If you ever go to Ireland there is symbolism everywhere. I recently read a story from the area around Dingle, Ireland. Oh how I wished I knew this story before I went. I love knowing stories about areas we visit. Once again knowing the history of areas you are visiting makes the area mean even more. Here is a story that starts in the Dingle area but is really about the perseverance of a saint.
Symbolism is everywhere in Ireland.
There is a creek in the Dingle area named Brandon. The creek got the name because it was the starting point of Saint Brenden. Saint Brenden was ordained at the age of 26 and founded many monasteries about Ireland. In his later years he and a group of his monks took a seven year voyage in a two mast currach (old Irish boat) to the New World. The exploits of this trip were captured in an Latin text called “The Voyage of Saint Brenden the Navigator” describing lands full of magic, devils and fantastical animals.
In the mid-1970’s a man named Tim Severin was trying to recreate Saint Brenden's voyage to prove they had gone to America long before the Vikings. He used materials and designs and navigation that would have been available then. Made a currach from ash framing and tarred cow-hide. Over 11 months they said to Hebrides of Scotland, Iceland and Newfoundland which showed that Saint Brenden could have sailed from Europe to the Americans.
Brandon Creek is in Dingle where Saint Brenden begain his voyage.
See Tim Severin's boat
If you would like to see the boat that Tim Severin used in his voyage you can go to an outdoor museum named Craggaunowen Park in County Claire. There you can ponder how such a boat could go so far, and you can even touch it. This world is large and yet small for those who diligently work to see it and have faith they can.
So many good stories out there to share with people. Do you have any stories you have read, maybe some people have told you or even better, ones you have experienced in your personal travels? I fully believe we should share our experiences and give hope and maybe encourage others to get out there and find their own stories. Share the stories with your family and friends and keep a journal so one day maybe someone will follow in your shoes.
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