Gallarus Oratory
The Gallarus Oratory was one of the best parts of our tour of the Dingle with Mr. Begley (see below). Unlike the Beehive Huts of Skellig Michael, Gallarus Oratory is rectangular. Clochans are made solely of stones carefully laid one on top of another, tilting slightly outward and down to allow rain to run off rather than enter the structure.
Gallarus Oratory
Beehive Village at The Kerry Cliffs
Traditionally, Gallarus Oratory is described as a Christian church. Some historians refute this due to a lack of evidence. Suggested dates for construction range from the 6th to the 12th century.
The circular Beehive Huts of Skellig Michael were used by monks for centuries for shelter and worship. The Beehive Village at The Kerry Cliffs are similar in construction to those on the island.
The Kerry Cliffs claims to have the "Best land view of the Skelligs." The extreme wide angle nature of the panorama below makes the islands appear much smaller than in real life. However, the best place to view them is at the end of the sidewalk on a very narrow promontory.
"Best land view of the Skelligs" — The Kerry Cliffs
The Skelligs are actually two islands: Skellig Michael (Greater Skellig) and Little Skellig. Without a doubt the best view I had of the islands was at The Kerry Cliffs. They are about 8 miles off the coast. The distance, atmospheric conditions and the iPad editing apps (perhaps my limited editing skills) produced a somewhat surrealistic image. However, look closely. I believe the Beehive Huts can be identified on the upper left, one quarter of the way down from the top, as well as numerous tiny boats ferrying visitors to Skellig Michael.
Skellig Michael
So, why didn't we join them? There was some concern about motion sickness on very small boats. Excursions leave at 10am, return at 3pm with 2 - 2 1/2 hours on the island to climb 700 steps to the monastery. Even if my knees could make the climb, Helen's fear of heights would keep her at the bottom, all 5 hours are without ANY bathroom facilities! Our mid 60s bodies just cannot do that. Very disappointing. Still, I love my photos.
Diarmuid Begley
Mr. Begley provided a tour of the Dingle just for us. A very enjoyable and informative four and a half hours, especially his descriptions of life growing up near Dingle in a time when many families, including his own spoke only Irish (Gaelic to Americans).