It’s far too easy when I’m traveling to just focus on the structure, and not really think about the story behind why that structure was built.  The real details of what life was like at that time, in and around that building.  This is Eask Tower outside of Dingle, Ireland.  The 1 mile hike up Carhoo Hill is gentle but persistent.  At the top you are rewarded with amazing views of Dingle Harbour and Connor Pass.

This tower was built in 1847 as a famine relief project, headed up by Rev. Charles Gayer.  The workers produced an amazing and strong structure…16 feet thick walls, rising 39 feet into the air.  The wooden arrow points into the mouth of the blind harbor to help early sailors navigate.  It also served as a lookout tower during WWII.

Imagine living during those days….not enough food for your family, for yourself, months and months of weakness, desperation.  Yet those workers somehow managed to rally the strength to make this.  Things like that always amaze me.

Enjoy your day, and look for the stories.  They’re everywhere.  🙂  Slainte, Lisa

*If you are interested in a really good book to give you a small glimpse into what the Irish Famine might have been like, read “Galway Bay” by Mary Pat Kelly.  It stays with you long after you’ve finished it.