The Dingle Peninsula is the northernmost of the major peninsulas in County Kerry. Referred to by locals as Corca Dhuibhne, it is commonly called Dingle after the coastal town by that name towards its western edge. The peninsula boasts the westernmost point of mainland Ireland at Dunmore Head. Just off shore, in the Atlantic Ocean, the Blasket and Skellig Islands (featured as Luke Skywalker’s hideaway in the Star Wars sequel trilogy) are clearly visible. Dingle is a land of rugged coastline and sweeping hilly vistas, plus an insane amount of hydrangea and fuchsia bushes!
Ireland’s School of Falconry is the oldest falconry school in Ireland. Opened in 1999, it is located on the grounds of Ashford Castle, a country estate on the north shore of Lough Corrib, north of the city of Galway. The school boasts having the largest and most diverse collection of Harris hawks in the world. Why use Harris hawks (a North American native) instead of falcons? Of all the raptors, Harris hawks are known for their unusually sociable and easy going natures. This makes them excellent at the sport of falconry. The hawks are bred at the school, where they live their entire lives, never being sold. They are trained by the school’s falconers to fly free every day. We couldn’t miss a chance to participate in our own Hawk Walk with a falconer to exercise one of these magnificent raptors!
Tom Cean! Shackleton and Scott!?!? That’s nuts. And Pippin’s amazing, what an extraordinary experience. I’m seriously Jones-ing for Great Britain right now; Meg just sent pictures of Linnea and Rebecca in Exeter; Linnea is taking flight too. So much beauty, adventure and family!
So amazing to hear about Linnea! The whole wedding trip / experience has seemed to have an incredible influence on a number of people 😁
Amazing photos, history and commentary in this latest post. Taking a walk with a hawk has to be one of the best experiences you’ve had this trip. Birds rule!!!!
Couldn’t pass up such a unique opportunity and we had a great time! Might look into local falconry clubs when we get back to CA. 😉 🦅
Great to see such tame/wild birds fly from your hand & actually return. Very cool.
Pippin was super cool! He definitely knew where he had seen a mouse on a previous walk and wanted to hang out there to find it again. But, he came back when we called him.
There are a few sayings that cross my mind when I hear of explorers like Tom Crean: a time of wooden ships (albeit oak), but men of steel, and … there was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire. Both having to do with souls who would, for whatever reason explore/conquer the world. Leaving such a beautiful green isle to do it.
I would love to join you I person, but barring that living vicariously through the images and stories is such an uplifting experience. Thank you.
Btw, excellent slo-mo of the Harris Hawk.
We were able to visit, and walk on/in, the ship that took Roald Amundsen on a couple of polar voyages. The thought of living on it in such adversity is unbelievable to me! Truly men of steel … with an emphasis on iron stomachs ; )
Yeah right! You couldn’t be squeamish since part of the fair were bargemen (weevils) and millers (rats), and possibly food that has traversed the globe before being eaten.