In Gaelic it would be spelled Dianghasa.

Yesterday, we headed over to Inishmore in the Aran Islands. You may have seen parts of the island if you ever watched the Amy Adams flick Leap Year. (cough…Zaxxon…cough) This island has over 4000 miles of stone walls, as seen here:

This photo was taken from on top of a 19th lighthouse that has been closed since shortly after its construction. It was closed because it was built too far inland and ships kept wrecking into the side of the island. It had previously been locked to keep tourists out, but Bertie, our mini-bus driver broke us in there so that we, meaning I, could take photos from the top. Bertie is the best. He actually gave us a helluva tour. Taking us to places that most tourists never get to see. He knows these places because he is 7th generation on the island. Translation: badass.

I bet you are wondering how I came to be on this tiny island. By nauseating and terrifying boat ride, of course. 45 fucking minutes each way. The cool part was that the wake of the ferry attracted dolphins. Say that last line out loud and giggle to yourself.

Inishmore was four circle forts. The most famous, and old, is Dún Aonghasa (Dun Aengus for you Anglos) which was built in 1100BC. Translation: really old. There is some debate as to when the oldest parts of it were built. Some say that parts were constructed as long as 5000 years ago. Celts go way back, yo.

Today, we head back to Dublin to round out our travel. I doubt I will traveling into the boonies to see old peoples homes, but the good news is that I will get to see a lot of really old city stuff. I hear rumors of a Trinity College trip. And shopping, of course, is on the menu. Seeing as how I have everyone I know sending me a list of stuff they want me to bring back. I will be expecting a stack of cashier’s cheques waiting for me when I get home.

Alright, you Dianghasa, I am off to Dublin. Again. More soon. (Maybe next time with more photos. Sorry. I’ve been busy.) ~SC