January 23rd

Iced over river

Interesting bridge

Father Tom's Uncle

   
     Killarney is our new destination, but before we get there we are stopping in Lyrecrompane, which is the home of Father Toms father, and 20 miles from where his mother was born and raised.  We met some of his family out in the bog.  They taught us how turf is made, along with the strategic methods of drying it out in time for the winter season.  Ireland is still a country very much dependent on their turf.  For those that don't know what turf is, it is simply mud that is dug out from the ground and then dried which allows the moisture to air out, and it leaves you with a dark log looking piece of mud.  Mainly back in the history of Ireland this was a very vigorous job, and most people today have machines that can cut the mud into perfect pieces.  Unlike America, where we have an abundance of trees, gas, and other heating products, turf has been a great method for using the environment to create heat and energy.  A lot of Irish families, including my own, actually own their own bog where they can make turf from.  When I was talking to Sean Feeney, he was explaining to me that on their land they own a bog where they have machines to make turf for the winter.  If you have ever been to Ireland, you hopefully have an idea of the smell of burning turf and I actually really liked it.  

   After walking through the bog we headed to the parish center where we experienced the delights of country cooking from Father Tom's family.  Lastly we headed to our hotel downtown Killarney.  The town looks like a great town as there are horse buggies in front of our hotel.  I can't wait to explore the town tomorrow! goodnight