“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” – Psalm 62:5-6
Fortress
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Tag Archives: archeology
The Imperfect Can Sometimes Rock
When it comes to old castles, our family likes them less perfect, and more, well, imperfect. The perfect castles tend to come complete with tour guides and the admission cost that tends to come with them. (Although I’m mixed on that…those admission costs could help in keeping these wonderful old castles intact for another generation to enjoy.) But we love to explore these wonderful rocks on our own sometimes, and just imagine. 🙂 Don’t miss the beauty in the imperfect. Blessings, Lisa
“Grace makes beauty out of ugly things.” – U2, “Grace,” ATYCLB
The Long & Skinny of It
I am curious about all the long and skinny windows all over Ireland’s ancient ruins. At first I thought, the forts would have these thin windows in order to shoot their arrows at the invaders without getting shot back in return. But I have found them on old churches and abandoned cottages in the woods as well. Time spent researching this on the internet has proven inconclusive, so the mystery remains momentarily as I keep searching. The smaller windows might have been easier to construct, and also keep the cold wind and rain out better. Anyone who has information about this mystery, please enlighten me. 🙂 Meanwhile, here are some pictures…the long and skinny of it. Slainte, Lisa
Window of an abandoned small cottage in the woods outside Killarney
A window of an ancient church ruin in County Kerry.
This definitely appears to be an arrow slit window in Bunratty Castle.
Castlelyons
Castlelyons, Ireland. Great name, but then, I’m biased as Lyons is my last name and it would be pretty amazing to have a castle or just hang out in a castle. We found this town in County Cork, and it was the ancient hometown of the Barrymores in the 13th century. Fun to imagine what life was like back then, probably very hard, and not much like my daydreams of knights, maidens, minstrels, etc. But hey, a girl can dream, right? 🙂 Slainte, Lisa
My two knights
Castle Lyons Ruins, http://www.geograph.ie
Ring Forts
Thousands of ring forts can be found all over Ireland. This particular one, Leacanabuaile, is located in Cahersiveen and is in great shape. “Leacanabuaile is one of only a few Irish Forts to have been excavated and those excavations revealed both Bronze and Iron Age objects suggesting that there was a farming community here from an early date.” (http://www.visitcahersiveen.ie/places_to_visit_detail.php?item=169&full=y)
Protection for people and farm animals in early days. Looking at them now, it’s hard to imagine living inside their stone walls on the open grassy mounds. But at the time, I’m sure it was a blessed protection from the elements and other harmful things. The thing that always strikes me, though, is that the same God who protects and cares for us is the same God that protected and cared for them. And history rolls on…
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2
Slainte, Lisa
Think About These Things 