THE IRELAND EXIBITION

Saturday October 25 the Ellicottville Memorial Library hosts a Gallery show of Art in Ireland. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ellicottville

This past April eight women artists/ photographers including this writer, accompanied by tour guides Bob McCarthy and Huey Dunne explored the rugged West coast of Ireland. It’s our pleasure to share our wonderful experience with you by presenting a show of our works at the Ellicottville Memorial Library.

Home base was the lovely little town of Lisdoonvarna; famous for the craic’ (Irish for fun); well-known for one of Europe’s largest yearly singles matchmaking festivals. The village has a vast selection of colorful pubs, eateries and guest accommodations, perfect for photography. It is also the home of one of Bob’s best friends, and frequent visitor to Ellicottville, the infamous Andy Guthrie. Andy welcomed us into his home and introduced us to the local fare; an enormous Irish breakfast. Then we were off to view the town. Every where we visited oohs and ahh’s accompanied the sounds of ten cameras clicking.

Lisdoonvarna also has the only natural spa water in Ireland. The waters contain magnesia, iodine and iron and are reputed to have health restorations. The Spa’s therapeutic mineral waters have been dispensed here since the 18th century. The Victorian setting of the Spa provided us with numerous photographic opportunities.

With cameras in hand and Euro’s in our pockets we headed out on Day Trips in our little red bus to tour the sights in and around the villages in County Clare. Rain and more rainbows than I had ever seen accompanied us as we visited the coastal village of LaHinch, Ballyvaughan, Bunratty, Doolin and the Cliffs of Mohr, Dromoland and its spectacular castle, Ennis and Ennistymon.

These villages are situated in and around “the Burren. This is a unique area in the North West part of County Clare. It is a huge area of limestone rock formations that covers 50 sq miles. Though it was April, signs of the flora the Burren is famous for was beginning to appear. The desolate beauty was breathtaking and inspiring; every bend held ancient ruins and stone walls that spoke of the early history of this harsh yet beautiful Emerald Isle.