Inishbofin to Dingle

4th to 6th August
Inishbofin-Portmurvy, Inishmore-Smerwick Hbr.-Dingle

It was very windy whilst on the little island of Inishbofin, so I stayed four days and nights, and felt I knew the island well (and was heartened that anchor could hold Misty in a near gale, whilst two others dragged and had to move to quayside). The ferry continued operating throughout, which was impressive, even if some of the passengers looked a bit poorly. (At this stage my own toothache warranted drastic action. In the spirit of improvisation, whipping twine and whisky came to mind.)

Not much life in Inishbofin....

...but the ferry kept working

Then, ever-changeable Ireland gave some more fine sunny breezy days, so over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, for a night. Time for an evening walk to Dun Aengus, (“..one of the finest prehistoric fortresses in Europe…”). I feel such places, and Stonehedge is another, where you need vivid imagination and the prompts of excited archaeologists and their recreations to experience how amazing they are/were, though the walk was memorable with fabulous views across the island and over to the Cliffs of Moher.  Most visitors, and there were 800 that day, relished looking over the unguarded 250 foot sheer cliff edge as much as seeing the scattered remains of ancient stone walls.

Looking over the cliff at Dun Aengus

Yesterday, Monday, was a magnificent sailing day. I kept extending my destination, finally ending up over 70 miles on, after 12 hours’ fast reaching; and dropped anchor in Smerwick Harbour (it’s a bay not a harbour, really).

Ireland's most westerly island

Today, through spectacular Blasket Sound and past the most westerly bit of mainland Ireland, and on to….Dingle….where: JOY…DENTIST! Extraction done. Neither whipping twine nor whisky needed. I’m so deliriously happy I feel a limerick coming on:

“There was a young dentist in Dingle,
Who ……,
She lifted her pliers……..
………
…..”

Over to you! No more talk of te

The source of much happiness....

...relief!