I snapped this photo from the higher ground of Shankyle Cemetery at Kilrush in Co.Clare and managed to capture Scatterty Island in the background. The island is located near the mouth of the Shannon and just two and a half km from the Creek Marina at Kilrush where we had rented a cottage. For such a small island it has a wealth of history equal to any large towns or cities on the mainland. A monastery was founded there in the 6th century by St. Senan who is reported to be buried here, but serenity didn’t prevail, because the Vikings invaded in the 9th and 10th centuries, obviously unafraid of the tales of a monster said to inhabit the island,but in the end it was Brian Boru who ousted the Vikings. There are six church ruins and a round tower 120 feet tall and visible from the mainland and strangely the tower entrance is built at ground level, maybe a feeling of trust and peace was felt at the time it was erected, because most towers had entrances higher up so the occupants could protect their valuables and food at a time of trouble. The island itself was used as a safe haven for ships of the Spanish Armada, and even the British army had an gun battery built here to protect against any French invasion. It consisted of six 24 pounder guns, accomodation for 20 men and two howitzer guns on the roof of the blockhouse. The last of the islands inhabitants left for the mainland in 1978, but a ferry sails about four times a day taking visitors to the island where the centuries of history can be absorbed and enjoyed as well as the sight and sounds of nature. (On the occasion I was there, time was of the essence and sadly I did not make the trip, but will do in the future.)
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 08:04:02 +0000