The exposed limestone landscape that covers 250 square kilometres (155 square miles) of County Clare, Ireland, is often described as desolate or as a moonscape. In the mid-1600s Edmund Ludlow described it as, “a country where there is not enough water to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him… and yet their cattle are very fat; for the grass growing in turfs of earth, of two or three foot square, that lie between the rocks, which are of limestone, is very sweet and nourishing.”

The description holds true today, and anyone who visits the area and takes even a short walk along the rocky expanse will discover an abundance of plants growing in the cracks and crevices (known as “crikes”). The unique combination of weather and stone delivers conditions that support arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants that grow side-by-side.

Start your plans for visiting County Clare at www.clare.ie.

School children took part in a launch of biodegradable balloons at the Cliffs of Moher yesterday in an effort to encourage voting in the New7Wonders of Nature. The Cliffs are one of 28 finalists in the international competition that will be determined by public vote.

Each balloon was printed with the ‘Vote for the Cliffs’ logo and a contact message to encourage people who find the balloons to contact the Cliffs. A prize will be awarded to the person who finds the balloon that has traveled the farthest distance.

Votes for your favorite seven sites can be cast at www.new7wonders.com/n7w.

Now, I just hope one of those balloons flies over my way.

The rocky, karst landscape of the Burren in County Clare stands in stark contrast to lush hills of the rest of Ireland. Home to a unique ecosystem and collection ancient, man-made stone structures, the area has also become a place of “natural” vandalism.

For years, inspired visitors have been creating mini-dolmens that mimic the stacked stones constructed by the ancient people of the region, like the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen. Unfortunately, by moving even small limestone slabs, visitors are upsetting the environment and participating in what officials are calling “environmental vandalism.”

Carol Gleeson, Project Manager with The Burren Connect Project said, “Unique and vulnerable habitats are being destroyed by visitors when they illegally remove protected limestone pavement to build miniature dolmens and other stone structures. However, we believe that most visitors do not want to deliberately damage the Burren pavements, as they do not realize the full environmental impacts of their actions.”

To help address the problem, a new initiative by The Burren Connect Project and Clare County Council intends to educate the public and engage schoolchildren in cleaning up the renegade dolmens.

Gleeson continued, “The Burren Connect team hopes that the newly launched environmental maintenance program, combined with existing education projects, website campaigns, publications and information points across the Burren will help raise awareness amongst visitors of the need to treat the landscape with respect and to abide by the Burren Code, which basically promotes the Leave No Trace ethos.”

So folks, if you’re in the Burren, admire it’s eerie, rocky landscape, but resist the temptation to stack stones… and don’t even consider taking some limestone home with you.

More info at: www.burrenconnect.ie

Today’s prize is a Side of Smoked Salmon from The Burren Smokehouse.

The finest smoked salmon, trout, mackerel, eel and cheese come from the family-run Burren Smokehouse in County Clare, Ireland. Today, they’re giving away a side of delicious salmon.

Their products shipped right from Ireland make perfect gifts…but you’ll have to order by the end of the week to assure it will arrive by Christmas. Details at www.burrensmokehouse.ie.

This prize goes to  Timothy Gleeson from Richmond, Virginia.

MORE GIFT IDEAS from our HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Tomorrow’s gift: something for your pup.

Not signed up yet? Visit http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/free-stuff/

Victory Medal - Photo Source Sharp-Healy Family History

Nov 12, 2008 - A man who discovered a World War I medal on the grounds of Clarecastle Church in County Clare, Ireland, has enlisted the help of his local museum in tracking down the artifact’s rightful owners. Clare Museum today placed on display the Victory Medal, which was awarded to Private Patrick King of the British Army’s South Lancashire Regiment 2nd Battalion.

The medal was offered up for display by Clarecastle taxi driver Alan Barnes who this week answered a call from the museum seeking artifacts relating to the “War To End All Wars”. After discovering Private King from Turnpike in Ennis, County Clare, died of wounds received in France on February 2, 1915, Barnes had been unable to track down the serviceman’s family.

“Clare Museum has placed the medal on display in a bid to track down members of Private King’s family, who are the artifact’s rightful owners:” stated John Rattigan, Curator of Clare Museum.

Private King’s medal has been temporarily placed in the “90 Years On – County Clare and The Great War” exhibition, marking the 90th anniversary of the ending of the Great War. Among the other items placed on display are the medals, photographs and personal stories of more than a half dozen Clare men who served in the 1914-1918 War.

Read the whole story at http://www.dunphypr.com/?p=998

Learn more about the Victory Medal at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I_Victory_Medal

Photo credit: http://www.webgirl.co.nz/SharpHealy/thomashealy.html

Episode Guide – Podcast #08 The Cliffs of Moher, Roasted Salmon and The Devil’s Bit

Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Centre updates on their construction, we taste some of Fionn mac Cumhaill Salmon and we finish up with a song by Theresa Larkin.

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON below to listen.

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Show Notes

A special hello to the listeners we met at Milwaukee Irish Fest:

• Anita and Patrick, Illinois
• Helen and Alvey, Wisconsin
• Bill and Peggy, Florida
• Chloe, Ontario
• Christin, Michigan
• Theresa and Kathleen, Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher interview with Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience.

Food from the Fireside

• Fionn mac Cumhaill’s Whiskey Roasted Salmon

Irish Fireside Song

• The Devil’s Bit

The Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience

• www.cliffsofmoher.ie
• Scheduled to open February 2007
• New, partialy underground visitor centre
• Extended and improved pathways
• Raised viewing platforms
• Katherine also mentions the legend of Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) and Hag’s Head.
• Places mentioned: Loop Head, Miltown Malbay, Kilkee, the Burren, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Lough Derg, St. Fachtna Cathedral in Kilfenora, Killaloe (Heritage Centre, Brian Boru Fort, Graves of the Leinstermen, Lookout), Kilbaha (the Little Ark), Corkscrew Road.

• Written by: Theresa Larkin
• Performed by: Noel McQuaid – Bouzouki/Mandolins/Banjo
• Theresa Larkin – Flute/Fiddles/Accordion/Synthesizer
• Martin – Shakers/Snare Drum
• Adele – Cello