10 Great Free Attractions in Ireland

An updated version of this site can be found here

Ireland is a wonderful place to visit.  For many, the biggest drawback is the high cost of airfare.  However, one of the best things about Ireland is the number of great attractions that are free.  I have put together a list of some of my favorite free sites.

Sliabh Liag, An Teileann, County Donegal

Located beyond Killybegs in southwest County Donegal are the highest sea cliffs in Europe.  More wild and striking than the better known Cliffs of Moher, this could well be the best scenery in Ireland.  Though more people are catching on to how special this place is (thanks to the Wild Atlantic Way), it still is not heavily touristed.  I don't think I've every been anywhere more beautiful than Sliabh Liag on a sunny day.  Also not to be missed is the boat trip below the cliffs.
Nice alternative to:  The Cliffs of Moher

Doe Castle, Creeslough, County Donegal

Somehow it took me 15 years to make my first visit to this castle.  After seeing it mentioned in a couple of "must-see" lists, I figured I would track it down.  You can image my surprise when I found out there is no admission charge.  One of the better preserved castles in Ireland, this is  perfect for (and popular with) families as the children can roam around and play.   There are no guided tours available, but it has all the features of the castle you dreamed of as a child.

Derry Walls/Bogside Murals, Derry, County Derry (Londonderry), Northern Ireland

Derry is perhaps the best tourist city in Ireland.  As a flash point in Irish history, Derry has a lot to offer the visitor.  As one of the few towns in Europe that still has it's city walls intact, it provides a nice opportunity for that experience.  It is possible to do the needed research (before you leave home) to give yourself an excellent self-guided tour of the walls (and thus Derry itself), but guided tours are available for those interested.  After walking around the walls, it is very easy to walk down  the stairs from the walls into the Bogside neighborhood (made famous as both a no-go zone for the British military during The Troubles and as the site of the "Bloody Sunday" massacre during a 1972 civil rights march.

Kells Priory, Kells, County Kilkenny

This was the highlight of my first trip to Ireland.  In 1997, the internet was not full of tourist information and in many ways that made travel more exciting.  We had purchased the Collins Touring Map (which is very good) partially because it identifies places that a tourist might find interesting.  We entered Ireland through the ferry in Wexford and I saw a monastery marked on our map in the village of Kells. I assumed (erroneously) that was the the home to the famous Book of Kells.  When we arrived we were surprised to find that it was a different Kells, but pleased to discover we were all alone at this majestic, heavily fortified monastic site.  Even though it is more visited now than it was 20 years ago, you still might find yourself as the lone visitor when you arrive and it is totally free!

Quin Abbey, Quin, County Clare

I have passed this site many times without stopping as I was speeding along to one of the many other nearby sites.  That was a big mistake as this monastery includes many features that are unique, including a tower house castle incorporated into the walls and a completely intact cloister (which I have not seen anywhere else in Ireland).  In addition, across the field there is another beautiful medieval church that is also free.  Parking in town was very easy and there is no charge to one of Ireland's most impressive abbeys.  It is easy to imagine people actually using these cloisters due to the completely intact structures.

Drombeg Stone Circle, Glandore, County Cork

Located near beautiful Rosscarbery, the is one of the finest Stone Circles in Ireland (if not the finest).  The circle is still complete (which is rare after thousands of years of land use) but it also has a Fulacht Fiadh (a communal cooking pit) located a very brief walk away.  This site is very popular with tourists, so unlike may of the sites on this list you aren't likely to be alone but you will not regret the visit.



Carrowkeel


I am unsure of how I ended up with no photos of this incredible site, but I did.  It takes a little bit of effort to get to this site which is located just outside of Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo, but it is worth the trouble.  Located on top of a mountain overlooking Lough Arrow, the moutaintop is full of Newgrange style burial chambers.  One of them contains the only known roofbox besides the one at famous Newgrange tomb.  While the roofbox at Newgrange is aligned to the Winter Solstice sunrise, this one is aligned to the Midsummer sunrise.  Again, if you spend some time doing the research before you leave for your trip, this could be a very rewarding visit.

Grianan Alieach

Despite visiting the site more than once, I again inexplicably have no photo (though I will have one in July).  This is perhaps the best example of a stone ring fort in Ireland.  Overlooking the city of Derry and Lough Swilly, this was one of the royal sites of ancient Ireland.  Located near Burt, the site is very easy to find and access.

Climb a mountain:  Knocknarea or Croagh Patrick

Many of my trips to Ireland have been the type with two or three attractions per day and a fair bit of distance to be covered in between.  Thus, climbing a mountain often did not sound appealing.  However, once I did I changed my mind.  If you are going to only climb one, I recommend Croagh Patrick (where St. Patrick is said to have spent the 40 days of Lent once).  The climb is very doable and elderly people routinely complete the pilgrimage barefoot, but it is a significant climb and the last 10 meters/yards require climbing scrambling over some loose stones.  The reward at the top is spectacular though and you will have others all along the way to provide inspiration as needed.  It will take take a fit person about 1 1/2 hours to reach the top (it is slightly faster to return) so it takes up most of the day.  For a smaller commitment though, Knocknarea near Sligo is also very rewarding.  It is an easy, gradual 30 minute climb to the top of  Knocknarea.  When you reach the top you see the giant cairn that is featured in the picture.    The mound is said to cover the tomb of Queen Maebh.  There is a nice carpark and a portable toilet in the carpark (at least in summertime).  This view from here is pretty impressive!

Dublin Museums:  Chester Beatty Library. National Museums, National Gallery

Dublin is an expensive city, but fear not.  There are a number of wonderful, free museums available that would easily fill a day or two.  The Chester Beatty Library contains a world renowned collection of medieval artifacts  including a stunning collection from the Middle East.  The National Museum of Archaeology was a pleasant diversion for me one stay as I was available to spend two mornings taking in the exhibits which contain everything from one of the world's finest prehistoric collections, some interesting items from ancient Egypt as well as exhibits on modern Ireland.  For anyone with even a mild interest in art, the National Gallery is great.  In addition to some of the world's most famous paintings, there are also plenty of impressive Irish artists on display.   You could easily spend a few days taking in only the city's free attractions and have a very enjoyable stay.

Go to a beach:  Silver Strand

Although not known for "beach" weather there is a reason that surfers from all over the world flock to Ireland.  There are amazing, white, sandy beaches on all of Ireland's coasts.  Some of them are absolutely breathtaking.  Of all of them, the one that stopped me in my tracks was An Trá Bán (The Silver Strand) near Glencolmcille, Co. Donegal.  At the bottom of a cliff sits this shallow horseshoe shaped beach.  The water is often warm enough to swim in comfortably and lacks the scary undertow that is present at many of Ireland's pretties beaches.  There is also a nice carpark that also has a portable toilet in the summertime.

Tips for travel in Ireland: The Top 12 Sights

An updated version of this site can be found here

I often see lists of the Top 10 Places to visit in Ireland.  After glancing at most, I usually feel that many places are missing (I think that is the point!).  So, without deciding a number ahead of time I have made a list of my favorites.  These are the places I would take you if you asked me to be your tour guide.

For suggestions on where to stay, click here
For suggestions on planning your trip, click here.

#1 - Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne), Donore, Co. West Meath

---

Waiting in the rain to enter Newgrange

If you only can see one thing in Ireland, this is it (it is a World Heritage Site).  Newgrange is a prehistoric burial mound dating to about 3200 BC (Older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid at Giza).  This could be the most impressive Stone Age site in the world.  There are many other smaller, similar monuments but this one is clearly head and shoulders above the rest.  Even if you think you have seen all the Stone Age sites you ever need to see, you should visit here.  Allow about 2 hours.

(Heritage Card accepted for admission)

#2 - Cahir Castle, Cahir, Co. Tipperary

---

Outer wall of Cahir Castle

There aren't a lot of accommodations in Cahir, but I recommend this as a nice place to spend the night.  My favorite castle (very well preserved)  to visit in Ireland is the main attraction here (and it is wonderful).  This compact and peaceful town also boasts a nice walking path alongside the River Suir that will lead you to the interesting Swiss Cottage.  The tours of the castle have always been great.  Allow 1 1/2 hours for the castle.

(Heritage Card accepted for admission to the Castle and Swiss Cottage)

#3 - Carrowmore, Co. Sligo

---

Dolmen inside Stone Circle at Carrowmore

I LOVE visiting Carrowmore!
Carrowmore is the largest megalithic cemetery in Ireland. It contains 60 tombs in total, including one that is considered to be the oldest man made structure in the world.  The tour lasts about 50 minutes and every tour guide I have had has been fantastic.   This is a kind of one-stop shop for Megalithic Ireland.  This cemetery was used for thousands of years and has just about every type of structure possible.

(Heritage Card accepted for admission)

#4 - The Dingle Peninsula

---

From Dingle Town, drive the Slea Head loop.  The loop traces the coast of the peninsula and takes you to a multitude of sights.  Among others, you will see a nice Bronze Age promantory fort, Beehive huts and amazing scenery.  Even more awaits inland,  including a wealth of  medieval buildings, monastic sites and buildings. A lot of the sights in this beautiful part of Ireland are very unique.  Accommodation is abundant here and if you head into An Daingean (Dingle Town) there are many and varied restaurants and shops (as well as the pubs and restaurants in the other villages you will pass through).

View from Dunbeg Fort

SIDE NOTE: Dingle Town (An Daingean in Irish) is the beginning of the Gaeltacht (an area where Irish is the primary language).  Road signs in these areas only give the name of towns in Irish.  It's no big deal, but you need to make sure that your map has the Irish version of town names.

Once in town, stop into The Tourist Office and they have great maps that have all of the town names in Irish.


(Some sights are free, some charge a couple of Euro and the Heritage Card is accepted for admission to the Gallarus Oratory and the Blasket Centre.)

#5 - Inis Mór, Co. Galway

---

This is one that you will have to go out of your way to include but is more than worth it.  You can take a ferry or flight to get to the island.  I would recommend flying if that is an option for you.  You can fly over in the morning and back the next morning and it is an amazing day.  A great way to see the island is on bicycle, but you can also go with a local  by van or cart.  The most famous site on the island is the enormous Dún Aonghasa. In addition to the stunning fort, the island is full of free outdoor sites.

SIDE NOTE: If you don't know Irish, you should familiarize yourself with the Irish version of places you don't want to miss as some signs are only in Irish.  The Aran Islands are the place in Ireland where Irish is most used.

(Heritage Card accepted for admission to Dún Aonghasa, most sites on the island are free.)

#6 - The Rock of Cashel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

---

About 45 minutes from Cahir (and a great combination to fill up one day without a lot of driving)  is the Rock of Cashel.  One of the more striking (and iconic) sites in Ireland, this was traditionally the seat of power for the King of Munster.  St. Patrick is said to have baptized one of them here.  The Rock is a combination abbey and fortress that contains a round tower and Cathedral all integrated into the same complex.  On a nice summer day, I can't imagine a better day than Cahir and the Rock of Cashel.

(Heritage Card accepted for admission)

#7 - Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, Co. Antrim

---

Legend has it that Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool), a giant, built this causeway so he could walk to Scotland in order to fight a Scottish giant.  Scientists claim that a volcano is responsible.  I think we all know which is more likely, that's why it's called the Giant's Causeway.  This natural formation is breathtaking, especially when the weather cooperates.

(Admission/Parking/Restroom is £9.00 (it is run by the National Trust UK))

#8 - Glendalough, Bray, Co. Wicklow

---

St. Kevin's Church, Glendalough

Glendalough is home to a medieval monastery that was founded by St. Kevin.  As St. Kevin's fame grew his monastery became more influential, eventually becoming a pilgrimage site and one of Ireland's most important religious sites.  For visitors today, that is all enhanced by the stunning beauty that surrounds it.  The settlement was built in a valley surrounded by mountains that also is blessed with two beautiful lakes.  The Monastic Site is next to a beautiful, free park that also contains some monastic buildings.  I recommend taking in both, especially if the weather is decent.

(Heritage Card accepted for admission)

#9 - Sliabh Liag, Teileann, Co. Donegal

---

Slieve League from the east

Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) is the highest sea cliff in Europe.  The cliffs here at the edge of Donegal are almost three times as high as the Cliffs of Moher!  This is one my favorite places in the world.  I have probably been here between 30-40 times and hope to be a frequent visitor again.  The EU has done a lot of work here to increase safety in the last 15 years.  They have done a nice job of allowing you to get close enough to have the full experience of the cliffs while making your visit safe at the same time.  If you continue to walk toward the peak from the car park you will eventually reach what is known as "One Man's Pass".  Legendary among hikers, this is a four foot wide path along the top of the mountain.  Not to be confronted on a windy day!

SIDE NOTE: Teileann (Teelin in English) is in the Gaeltacht (an area where Irish is the primary language).  Road signs in these areas only give the name of towns in Irish.  It's no big deal, but you need to make sure that your map has the Irish version of town names.

(Admission is Free, but be mindful of the weather)

#10 - Dysert O'Dea, Corofin, Co. Clare

---

Castle O'Dea at Dysert O'Dea

Dysert O'Dea is a great one stop tourist attraction.  There is a tower house style castle that is in good condition.  Inside the castle is a tea room and an exhibition on the Irish War for Independence and Civil War.  Also on the grounds is the remains of an abbey with a very unique High Cross and round tower.

(Admission is  €4)

#11 - Derry Walls/The Bogside

---

The iconic gable at Free Derry Corner

Derry is unique in that it still has intact city walls.  A tour of the walls are a must, especially for those not native to the island. As a focal point for much of "The Troubles", a tour will give a good understanding of modern life in the north.  After touring the City Walls, I recommend a walk through the Bogside neighborhood.  The murals in this Nationalist community are amazing (and famous) and if you are up for a museum, the Free Derry museum traces the Civil Rights movement in Derry.  Derry is a wonderful, unique city to visit.

(There is no fee to walk the walls or look at the murals, but tours do cost a few pounds (Sterling) per person.)

#12 - Kells Priory, Kells, Co. Kilkenny

---

St. Kieran's Church, next to Kells Priory

This was the highlight of my first ever visit to Éire and I love to return anytime I am in this part of Ireland.  Kells Priory is located in Kells (about 15 km or 9 miles south of Kilkenny).  This Kells is not to be confused with the much larger, more famous Kells in Co. Meath.  I recommend this as a stop while visiting (or even better, staying in) Kilkenny.

Near the Priory is the striking St. Kieran's Church which is now locked, but you can still see inside.  The Priory's protective walls are majestic and a reminder of how even monasteries needed protection during the middle ages.  On my last visit a lot of work was being done to the structure, so is should be in great shape for your visit.

(Admission is Free)

Ireland With Children - The Gaeltacht Day 8

An updated version of this site can be found here

8 July 2014

Making the most of their last moments

Fionnuala (2) had trouble sleeping again and ended up in our bed.  Liam for the second morning in a row saw the clock strike 6!  Thanks to Liam though, our morning was relaxed and not rushed.  At 9 o'clock we were off.  Leaving behind the Gaeltacht.

A georgeous final morning in Teileann

We made a brief stop at the Supervalu in Killybegs for some picnic items and arrived at Drumcliffe at 10:45 for an early lunch.  At 11 AM it was almost empty and made for a nice place to eat lunch.  We bought tea and postcards and used the bathrooms before we set off again.  This is the best all purpose stop in the Northwest (a nice sight, food and restrooms with no admission fee).

A near empty carpark at Drumcliffe

Picnic tables at Drumcliffe

The children celebrated our arrival in Quin with dancing!

We made a stop for diesel later but were able to make good time today.  The traffic was light the whole way making for easy, stress free driving.  Fionnuala got her nap in and slept all the way through our picnic.  We arrived at Quin Abbey a little after 2 PM.
It really is a magnificent structure.  The cloister here is intact and incredible.  I've never seen a complete cloister (roof and all) before.  The Abbey was built in the 1400s and includes the tower from a castle that was previously on the grounds.  It was used on and off until the 1820s.
The only downside was we got yelled at for Liam being too loud and running.  We were surprised as this is a ruin and we were the only ones there aside from the caretaker and the man mowing the grass.  It still was beautiful, but less enjoyable with the employee scowling at us during our visit.  Thankfully, the children were not bothered at all.

Quin Abbey, Co. Clare

Irish grave marker that reads: "Connor McCluin born in Quin in 1893 died for Ireland on Oct 22 1920 in Dublin Castle.  May the light of heaven shine on his soul."  (If he was in Dublin Castle in 1920 it means he died as part of the revolution)

Quin Abbey Cloisters

The square courtyard surrounded by the cloister

The entrance to Bunratty Castle

From here we headed to Bunratty Castle.  The kids loved it and were really enjoying the Folk Village when it started raining and we were getting hungry.  Admission was  €30 for the family.  Bunratty is perhaps the best example of a furnished Towerhouse Castle in Ireland.   Built in 1425 and renovated in 1955, they have done a great job finishing it and the building is all complete allowing a visitor to wander into each room and see it as it would have been used.  As has been said by many, the only downside to this place is the HUGE volume of tour coaches that stop here as well as it being a popular first or last stop for visitors using Shannon Airport.  The castle is hard to miss as you drive on the N20 between Shannon and Limerick.  Even with all the visitors, it would be a shame to miss.  We gave the Medieval Banquet a miss since the children are so young, but will probably go when the children are older.  While cheesy and touristy, it is still a nice evening.

The Great Hall, Bunratty Castle

The main guard, Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Folk Park

From the castle we headed to our B&B outside of Ennis for the night, Lakeside Country Lodge.  It is a big wonderful house on a lake with a view of a Newhall House (built in 1765) and Killone Abbey.  We checked in, unloaded everything and then went to eat.  Our landlady suggested the Poet's Corner in the Old Ground Hotel.  It was perfect!  They were very accommodating of the children and the food and service were very good too.

The family room at Lakeside Country Lodge, Ennis

After our meal we walked up to Ennis Friary, but it was closed (I didn't realize it was paid entry).  It does look interesting, maybe next time we are here.  On the way to and from the Friary we passed the Queen's Hotel which was mentioned in James Joyce's Classic Ulysses.  We returned to our parking garage and headed back to the house.

The view from the Lodge, Newhall House on the left, Killone Abbey on the right

The kids enjoyed  some time in the back yard and garden.  Then it was time for bed.  A good ending to a great trip!

The next morning it was off to Shannon Airport.  Lakeside Country Lodge is a 10 minute drive to the center of Ennis and about 20 minutes to the Avis Car Rental at Shannon.  The location is perfect for a night before departure.

We arrived three hours before departure and everything went pretty smoothly, we even had about an hour to spare at the gate.  As a wonderful bookend to our trip,  a family of three adults and four children sat in the chairs next to us.  They instantly caught Liam's attention as he discerned the sounds of some Connemara Irish coming from their mouths.  It was great to see the children using Irish not just with the adults, but also among themselves.  It was an encouraging sight to see and made me think that maybe on our next visit we'll head to Connemara. 

Ireland With Children - The Gaeltacht Day 7

A Standing Stone in  Málainn Mhóir

An updated version of this site can be found here

7 July 2014

Fionnuala (2) again had trouble sleeping in the middle of the night.  We decided to start the morning in Málainn Mhóir in search of Megalithic tombs (returning to the seen of the crime).  It turns out that they were fairly difficult to find and my memories of 14 years ago did not come through.

The entrance to the bar at Óstán Ghleann Cholm Cille

We did get a good look at Óstán Ghleann Cholm Cille (the Glen Bay Hotel) though.  It was sad to see the place in disrepair.  As you can see from the photos, it appears as if they just shut the door and left everything as it was on the last day of operation.  In reception all the furniture is still there with brochures for local attractions on the tables!  This was one of the few food options in the area for years as well as an additional bar.  I usually ended up here about once a year for something.  I saw Altan and The Revs perform in the Ballroom in 2001, spent the night there once and also attended a wedding at the hotel.  In it's last few years they had added a 9 hole golf course that appears to be reclaimed as pasture.  Hopefully, whoever buys it will be successful!

Óstán Ghleann Cholm Cille

At least the signs are bilingual

Reception at the Glencolmcille Hotel

Liam checks to see if there are any vacancies

The abandoned dining room

An Trá Bhán

Next, we moved on to the Silver Strand (An Trá Bhán) up the road in Málainn Bhig.  The Silver Strand is one of my favorite places in the world.  I love to come here and just sit and watch the sea.  Unlike most similar attractions in Ireland, this one has two Port-A-Potties (Temporary Toilets) and a large car park.  To reach the beach there are 165 stairs, so we opted not to try the steps with the children.  They enjoyed the stop anyway!  If you are up for it, the water is often reasonably warm because the water is shallow and the views from the beach are spectacular.

The Silver Strand Car Park

On the way home we tried to find Saint Kevin's/Cavan's Church (Teampall Chaoimhín).  The Martello Tower is on the same road and looks like it is in great condition.  The road isn't signposted but you can see the Tower, just head down the road that goes in that direction.  The road is not paved beyond the pier and I would not recommend driving any further than that as it was difficult to turn the car around and it would have been virtually impossible on my own (there is picture below).

Maretllo Tower in Malinbeg

Martello Towers were built in the early 1800s as Napoleon was gobbling up Continental Europe.  The British feared that the French would attempt to invade the Empire through Ireland.  These Towers line the coast through this part of Ireland.  From this tower you can see the Tower in Gleanncholmcille and one near Sliabh Liag.

The road to St. Kevin's Church

I found the church, but didn't go all the way down to it since it was a ways off the road and the rest of the family was in the car.  In a couple of years, when Fionnuala can walk better we'll go all the way down to investigate.  According to Michael Herity, the current church was built in the late middle ages.  There is a cross slab at the site as well and the remains of a rectangular enclosure which surrounded the church.  The site is opposite Rathlin O'Birne island and was used as a stop by monks and pilgrims on the way to the island which also houses a monastic site.

Teampall Chaoimhín in Málainn Bhig

Rathlin O'Birne Island

Teileann Bay

The Nuala Star leaving for a tour

We then returned to the house for Fionnuala's nap and lunch.  After she woke, we took a brief spin down to the pier at Teileann Bay.  We had seen what we thought might be a Holy Well (there is said to be one nearby) from across the water and wanted to check it out.  We didn't find it, but we took some pictures anyway!

 Though we didn't find the Holy Well, here is a picture taken from the well that might help YOU find it.

On the pier there is also an interesting marker that would be easy to miss.  The Gallagher Bros. building (which is impossible to miss) is built around what turns out is an old church.  There is also a marker which indicates that in the 5th Century some monks from Teileann sailed to Iceland and this is said to be their church.  It would be easy to miss, and I passed by for years before I stopped to read the sign.

The marker at Teelin Harbour that honors the monks

The inscription in Irish, English and Icelandic

Station #1 of Colmcille's Turas

Then we head over to Gleann.  We stopped by the Church of Ireland (St. Columba's) first.  The current building was built in 1828 and is the prominent feature in the valley.  Originally this was a monastic site, on the north and east sides of the church you can see remains of the original wall just beyond the current wall.  Before the current church existed, the church used to sit above the entrance to the sous terrain.

I was  hoping to see Bishop Daniel McGonagle's grave.  He was one of Ireland's three representatives at the Council of Trent and local tradition has him buried here.  The grave is supposed to be against the wall at the east end of the graveyard, but there is no indication of which grave it might be.  There were however some other very old and interesting grave markers.  The Church is also the beginning (Turas 1) and the end of Colmcille's Turas (Turas 15).  Turas 1 is built on what originally was a court tomb, it is known as "The Altar" as has a small kneeling place just outside the churchyard wall.

Station #15 of Comcille's Turas

In the Church Yard is also a sous terrain.  The monastic settlement's church floor was above it and it is thought that it might have been used for cool storage and also as a means of escape as the tunnel ends just outside of the churchyard walls.  In the past you could just open it and go in, but it now has a proper door.  For some reason when I went in years ago I didn't take any photos!  I did find some on the internet though which you can view if you click here.  If you get the chance to go inside, there are a few cross slab inside that are very similar to ones that are used in the Turas.

The entrance to the Souterrain at The Church of Ireland in Glencolmcille

Old Grave markers in Glencolmcille

The carving on this tombstone is the symbol of St. Columba.  Colmcille means "dove of the church".

The Church of Ireland Churchyard, Glencolmcille 

Next, we headed just a bit down the road to visit the Turas at Farranmacbride, which I wanted to show Sarah.  From the church, we headed away from the sea and took the road to the left.  After a large bend in the road is Turas 9.  Cloch an Aonaigh (Stone of the Gathering) is an interesting cross slab as you can see below.  Pilgrims look through the hole, place their backs against the stone and renounce the world, the flesh and the devil before circling the small cairn three times while praying.

Local tradition holds that couples would become engaged by standing on either side of the pillar and joining fingers through the whole.  A crowd would be assembled to witness the ceremony, thus the name Stone of the Gathering.  Sarah and I saw another similar cross at the Kilmalkedar Church a few years ago in Kerry.

Cloch an Aonaigh (Turas 9)

The cross at the top of the slab

The two carved circle at the bottom of the cross

Sarah wanted to see the Old Rectory, so we stopped by (but I'm not sure if you are supposed to).  Either way, the younger locals have told me that is supposed to haunted.  If not haunted, it is certainly a creepy place after dark.  

The Old Rectory, Glencolmcille

On our way back through Cashel (the main village in Gleann) we paused for an attempt to recreate a photo that we have on our wall at home from the late 1800s.  It's not exactly identical, but it's close.

The Glen Head viewed from Cashel village

To reward the children, we took them to the fantastic playground next to An Halla Muire.  They had a fantastic time playing.  We even heard a mother saying the Irish nursery rhyme, "Lamh, Lamh eile" to her child.  We also got to hear an old man teasing the mothers on the playground for having a football, accusing them of not reading this sign.  He then proceed to read it, emphasizing the part that says, "Don't play football in the park."

After a lot of hard playing we decided to leave.  As we left, Liam said "Slán." to his playmate who responded in kind.  Even though he played it cool, it made Liam's day.  One of the things he was most looking forward to was being able to use Irish on the playground.

It was now time to eat and since we were leaving town in the morning we decided to splurge and eat at An Chistin (next to Oideas Gael).  The meal was very good and the staff spoke Irish!  I was fortunate to have someone I know walk in and be able to have a conversion as Gaeilge as well.

That was the conclusion to our stay here as we now headed back to the house to get ready for bed.  Everyone is sad to be leaving, but at least we have a little time tomorrow to appreciate everything.  

Gaeilge Experience: Gleann is often criticized for not being a "real" Gaeltacht, but we found Irish everywhere.  Perhaps most of the locals do not use it as a primary language, but it is obviously spoken and easy for them to do so.  It was a good final day in the Gaeltacht.  Got to use Irish in the restaurant as well as being able to listen in on some locals using their Irish.