Why do I keep going back to Gleann Cholm Cille? Easy, it's a marvellous opportunity to escape from the 'real' world to an island of tranquility amid the hurley-burley of the 21st Century. OK, Taliesin isn't exactly Metropolis, but even Ceredigion is moderately busy compared to Gleann. There are interesting things to do in Gleann, particularly learning Irish, but the social life is as much a part of the holiday as the formal educational aspects. And what a busy social life it is...OK, the pubs feature quite largely, but really as a backdrop to the craic. This year I remember some great evening activities in Oideas Gael, learning to dance, poetry readings, and in particular the weekly concerts organised by Tommy Byrne. This was a chance to hear some brilliant music from world-class musicians in a small, quiet environment where we could concentrate on the music. I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy listening to them playing in the pubs as well, but it's different 'in concert'. They were all excellent, but particularly memorable were Liz and Yvonne Kane - two marvellously talented fiddlers - , an evening of Laoise Kelly on the harp - as Mairead described her at the Altan concert later, "fairy music" - and Steve Cooney on the guitar, both solo and together, and the amazing Tony McMahon (from Clare) on the box, again with the marvellous Mr Cooney.
Did I mention the pubs? The three in Cashel are entertaining enough, and I have happy memories of the sessions in the Glenhead and Roartys with James Byrne and his family and friends (I promise to learn some more songs before next year). But this year the best place for music had to be Cúl a 'Dúin in Teelin, with quite amazing sessions, sometimes going on 'until the night became morning'. I had never thought of the harp as a session instrument until I heard Laoise in Teelin. Seriously good stuff.
And again, the key to the social life is the people. It's wonderful to go to a little corner of Donegal and meet lovely people from all round the world: I went to learn Irish, but also discovered how to say 'Cheers' or its equivalent in Pueblo!
The piccies are in vaguely chronological order, but that's about it. On looking at them now, there seems to be a surprising amount of blue sky, given that I seem to remember being frequently cold and wet and seeing a lot of cloud all summer - I suspect I only took the camera out on sunny days!
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Rang a dó 23-29 Meitheimh - Mehefin - JuneAn Rang - Y Dosbarth - The Class
Líne deiridh - Rhes cefn - Back row |
I *like* sunsets! Actually, this is just an impressive stormy sky at Sliabh Liag. Larger view Full size |
The view from my bedroom window in the 'ski-slope' house, with some of the neighbours. Larger view Full size |
Assarnacally Waterfall - near Maghera Larger view Full size The Owenree valley, also near Maghera Larger view Full size |
The waterfall again Larger view Full size |
Another sunset - from the promontory fort at Tra Ban Larger view Full size |
Ciara up at Glenhead Larger view Full size |
Picnic at Sliabh Liag: Me, Ciara and Marie-Pierre. OK, so we only went up a few hundred feet from the car park...One Man's Path next year? Larger view Full size |
The view over Sliabh Liag 20 minutes after the picnic! Larger view Full size |
The descent after the picnic - the camera angle makes it look more impressive than it is! Larger view Full size |
The 'Ski Slope' house, with the actual 'Cashel' immediately beyond it, and a nice view up the Gleann. Note the blue sky. Larger view Full size |
A few happy people in Biddys Larger view Full size |
Some tired but happy-looking people waiting for the bus to Dublin. Larger view Full size |
The touristy shots: Donegal Castle (the old bit) Larger view Full size |
Inside the Dining Hall - nice fireplace. Larger view Full size Donegal Castle - the new(er) bit. Larger view Full size |
Me, Jill and Salvatore by the Blue Haven Larger view Full size |
The three of us again "sa bhaile" in Barney's house. Larger view Full size |
Laoise Kelly at Oideas Gael Larger view Full size Laoise again with Steve Cooney Larger view Full size |
Steve doesn't just play the guitar... Larger view Full size |
Come on in, the water's lovely (and cold). Silver Strand. Larger view Full size |
Seachtain Teanga agus Cultúr, Rang a cuig Larger view Full size |
And a last few sunsets to finish off Larger view Full size |
...these were taken on or near Glenhead... Larger view Full size |
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Other photos from this summer...