The ever changing contrasts of the light in Ireland, surprised, frustrated, and delighted. A gift for photographers, provided that is, one has a deft eye. The rain tilted this way and that. The sun blessed us with briefly glorious interludes.
Blue smoky mists veiled the Killarney mountains, spiralled like serpents tails, curved sensuously, and playfully teased. Those could also be grimly somber, densely hiding the peaks. Fickle as they were, the mists captured my imagination. A landscape of visions, evoking the light and dark mystery of the soul.
Ross Castle Lough Leane Killarney
Innisfallen Island Silent &Tranquil
Innifallen Monastery Founded 7th Century
12th Century Augustinian Priory Innisfallen
Boatman Mr Murphy 21st Century Reading Newspaper
Of all the places visited, Innisfallen will live on in our memories. For the strong feeling of peace experienced on the island. For the continuity with those of the centuries past. Of solitude, prayer, and a presence greater than ourselves. From the deep well within,this island is an ideal hermitage to seek what that contains. But mostly we have to be our own islands, to find peace with self. Life is a circle of becoming, a long road upon which the journey is never completed. As with many a weary traveller, there are pauses to rest then continue. I had a deep desire to see Ireland. This is not unsual for those with Irish ancestors. It's that seeking the missing history of our roots.
Innisfallen is mostly dense with bushes, deciduous trees, and wild flowers. Mr Murphy said, deer swim over from the national park. There were four of us on the island. The other two, a young Danish couple. From the 7th century, the island was an important centre of monastic learning. Lough Leane means "lake of learning." As the monastery was founded by Saint Finan the Leper, I see why he would have gone there. Although in close proximity to Killarney, the island is just far enough from the town, for monks to live in seclusion.
As to how the monks survived on the island, I can only surmise. The lake contains salmon and trout, a tasty meal. Did they have a few sheep, goats or cows, grow vegetables, make herbal medicines from the plants? I'm curious about those aspects. I never saw evidence on the island, that they could be completely self-sufficient there. Some would have gone into the town. Probably for staples like flour, to make bread.
I imagine there are days, when Innisfallen becomes inaccessible. When dank mists hide the island. When storms turn the lake into a dangerous, heaving, cauldron. Transformed by the seasons, the island is bleak in winter, vibrant in spring, greenly verdant in summer, and gloriously amber in the fall. For the tranquility and the beauty of nature all around, Innisfallen is healing balm. Inspiring for writers and poets.
Blue smoky mists veiled the Killarney mountains, spiralled like serpents tails, curved sensuously, and playfully teased. Those could also be grimly somber, densely hiding the peaks. Fickle as they were, the mists captured my imagination. A landscape of visions, evoking the light and dark mystery of the soul.
Innisfallen Island Silent &Tranquil
Innifallen Monastery Founded 7th Century
12th Century Augustinian Priory Innisfallen
Boatman Mr Murphy 21st Century Reading Newspaper
Of all the places visited, Innisfallen will live on in our memories. For the strong feeling of peace experienced on the island. For the continuity with those of the centuries past. Of solitude, prayer, and a presence greater than ourselves. From the deep well within,this island is an ideal hermitage to seek what that contains. But mostly we have to be our own islands, to find peace with self. Life is a circle of becoming, a long road upon which the journey is never completed. As with many a weary traveller, there are pauses to rest then continue. I had a deep desire to see Ireland. This is not unsual for those with Irish ancestors. It's that seeking the missing history of our roots.Innisfallen is mostly dense with bushes, deciduous trees, and wild flowers. Mr Murphy said, deer swim over from the national park. There were four of us on the island. The other two, a young Danish couple. From the 7th century, the island was an important centre of monastic learning. Lough Leane means "lake of learning." As the monastery was founded by Saint Finan the Leper, I see why he would have gone there. Although in close proximity to Killarney, the island is just far enough from the town, for monks to live in seclusion.
As to how the monks survived on the island, I can only surmise. The lake contains salmon and trout, a tasty meal. Did they have a few sheep, goats or cows, grow vegetables, make herbal medicines from the plants? I'm curious about those aspects. I never saw evidence on the island, that they could be completely self-sufficient there. Some would have gone into the town. Probably for staples like flour, to make bread.
I imagine there are days, when Innisfallen becomes inaccessible. When dank mists hide the island. When storms turn the lake into a dangerous, heaving, cauldron. Transformed by the seasons, the island is bleak in winter, vibrant in spring, greenly verdant in summer, and gloriously amber in the fall. For the tranquility and the beauty of nature all around, Innisfallen is healing balm. Inspiring for writers and poets.
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