December 30, 2017
We drove up the West coast of Ireland to the windswept Dingle Penninsula. The winds were actually blowing a gale today, so the sea was rather impressive. We stopped at west-facing Inch Beach, where surfing lessons are offered, although not (for some reason) during Christmas week.
Upon arrival at the village of Dingle, the tourist booth told us we should drive out to Slea Head. The road was carved into the hillsides, and had continuous sea views. Scattered about the hillsides, there were a number of stone beehive huts (1), known as clochán in Irish. Dating is uncertain, but they are believed to be from about 1200.
We stopped at as sign to hold a baby lamb. The woman at the house told us that we could not because "He's at a Wedding today." We were unsure whether she was referring to her husband (who presumably runs the lamb-holding business), or the lamb itself. We did not enquire whether the lamb was a guest or the main course.
To return to the main road along the coast, we decided to take the road along the north coast of the Penninsula, which involved a drive over 1,496 foot-high Connor Pass ("An Chonair" in Gaelic). This is apparently the highest mountain pass in Ireland with a paved road.
We drove north to the Shannon ferry, crossing to County Clare. We drove on to Liscannor where we will stay the next few days. Liscannor has the distinction of having the most pubs per capita in Ireland.
(1) There must be something uniquely useful about the beehive design. I have seen many beehive huts in Swaziland in southern Africa also. Although the traditional Swazi design has earthern walls and thatched roofs.
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