August 25, 2012

Convoy

Finn Valley

The Finn Valley near Convoy. Convoy, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Conmhaigh, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 25, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Raphoe Castle

Raphoe Castle

Raphoe Castle is a ruined 17th-century castle near Raphoe, County Donegal. The castle was built in 1636 by the Bishop of Raphoe, John Leslie from stone from a ruined round tower. Leslie was laid siege to within the castle during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, until he was relieved by the Lagganeer army. Leslie was laid siege again during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, with the castle surrendering in 1650, and was damaged by supporters of King James II in 1689 during the Williamite War. A century later, in 1798, the castle was attacked again, this time by the United Irishmen, three of whom were killed during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The castle was destroyed in an accidental fire in 1838. Raphoe, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Ráth Bhoth, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 25, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Swan Park

Lough Swilly

The River Crana as it empties into Lough Swilly at Buncrana. Buncrana, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Bun Cranncha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 25, 2012. f/10, 1/400 second, ISO 200.

River Crana

The River Crana in Swan Park. Buncrana, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Bun Cranncha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 25, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.

Peat Stained Water

One of the fascinating things to me was the color of the water in Ireland's rivers. They all originate in the highland peat bogs and the water is stained a rich reddish brown by the peat. The water of the River Crana reminds one of a "cuppa" as it pours over a rock, or maybe a "pint" as it foams below. As an aside, Ireland has, for a long time, been one of the biggest per-capita consumers of tea in the world. The national average is four cups per person per day, with many people drinking six cups or more. Buncrana, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Bun Cranncha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 25, 2012. f/5.6, 1/500 second, ISO 280.

River Crana

The River Crana. Buncrana, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Bun Cranncha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 25, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Buncrana Castle Bawn

The remnants of the Buncrana Castle bawn adjacent to the River Crana. Buncrana, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Bun Cranncha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 25, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

"Saturday Stroll on the Castle Bridge"

On the northern bank of the River Crana as it enters Lough Swilly sits the three-story O'Doherty's Keep, which is the only surviving part of an original 14th century Norman castle. The first two levels of the keep were built after 1333. The keep was burned by the English in 1608 in reprisal for the rebellion of Cahir O'Doherty who sacked and razed the city of Derry. After Cahir O'Doherty was killed and his land seized, the keep was granted to Sir Arthur Chichester, who then leased it to Englishman Henry Vaughan, were it was repaired and lived in by the Vaughan family until 1718. In 1718, Buncrana Castle was built by George Vaughan, it was one of the first big manor houses built in Inishowen, and stone was taken from the bawn, or defensive wall, surrounding O'Doherty's Keep to build it. It was erected on the original site of Buncrana, which had grown up in the shadow of the keep. Vaughan moved the town to its present location, where he founded the current main street and built the Castle Bridge (a six-arched stone single lane bridge) across the River Crana leading to his Castle. Buncrana, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Bun Cranncha, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 25, 2012. f/6.3, 1/160 second, ISO 200.

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.

August 23, 2012

Donegal Friary

"Rebirth"

Life from the ruins of Donegal Friary. Donegal, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Dún na nGall, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 23, 2012. f/5.6, 1/250 second, ISO 500.

Cloister Arcade

One side of the cloister arcade. Donegal Friary was founded for the Franciscan Friars in 1474 by the first Red Hugh O'Donnell and his wife Nuala O'Brien. It survived until it was plundered by the English in 1588. Four years later, they in turn were driven out by the second Red Hugh (who left Ireland shortly after the Battle of Kinsale in 1602), and the friars repaired the buildings. In 1601, during a siege of the friary by English forces, commanded by the renegade Niall Garbh O'Donnell, gunpowder stores exploded and wrecked the building. The friary was then granted to Sir Basil Brooke who used the church for Protestant worship. The friars wandered from place to place after Brooke took over, but remained active. Between 1632 and 1636 four scholars, led by Brother Michael O'Cleary, compiled what has become one of the most important sources for the history of Ireland: the Anals of the Four Masters. All the buildings were arranged around a central cloister or courtyard, but the remains are very fragmentary. Some of the cloister arcade survives, but very little of the church. Donegal, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Dún na nGall, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 23, 2012. f/7.1, 1/200 second, ISO 200.

Donegal Bay

Donegal Bay at low tide from the ruins of Donegal Friary. The River Eske flows alongside Donegal Castle, through town and into the bay just to the right in this photo. Donegal, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Dún na nGall, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Eire), August 23, 2012. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

Cloister Arcade

The other side of the cloister arcade. Donegal, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, (Dún na nGall, Contae Dhún na nGall, Ulaidh, Éire), August 23, 2012. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.