Clara's Visit

Clara Hogan is the daughter of Jan's sister Tara. We knew her sister Molly well, but Clara was born after we left Iowa City - I had met her once at Jenifer's wedding. She is doing a semester in Brussels and for her Spring Break she toured Europe ending up with a 36 hour trip to visit us. Well, fate intervened and the volcanic ash crisis let us keep her for 5 days and gave her a much better view of Kerry! She handled it well, though obviously a bit frustrated - her fellow students were stranded all over Europe, some alone, so we were glad she was with us. She eventually got back to Brussels via train, ferry, train, train - about a 28 hour journey. Lucky she's young!

The first evening we went to Fenit and Ardfert. The next day we went to Dingle (the original 1 day tour we had planned!). That evening we went across to our local pub for a going-away gathering for Kate, so Clara got to meet a few of our friends. Above she is on the beach we call Ryan's Daughter's beach.  To the right, MFE and Clara at Kilmalkedar Church. Below right , the mountain climb up from the falls just before the Conor Pass.Below left, some brightly painted lambs near the church.

On Friday she and Dana went to Killarney and toured Muckross House and Ross Castle while I worked. Dana says this is his best picture ever of Ross Castle! Left and right - Killarney Lakes.

It was a beautiful day and he got some very nice flower shots.

Saturday we went to Ballybunion  - above and at top of the post the traditional Virgin Rock picture! Also, here's a shot of Nun's beach, the one near the end of the Cliff Walk. There was so much more beach exposed than usual - it was hardly recognizable.

Sunday back to Killarney for Torc Falls, Ladies View and Moll's Gap. This picture is Ladies View - notice the Muslim visitors enjoying the sights! Monday she spent the morning trying to arrange transportation then took an early afternoon bus to Dublin.