On Tuesday 26th July a group of Amblers and Ramblers assembled at Liss Ard Country House near Skibbereen, for a visit to the Sky Garden. Our guide Ann Collins Mac Seoin was very knowledgeable and shared with us, the story of the house as well as the Sky Garden. The Sky Garden is the work of artist James Turrell. A living breathing work of art, which is all about the experience of entering the hollow and lying down to observe the sky, in peace and tranquility. Our members were fascinated, and had many questions for Ann. Just as well, because Ann kept us on our toes with spot-quizzes along the way!
After this, we all trooped in to the beautiful house where tea, coffee and scones were waiting for us in the long dining room. More rapid-fire questions from Ann, and the lucky ones won spot prizes!
From Liss Ard, we made our way by car to Lough Hyne. Ann led us up through the mist, to view the lough from above. We had to imagine what some of the landscape in the distance would look like, through the mist. However, the mist didn’t dampen our spirits. There was even an impromptu woodland concert!!
On we hiked, through the woods, climbing over a few obstacles(!) with a little sliding(!), until we were back on the road to the lakeside.
On our route back to the lake we encountered a couple of shrines, or grottoes. We could understand why such calm beautiful places had been chosen by those who set them up.
We were glad to retire to The Church Restaurant in Skibbereen for a hearty lunch!
