaic of habitats that are hard to isolate.
For example limestone pavement is often inter mixed with calcareous
grassland and hazel scrub, or ash woodland on limestone pavement. All
the major Burren habitats are represented within the park. Approximately
75% of plant species found in Ireland are represented within the
habitats of the Burren. Included among these are 23 of Irelands 27
native orchid species.
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| Limestone pavement |
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| Green Shamrock basket Price: €595.00 WHEW! nobody breathe! |
Celtic Crystal was founded in 1972. This family-run business has been pioneering the incorporation of Celtic Designs and Gaelic Motifs into its ornate Irish Crystal and it is proud to claim leadership in this field.
Today, this tradition is continued by our talented and creative young Irish crafts people; reproducing the culture and history of Ireland by crafting the unique and intricate designs that are synonymous with Ireland’s Celtic heritage on very exquisite crystal pieces.
I didn't take too many pictures of the demonstration. We watched a young man carve into crystal, freehand and with no templates a perfect design--Amazing. They apprentice for 7 years. Then become a Master. This company has 5 Masters.
On our journey to the Cliffs of Mohr we visit another old 16 century Corcomroe Abby, nestled in the hills of Burren. It wasn't the greatest weather but it was so beautiful.
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| Isolated 16th CenturyAbby |
This well-preserved
abbey is picturesquely sited among the grey hills of the Burren. It
is best known for its lonely situation, lying close to another interesting
monastic settlement, a group of three small early Christian Churches
which nestle in the pass of Oughtmana and which are dedicated to St.
Colman.
These early monks give us an idea of
how they sought out isolated areas in which to build their churches,
and then set about the task of becoming self sufficient and maintain
themselves free from contact with outside society.
The abbey acquired the name of 'Sancta Maria de Petra
Fertili'-
'St. Mary of the Fertile Rock' which reflects the fertile nature of the Burren lands, which insured that here a Cistercian community could, by cultivation, provide itself with the necessary means of support. Corcomroe Abbey is said to have been built by Donal Mór Ua Briain, late in the 12th century and he was also responsible for several other important religious houses in Thomond which include St. Flannans Cathedral in Killaloe, St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick and Holy Cross Abbey.
'St. Mary of the Fertile Rock' which reflects the fertile nature of the Burren lands, which insured that here a Cistercian community could, by cultivation, provide itself with the necessary means of support. Corcomroe Abbey is said to have been built by Donal Mór Ua Briain, late in the 12th century and he was also responsible for several other important religious houses in Thomond which include St. Flannans Cathedral in Killaloe, St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick and Holy Cross Abbey.
His selection of this site in the Burren
appears to have been a prudent one for the abbey continued to function
for the next 400 years, the last Abbot named in 1628, being Revd. John
O'Dea, a Cistercian from the Irish College at Salamanca.
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| 16th Century...just can't imagine!! |
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| Amazing |
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| Bordering Stone fences |
Now on our way to the Cliffs of Moher. Traveled narrow
winding roads. But finally we arrived.
The cliffs consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone,[8] with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. It is possible to see 300 million year-old river channels cutting through, forming unconformities at the base of the cliffs.
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The area was designated as a Refuge for Fauna in 1988 and as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive in 1989. Included within the designated site are the cliffs, the cliff-top maritime grassland and heath, and a 200 metre zone of open water, directly in front of the cliffs to protect part of the birds' feeding area. The designation covers 200 hectares and highlights the area's importance for wildlife. Interpretive facilities are present onsite to educate the visitor on many different aspects of the Cliffs.
We had lunch cafeteria style in the visiting center, with wide windows and lots of tourists we overlooked the views. The visiting center wasn't all that impressive. It had threatened to rain all day but we lucked out. The hill and steps were enormous to climb but well worth the huffing and puffing.
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| Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean |
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| Narrow roads |
Our next stop is an Irish Pub for a traditional Irish dinner with live music. Called Kate Kerney's Cottage.
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| Irish dancers |
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| Traditional Irish music |
It was a very enjoyable evening. We also enjoyed a Guinness. VERY smooth. But after a long day it was time to head to the Dromhall Hotel, Killarney for two nights.
