22 Mr. S. F. Milligan on 



close to the coast, is one which will never be forgotten by those 

 who were privileged to see it. We passed close to the cliffs of 

 Moher, and saw Kilkee shining brilliantly in the sunlight, and on 

 southwards past Tarlee Bay, Smerwick Harbour, the vast 

 mountain chains of Slieve Mish and Brandon, ending in Brandon 

 Head. Before entering Dingle Bay the group of islands known as 

 the Blasquets were passed, and then Ventry Harbour. Here we 

 anchored for the night ; the moon was full and shining brightly, 

 the little inlet was unruffled, the tide flowing gently in, and on 

 board a choir of ladies and gentlemen singing hymns, being led 

 by a lady at the piano — the whole was soothing and restful after 

 the week's excursions. 



Next morning, after landing, a start was made. We had a walk 

 before us of six miles, as no vehicles were obtainable. The walk 

 led along the coast from Ventry to Dunmore Head, and the whole 

 coast line was dotted with prehistoric buildings, bee hive huts, in 

 groups and singly, between Dunbeg and Dunmore. It is an Irish- 

 speaking district, English is not spoken or understood except by 

 some of the children, who speak both tongues. Space will not 

 permit any attempt at describing the unique fort of Dunbeg, 

 which is a fortified headland, or the lovely scenery or the bee hive 

 huts, which have been called the ruined City of Fahan, in the 

 district of Glen Fahan. 



The steamer followed us, and we embarked in boats at a 

 pier built by the Congested Board, and rejoined the " Magic," 

 starting at once for the Skellig Rocks. A boat load of about 

 twenty-eight persons got landing on Skellig Michael, of which the 

 writer was one. It was intended others should follow, but when 

 the sailors who landed our party returned to the ship, they refused 

 to bring any more out, saying it was too great a risk. It was a 

 great disappointment, but I believe the sailors acted wisely, as the 

 landing place is very dangerous. The walk up the cliff, cork- 

 screw wise, and then the final climb to the top of 650 steps, or 

 rude stone stairs, required good climbing powers. The view was 

 glorious beyond description. There were birds everywhere, the 



