Dublin was amazing. I could not leave without seeing the bog bodies at the National Museum.
Tea First
Today I returned to Dublin to explore. With so much to see, I popped over to have tea while I considered where to begin.
Cake and tea for lunch at The Queen of Tarts.
Clare Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Today I went to Clare Island to find out more about Grace O’Malley. Her castle is clearly visible upon the approach to the island.
I had to make a stop at Clare Island Abbey, the ancestral burial grounds of the O’Malley clan with an amazing painted ceiling from the 14th century. Do you suppose Grace’s head could be buried here? It’s a beautiful place, with lots and lots of sheep. I felt like I was in an Irish Spring commercial!
Is Grace really buried here?
Interior Abbey
Ceiling of Clare Island Abbey
O’Malley Family Crest, Clare Island Abbey
A small island with a very rich history worth exploring again and again.
Finding Grace O’Malley
After twenty-three hours and 4,400 miles, I have arrived in Westport, County Mayo, Ireland to investigate the pirate queen Grace O’Malley. Nearly lost to history because she was a woman this formidable figure deserves a bit of study. I am glad to have the opportunity to learn about this amazing historical figure who once snubbed Queen Elizabeth by refusing to bow to her.
Grace O’Malley Statue, Westport House, County Mayo, Ireland
Westport House, currently being renovated, is built on the site once occupied by one of Grace O’Malley’s seven castles. Underneath the present house, built by her great granddaughter’s husband, are the dungeons once used by Grace herself.
Grace’s great-granddaughter, Maud.
A Truly Scilly Summer
I recently brought the book I am working on out and shared it with a writer friend of mine. My friend is also a writer and was able to look at my idea and evolving story with fresh ideas and eyeballs. You know I had not really thought about the value or necessity to share my manuscript with anyone before. It was not completely finished so no one needed to see it yet, or so I thought. This friend has been a terrific help and encouraging force in the evolution of this manuscript. I actually became excited about it again.
When I first began this book I was looking for an actual place with an interesting name. I was really interested in the 1940’s, possible orphan character, WWII, Europe. Imagine my delight in discovering the Isles of Scilly; a chain of islands off the southwestern coast of Cornwall, England.
This friend of mine came right out and said,”You need to go do some research. The story will almost write itself once you walk in the shoes of where you characters would have walked.”
Isn’t it annoying when someone else thinks of a solution first? What a good friend!
This summer I am taking my friend’s advice. Starting in London and then traveling by train to Land’s End in Cornwall, England. Taking the ferry, called the Great White Stomach Pump, 28 miles to the Isles of Scilly where my story takes place. Once there I am staying in a castle commissioned by Queen Elizabeth I in 16th century. I look forward to updating my blog as I prepare for this journey and discover how the story continues to unfold.
