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Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick - (Saint) "Patrick's stack" in English - is a mountain 764 m (2,507 ft) high in County Mayo, Ireland. According to Wikipedia:

Archaeologists found that there had been a stone chapel or oratory on the summit since the 5th century. There is reference to a "Teampall Phádraig" (Patrick's Temple) from AD 824... A small modern chapel was built on the summit and dedicated on 20 July 1905. On the last Sunday in July, thousands of pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick in honour of Saint Patrick, and masses are held at the summit chapel. Some pilgrims climb the mountain barefoot, as an act of penance. Traditionally, pilgrims would perform 'rounding rituals', in which they pray while walking sunwise around features on the mountain. Among these are a group of three ancient cairns known as Reilig Mhuire (Mary's graveyard), which are likely Bronze Age burial cairns.

We caught glimpses of Croagh Patrick when the entire mountain was visible but weather changed, giving us very different views. The mountain's appearance also changed dramatically depending on the angle or distance from which we viewed it.

The tiny little bump at the top of the mountain is the chapel. The only way to reach it is on foot, a hike that takes several hours at a minimum.

Mullaghmore - a beautiful village in County Sligo

Last week I shared a glimpse of Lord Mountbatten's castle. This week we travel to Mullaghmore, a short drive down the road, ang catch a glimpse of the harbor where Mountbatten's fishing boat was destroyed by an IRA bomb as he left port. Mountbatten, his grandson, and a village boy were killed and four others were seriously injured. The event is considered to be a turning point in The Troubles.

Just opposite the harbor where Mountbatten met his end is a shot where they prepare the most amazing ice cream I've ever had. We simply couldn't resist!

Our driver and guide kindly treated us and relaxed a bit while we finished our treats. If you travel to Ireland and have the opportunity to try a "99", please don't decline!

A distant view of Cassiebawn Castle Mountbatten in County Sligo

Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas Mountbatten, commonly known as Lord Mountbatten, was a British statesman, Royal Navy officer and close relative of the British royal family. He had a long and varied career and usually summered at Cassiebawn Castle. His pro-Royalist stance drew the ire of the Irish Republican Army, and he and several family members and neighbors were killed by an IRA bomb as they maneuvered their boat out of port to go fishing. His castle is not open to the public, but these photos show the guardhouse at the entry to the property and a short distance down the road the castle itself can be seen in the distance.

Back to Ireland for a bit...

With the holidays, I changed focus for a bit, but I would like to share a few more photos of our trip to Ireland. These images are from Belfast.

Albert Memorial Clock - The clock tower "leans" a bit, although not as dramatically as the one in Pisa.

A few shots from Queens University:

Some images of the Peace Wall. Although it is a symbol of the peace process which put an end to "the troubles", there are still vestiges of uneasiness and enmity, especially among those who lived through the persecution and violence.

As we approach a new year, may we pray for a lasting peace in our world, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Merry Christmas!

Just a few images from Glencairn Museum's annual display of Nativities from around the world to help us refocus on "the reason for the season". I wish you Christmas joy and a happy, healthy year ahead!

Wishing you joy at Christmas and beyond!

Just a few scenes from the Advent season as a way of wishing you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah, or seasonal joy in whatever way you celebrate it. This shows you some of the ways the holiday is celebrated in the Philadelphia area. The first few images are from Longwood Gardens' Christmas light show in Kennett Square, then some shots taken at Glicks Greenhouse annual poinsettia show in Oley.