August 24, 2012

Donegal Castle

Donegal Castle

We toured the renovated keep (taller portion to the right in the photo). It gives a good sense of what a time-period castle would have been like. Donegal Castle is situated in the center of Donegal town, County Donegal. The castle consists of a 15th-century rectangular keep with a later Jacobean style wing. The complex is sited on a bend in the River Eske, near the mouth of Donegal Bay, and is surrounded by a 17th-century boundary wall. There is a small gatehouse at its entrance mirroring the design of the keep. Most of the stonework was constructed from locally sourced limestone with some sandstone. The castle was the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan, Lords of Tír Conaill and one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Ireland from the 5th to the 16th centuries. Donegal Castle, Donegal, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Dún na nGall, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Donegal Castle

The Jacobean style wing from the front entrance to the keep. Donegal Castle, Donegal, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Dún na nGall, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Inver Bay

Inver Bay

Doorin Point across Inver Bay between Inver and Dunkineely. Dunkineely, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Dún Cionnaola, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

McSwyne's Bay

"Blue Boat"

The reflection of the boat and the blue sky make this one of my favorite photos ever! McSwyne's Bay, Bruckless, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (an Bhroclais, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

"Safe Harbor"

As we were traveling from Donegal toward Killybegs, we saw a sign that intrigued us. There was a small road leading down toward the water and the sign showed a car going off the end of a dock. So, being the cautious type, we turned off and went to investigate. What we discovered was a small picturesque inlet off of McSwyne's Bay with a small dock and a bunch of boats moored out in the inlet. McSwyne's Bay, Bruckless, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (an Bhroclais, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Eire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

McSwyne's Bay

McSwyne's Bay from the boat dock near Bruckless. McSwyne's Bay, Bruckless, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (an Bhroclais, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.



Bruckless

Bruckless Round Tower

This was the first "complete" round tower we encountered. The parish church, the Church of Saints Joseph and Conal, is noted for its round tower, which can be seen from most parts of the village, and there are numerous archaeological artifacts in the area, including early Christian cross slabs. Bruckless, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (an Bhroclais, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Largy

Largy

Pleasant place to pull out the bread and cheese and fruit and have lunch. Beautiful views of the hills, the sea and the gorgeous farmland between them. This was taken from a viewpoint looking toward Muckros Head. Largy, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Leargaidh, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Fintragh Bay

I stitched two photographs together to get this panoramic view of Fintragh Bay. Fintra beach is located on the outskirts of Killybegs town (in the far left of the photo) and is a certified Blue Flag beach. It consists entirely of fine golden sand. Fintragh Bay, Largy, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Fionntrá, Leargaidh, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/11, 1/500 second, ISO 200.

Heather and Rocks

Our timing for this trip was so good in several ways. 2012 had terrible weather all year and a very wet summer. August, while still fairly wet, had some beautiful days such as this, and the heather was in full bloom. It was spectacular! I particularly liked this photo because of the ancient stone walls - fences, corrals, or. . .? Largy, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Leargaidh, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Heather

This is what causes all that beautiful color on the hillsides! Calluna vulgaris (known as common heather, ling, or simply heather) is the sole species in the genus Calluna in the family Ericaceae. It is a low-growing perennial shrub growing to 20 to 50 centimeters (7.9 to 20 in) tall, or rarely to 1 meter (39 in) and taller, and is found widely in Europe and Asia Minor on acidic soils in open sunny situations and in moderate shade. It is the dominant plant in most heathland and moorland in Europe, and in some bog vegetation and acidic pine and oak woodland. It is tolerant of grazing and regenerates following occasional burning. Largy, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Leargaidh, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/5.6, 1/500 second, ISO 250.

Kilcar

Kilcar

This was such a picturesque village on a little inlet that we just had to get a photograph. Cill Charthaigh (anglicized as Kilcar) is a Gaeltacht (where Gaelic is the predominant language) village in south west County Donegal. Kilcar, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Cill Charthaigh, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Heather Covered Hills

Heather covered hills between Cill Charthaigh (Kilcar) and An Charraig (Carrick) in the Gaeltacht region of south west County Donegal. Kilcar, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Cill Charthaigh, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Fall Colors in the Heath

Heather covered hills between Cill Charthaigh (Kilcar) and An Charraig (Carrick) in the Gaeltacht region of south west County Donegal. We had slowed down to a pace that allowed us to appreciate what we encountered. It still seemed somewhat frenetic because we covered so much territory, but we stopped long enough to savor the "smell of scented heather." Kilcar, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Cill Charthaigh, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Hiding in Plain Sight!

While we were taking photos of the heather covered hills, we discovered several big rams tucked just inside the fence. They were feeding, but seemed to think they were fairly well hidden by the sedges. Kilcar, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Cill Charthaigh, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/6.3, 1/640 second, ISO 200.

Mutton King

Got only one shot of him out in the open! Kilcar, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Cill Charthaigh, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/6.3, 1/640 second, ISO 200.

Carrick

Carrick

This is the jumping off point to Slieve League. Actually, all the literature says it is Teelin, but if you don't get through here correctly, you never find Teelin. We had a wee bit of trouble figuring it out, but after a little delay and a few kilometer detour, we were again on the right track. Carrick, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (An Charrig, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Tieleann

The Glen River

The Glen River as it flows into Donegal Bay near Tieleann (Teelin). Tieleann is a Gaeltacht village in County Donegal near Slieve League, at the northwest end of Donegal Bay. The village is noted for fishing, scuba diving, and traditional music. It has a fine deep harbor and boat launching facilities with safe mooring. It is an Irish-speaking community, and has been the subject of many linguistic studies. Teelin, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Tieleann, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

"Well Grounded"

Fishing boat alongside Glen River inlet to Donegal Bay near Tieleann (Teelin). This captures the rustic lifestyle of the local fishing community. Teelin, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Tieleann, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Slieve League

Rathlin O'Birne Island

Rathlin O'Birne Island, the westernmost point in County Donegal. Slieve League is the mountain that begins just west of the waterfall in the photo. This was taken from Carrigan Head. Slieve League, Teelin, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Sliabh Liag, Tieleann, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Heather and Drop-offs

It really was a toss-up. We spent quite a bit of time here and I could never figure out whether the cliffs or just the local flora was more impressive! Slieve League, Teelin, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Sliabh Liag, Tieleann, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.



Slieve League

Slieve League, sometimes Slieve Leag or Slieve Liag, is a mountain on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal. At 601 meters (1,972 ft), it has some of the highest sea cliffs on the island of Ireland. Although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Slieve League's cliffs reach almost three times higher. This was taken from Carrigan Head. Slieve League, Teelin, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Sliabh Liag, Tieleann, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Cliffs of Slieve League

The cliffs of Slieve League are much more impressive than the Cliffs of Moher. Way fewer people as well! I liked the Cliffs of Moher, but the commercialism is a turn-off. These are just out in the middle of nowhere and the scenery is amazing! No rock walls to stay behind. A fence of sorts in places, but much more appealing! Slieve League, Teelin, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Sliabh Liag, Tieleann, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Unprotected Edge

Another view of the cliffs that provides some perspective, a little bit, just how steep the drop is from the observation point at Carrigan Head. And no, there is nothing there to keep you back except common sense? Slieve League, Teelin, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Sliabh Liag, Tieleann, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Secluded Glen

A small glen at the top of Carrigan Head overlooking Slieve League. Slieve League, Teelin, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Sliabh Liag, Tieleann, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.



"Keeping Watch"

Ruin of an old tower house on Carrigan Head. Something to investigate on another day! Slieve League, Teelin, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Sliabh Liag, Tieleann, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Lake Surrounded With Heather

Small lake between Carrigan Head and Tieleann. Slieve League, Teelin, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Sliabh Liag, Tieleann, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

Gleann Cholm Cille

Glencolumbkille

We spent the day out here in the Gaeltacht area of County Donegal, but would really like to spend more time. There is so much located out here to see! Gleann Cholm Cille is a coastal district in the southwest Gaeltacht of County Donegal. An Caiseal is the main village in the district. Cashel, Glencolumbkille, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (An Caiseal, Gleann Cholm Cille, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Gleann Cholm Cille

Gleann Cholm Cille - the name translates into English as "valley of Colm Cille". Saint Colm Cille, or Columba, is one of Ireland's three patron saints (along with Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid). Colm Cille and his followers lived in the valley for a time and the ruins of several of their churches can still be seen there. Glencolumbkille, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Gleann Cholm Cille, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Turf Bog

Putting in the winter's fuel. I had heard a lot about peak bogs, and cutting turf, and sod fires. I had no idea until actually seeing how the turf is cut and used just how much turf is used in Ireland to this day. Peat (turf or sod) is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation. One of the most common components is Sphagnum moss, although many other plants can contribute. Soils that contain mostly peat are known as a histosol. Peat forms in wetland conditions, where flooding obstructs flows of oxygen from the atmosphere, slowing rates of decomposition. Mires, particularly bogs, are the most important source of peat, but other less common wetland types also deposit peat, including fens, pocosins, and peat swamp forests. Other words for lands dominated by peat include moors, or muskegs. Landscapes covered in peat also have specific kinds of plants, particularly Sphagnum moss, Ericaceous shrubs, and sedges. Glencolumbkille, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Gleann Cholm Cille, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.

Glengesh Pass

Glengesh Pass

Had seen photos of this in books. It was better in person! Finding a place to pull off the narrow road to get a decent photograph was a distinct challenge. Ardara, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Ard an Rátha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.

Glengesh Valley

Glengesh Valley leading down to Ardara. Ardara, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Ard an Rátha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.

Thatched-Roof Farmhouse

Farm house at the very head end of the valley below Glengesh Pass. Just stopped in the road since there was no place to park! Ardara, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Ard an Rátha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.

Farm in Glengesh

Beautiful place for a farm. Farm house at the very head end of the valley below Glengesh Pass. Ardara, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Ard an Rátha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.

Fuchsia

We found everywhere we went, that many of the ancient rock walls were just overgrown with Fuchsia. They are not a native plant, but have done remarkably well in colonizing the entire countryside. They make for a very colorful roadside. Due to the favorably mild, temperate climate created by the North Atlantic Current, fuchsias grow abundantly in Ireland. Ardara, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Ard an Rátha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/5.3, 1/250 second, ISO 640.

Glenties

Mountain Pasture

This is actually on the road about a quarter of the way from Glenties to Ballybofey. Out in the middle of nowhere, but a very pretty place. Glenties, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Na Gleannta, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.

Lough Ea

Lough Ea

About 5 kilometers further along toward Ballybofey, Lough Ea is right alongside the road. The further west we went the blacker the sky became! This shows very plainly in this composite of three photographs. Glenties, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Na Gleannta, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.

Donegal

Donegal Famine Graveyard

After dinner, we visited the Donegal Famine Graveyard. What a sobering end to a wonderful day. No markers, just a memorial and a walled cemetery! Donegal, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Dún na nGall, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 24, 2012. f/5.6, 1/30 second, ISO 200.