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Just leaving Derry and there it was, just waiting to be photographed. Everywhere we went the place was littered with these romantic ruins, and so convenient too. How did our forbears know that a road was going to be put right there? 
We've done the cattle joke, now here is the sheepish equivalent. Livestock are now herded in cars and trucks - no more walking behind the beasties in your manure covered gumbies. 
'Look at the map Thatch, there is another stone fort that we have to see!" This one had been restored and was in quite good condition. The view of Loch Swilley and Inch Island were breathtaking. Needless to say that there is a video. 
We drove around in circles to find the Beltany Circle (Ciorchal Cloch na Bealtaine) dating from the Bronze Age. Finally we located the faded sign almost totally overgrown by the hedgerow. As usual the path led upwards to the top of a hill. A slippery, muddy and recently visited by livestock path. The circle was in the centre of a sheep grazed meadow. Some 60+ stones remain of the estimated 80 or so. Not a bad effort. 
Sligo and surrounds-probably my second most favourite place in Ireland. Lakeview B&B on the shores of Glencar 
This is Bill from Cygo Internet Cafe. If you're in Sligo, this is the place to visit. Reasonable hours and rates, fast connection and a great sense of humour. 
The story goes that this pub was opened in the 40's by two brothers. They had a falling out and the pub was closed for 10 years during the seventies. Not too long ago the pub was sold and reopened with some concessions to health regulations (the toilets have been upgraded). The pub has not changed much. There is a new bar but the old one still exists. This is it. 
A view of Glencar where the lake turns into a river. 
Creevykeel - also known as the Giant's Grave. It is a court tomb built around the 3rd millennium BC and is considered to be one of the finest in Ireland. 
How is this for drop dead gorgeous? Bramble Cottage. 
These were the first two surfers to arrive for the afternoon sets. This is Strandhill Surf Beach. The sets were small but regular and clean. 
Knocknarea can be seen for miles in every direction as it rises from this Leitrim plain. The cairn at the top bears among others, the name of Maeves Grave. Here it has been photographed from in front of tomb 51 at a place called Carrowmore which is littered with Stone Age tombs. 
Tomb number seven at Carrowmore. This particular tomb was guarded by a herd of steer which was okay until the lot from the neighbouring paddock decided to amble past. When the bellowing and challenging began in earnest we high tailed it out of there as quickly and unobtrusively as possible. 
Here we are at Carrowkeel. On every ridge top of the Blacklieve mountains in Co. Leitrim you will see tomb cairns. This section is called Carrowkeel and as well as several lesser tombs and burial sites, there are three major cairns. Two of these are still in good condition. Again the lightbox is a feature. This means that the tomb is designed to be lit by the sun. (at a predetermined date and time) 
This is the view from the very top of Carrowkeel. There is also a video. 
While ascending the mountain we ran into Eileen. Eileen was a bit shy, so we show you her car. Eileen is the Literary correspondent on the Irish Times. (Sorry Eileen, but you were warned.) 
Mardel on the seafront at Strandhill, Sligo. Did not want to leave this place. |
| Last updated: 30/04/2001 |
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