I had a couple of hours spare today now that I’m no longer in the volunteer centre. I’ve really missed exploring so it’s great to get back to it again.
Glencar is a really lovely place with beautiful scenery. We had some snow this morning and it settled on the higher ground.
After a little drive around I headed to the waterfall. The shots aren’t as steady as I’d like them to be as I don’t use a tripod and handheld on 0.4 second is difficult.
The rain stayed off while I was out walking around the waterfall, which was good as I haven’t got my waterproof camera yet. For those who don’t know I won a waterproof camera from Pixcam. I’m delighted about it !! Can’t wait to try it out.
For some reason people have turned the fence at the waterfall into a ‘rag tree’. It was only like this in the last year or so.
I’m all for the concept of rag trees where objects are left in the hope a prayer or wish would be granted but I was surprised to see a One Direction sticker and an empty tic tac box!!
Magnumlady Blog 
Beautiful photos of a beautiful place, Val. I love going to Glencar. I’ve a good friend who was proposed to right by the waterfall, on the steps beside it. How wonderfully romantic! Whenever we go there, it always feels very Tolkien-esque. Very hobbit-y. And that’s only one of the many things I love about it. The energy of the entire area is so magical and mystical. Thanks for sharing these with us, Val. It cheered me up (I’ve come down with a nasty bug or cold type of thing, and it’s been getting me quite grumpy these past couple of days).
Oh poor thing, get well soon June.
Awww…thanks, Val. But I think it’s just the time of year for colds and flu-y type symptoms and the like. I think what annoys me the most is that I feel zapped of energy and I’m constantly feel chilled to the bone and just feel the need to stay wrapped up under many duvets. It’s more annoying than anything else – that, plus the fact that I couldn’t fully enjoy myself on Paddy’s Day because of it. It’ll be gone in a couple of days (I’m hoping). Thanks for the get well wishes. 🙂
Hope you feel better soon 🙂
Absolutely stunning pgotographs! You made me feel I was actually there so now I’m determined to go back as soon as possible.
Thank you!
You’re welcome Frances 🙂
Excuse typo above! Over-enthusiastic in getting comment in!
Wow Val! Those waterfall photos are amazing!
Thanks Ellie 🙂
Beautiful photos, even if you didn’t have a tripod!
Is it bad that I think the rag tree looks terrible? Looks like a load of rubbish got stuck on the tree.
Thanks 🙂 The rag tree does look awful. The first time I saw it I thought it was toilet paper!
Lovely photos, have past by a hundred times and never get tired of the scenery. Thanks for sharing
Lovely photos, have passed by a hundred times and never get tired of the scenery. Thanks for sharing
Thanks 🙂
Hi Magnumlady, your first picture: Celtic Trinity Knot tree design: planted mid ’80s by the McCabe Family. They planted that whole hill (known as ‘Tormór’) in the mid-eighties, and planted the design in the centre (Celtic Trinity Knot) with Japanese Larch on Sitka Spruce. They plotted the hill using white plastic bags, ground pegs and a two way radio to give instructions from the opposite layby on the N16. The Glencar area is divided between Co. Sligo & Co. Leitrim, this design & surrounding property is in Co. Sligo. It was privately funded/planted for the enjoyment of all & the Celtic design comes out best in autumn when the Japanese Larch change colour.
source: A.MacCabe, Glencar, Co.Sligo
Thanks for that great information. Lovely to know the background and history behind it, a really clever and striking idea.
Last year I paid a visit to Glencar Waterfall and was appalled to see it defaced with rags tied to trees and bushes, in an attempt to turn the beauty spot into some sort of quasi Pagan/ Christian shrine. Without any justification for doing so. I lived in Glencar for twenty years (1972-92) and never in my time did I see any such manifestation of ‘fetishism’ or superstition. In fact the waterfall and surrounding landscape was always pristine. I’m not sure how the custom of tying rags to bushes arose at Glencar, it is certainly not based in any credible religious tradition. In fact the waterfall has been responsible for at least one tragic suicide ( in the 80’s) and a number of farm animals have been killed there in accidents. In the tale of Rip Van Winkle, the old man returns after years in a deep sleep to find all changed, changed utterly. Imagine my surprise and shock to see that the waterfall at Glencar had been linked with rags to a ‘past’ that never existed and will go into the future with a false and misleading history. Time to remove the sham relics of superstition and enjoy nature in its own right.
Superb photos. Thank you so much.
regards
Joe Taylor
I’m sorry to read that Joe. I do agree about the rags, there’s no need for them in my opinion.