Just a little further west from the megalithic tomb from my last post, we visited the abandoned village, also found on the lower, southern slopes of Slievemore.  There are almost 100 dry stone cottages laid out in a line.  The village was abandoned during the famine, although it continued to be used for “booleying” until the mid 20th century, a practice where people would stay in them during the summer months to tend cattle.  It was a very atmospheric place, with Slievemore, capped by cloud looming behind, and views of Minaun with its impressive cliffs, to the south under moody skies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clear traces of lazy beds, used for growing crops beside the houses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking up at the village from below, with Slievemore partially hidden.

 

A final look south to the Minaun cliffs as we left.

 

A fascinating place to visit, and to wander along through the ruins imagining the once busy village and the events that destroyed it.