With the phrase “to hell or to Connacht” attributed to Cromwell ringing in their ears, the native Irish were banished to the west. Their handprints are on every stone, making tiny fields of rock and sand dividing the land between the hungry multitudes. The walls of Connemara still rise up over the highest hills and down into the graveyards all along the shorelines.
They must have thought more than once that hell would have been a handier alternative.Out here today on an archipelago of islands and inlets, their stone piers are perfect diving places with sandy bays providing sheltered sunbathing for cattle and wilderness seekers. There’s no need to get fancy with the camera because most of the time just being here would take the eye out of your head.
They must have thought more than once that hell would have been a handier alternative.Out here today on an archipelago of islands and inlets, their stone piers are perfect diving places with sandy bays providing sheltered sunbathing for cattle and wilderness seekers. There’s no need to get fancy with the camera because most of the time just being here would take the eye out of your head.
In January I set out on this Pilgrimage to pace my way into a 60th birthday following some new and some old familiar paths. By the time the big birthday came in July I was a bit weary from travelling and more than a bit underwhelmed by the prospect of my next decade. On the following day I was already getting over myself (!!) and planning the next trip, taking in some of the Wild Atlantic Way. Kerry would celebrate friendship while Connemara was about reconnecting with family.
Everywhere I’ve been, I have fallen in love; the turquoise coves and mountain meadows of the Peleponese; the ancient ruins and cobbled streets of Italy and Greece; the ruined cottages and farm sheds of Ireland. The way we live, what we eat, the beauty of our animals and birds.
The Pilgrimage year has been an eye opener for myself and himself too. After almost 40 years together, it seems that once you point us in the same direction with a promise of a meander, we wander around like two happy kids at a fun fair.
In Connemara after celebrating an elder family member’s 93rd birthday, I wondered what will I be doing when I turn 93? What will you be doing?
What an amazing place – I'd love to visit. Maybe I will do a pilgrimage too for my 70th. For my 93rd? Well maybe more of the same God willing.
Go for it Marigold!! I am now going to sleep dreaming of adventures for my 93 year old self!
This post has fuelled my desire to visit Ireland all the more. It looks so peaceful and beautiful
Thank you Ronnie, I sat on the beach there listening to the silence……and I could hear the wind ruffling the sand…….you must come…….
Where shall I go next on your Emerald Isle Catherine? We've meandered three times in counties Kerry, Clare, Cork….sang songs with the musicians in Doolin and bought wool in Kenmare. What would YOU tell me since you know I've a poet's heart. And can you tell me about those cows warming themselves on the sand? Do they graze up above and then come down to warm themselves? Somebody cares for those cows. About 93? I don't think I'll still be here and that doesn't worry me. I just do it all now and have been doing it all now for quite sometime….
Susie with your poet's heart I have no doubt that you will find the poetry in any location. There are so many different landscapes that I love! I haven't been to Donegal for a long time and I'm hoping to go there soon. But to be honest, the experience that you might have in a pub in the midlands or a quiet beach here on the Copper Coast can measure up to the drama of the west when you allow for weather, the company you are in and the serendipity of life. If you are coming here and I can help let me know. x
Plus, about the cows! Yes they graze on the fields just above the beach but seemed to be taking a break after their meal and were just basking in the sunshine…..and yes Susie I agree, why wait until 93!!
Beautiful images – you had me right there. Cattle on a beach are new to me.
This is a wonderful way to celebrate a milestone birthday. This is a celebration that should become part of every year.
Thank you and yes I can only agree that any excuse to celebrate is good enough for me!!
These are wonderful captures Catherine! Always enjoy viewing your work. Especially love the cow scene. It's just something you don't expect! 93? Hey…I live my life for today, but if I do make it I sure hope to be living a good one! Btw…your comment about instagram keeps ringing in my head…so I have a question for you since I'm considering it with the upcoming iphone release scheduled for September. Anyway, my question is…are all types of photography allowed on instagram or just phone? Love hearing from you!
Hi Robin. I can't remember what comment I made about Instagram for the life of me, nothing new about that!! Anyway I am a big fan and yes you can use any kind of source for your photos. Only thing is as it's a phone app (I think available on all types of smart phones) you have to store your photos on your phone. What I often do is save photos from this blog onto my phone and then use them over the following period on Instagram. Hope that makes sense? I post almost every day and like twitter you can use hashtags for areas of interest. For example two of yours would be #newyork and #travel. Let me know if you have any other questions. x
What a wonderful way to celebrate your 60th birthday with all the wonderful and different places you have managed to visit this year! Your wonderful images remind me that it is too long since we last visited Ireland. Sarah x
You will have to come Sarah! Lots of fresh air to clear the head…..:~)
I loved Connemara when I visited….at 93 I hope to be spry, out and about daily in the garden, corresponding with friends and still writing.
Donna I know you will be! You are unstoppable….
first, I need to get over myself, and 60.
At 93, I hope to still be able to read, and walk, and garden.