We walked a portion of the Dingle Way, around the end of Ireland’s spectacular Dingle peninsula, with its rugged coastline views. It was a glorious day for a walk.
We walked by and through many rock-walled fields, scattering sheep as we went. As you walk, it’s easy to see why both the rocks and the sheep make sense. The land is very marginal — mostly rocks, with patches of moss and grass. Everything was built of stone, and rock fences and buildings were advantageous by-products of trying to clear the fields. Sheep can handle this territory, able to pick their way through steep rocky hillsides, eating wherever they find some green.
One of the fascinating sights along the way is a series of stone beehive huts. The huts are reminiscent of those at Skellig Michael. Evidence shows these probably had a different purpose, though.
Unlike the huts on the Skelligs, which were part of a long-lived monastic community, the huts here were used for people in transit. This would probably have been folks who were on a pilgrimage, perhaps to Skellig Michael or one of Ireland’s other holy sites. If you were traveling to the Skelligs a thousand years ago, you might have had to hold up for a considerable period, waiting for weather and waves to moderate enough for a safe crossing to the island.
Several of these beehives were scattered along the way. While most of the huts were stand-alone, a few of them were combined into multi-unit structures — for all the world, like ancient motels.
Most of the beehives have had their roofs removed now. Like the US, Ireland has become a litigious society, and ancient roofs could prove a liability. What a shame! 
These mortarless huts stood for centuries, and now we purposely chop them off — destroying history for the sake of trespassers who might decide to climb on the roof.
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We’re in Ireland now for our annual women’s trip to Ireland. It’s such a fascinating place, full of history and culture — both ancient and modern. Imagine living here, with a 1,000-year old beehive “motel” in your back yard! 
7 responses so far ↓
1 ashokkjha // Sep 24, 2008 at 1:07 am
This is a treasure trove for adventure lovers like me.This is perhaps the most comprehensive blog i have come across which is not only very informative but also guides thoroughly.
2 Jillie // Sep 24, 2008 at 5:44 am
This is just fascinating! I have family who came from Ireland and yet I’ve never been. I would love to go. I have always thought the grass is always greener in Ireland - but I mean that literally!
3 Deanna Keahey // Sep 26, 2008 at 10:39 am
Hi Jillie -
Ireland is such an amazing country. Can you imagine having something like this, many centuries old and full of history, in your back yard??? There’s history like this scattered all over the country. Amazing place, and I hope you get there some day!
4 Kel // Sep 27, 2008 at 1:53 am
Too many years ago I visited Ireland and the beautiful Dingle peninsula but had no idea these fascinating huts were even there. Perhaps it was the 30 mile bike ride with friends that I was struggling to keep up with? Your post brings back many memories of the area though, such wonderful people there.
5 Kim // Sep 27, 2008 at 7:31 am
It sounds like it was a wonderful trip! The pictures of the countryside are amazing and it seems to have been a really wonderful way to spend the day.
6 Deanna Keahey // Sep 27, 2008 at 10:25 am
Hi Kel -
Biking can be a great way to see the countryside, but anytime you’re feeling like you’re struggling, your attention is more on the struggling, and less on the countryside! You’re right about the wonderful people there, too - very friendly!
7 Deanna Keahey // Sep 27, 2008 at 10:26 am
Hi Kim -
It definitely was a wonderful day and a wonderful walk. Ireland has a lot of treasures hidden away a bit, like out in the middle of a farmer’s field. To them it’s normal, but to us it’s amazing!
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