Ruth's brother lives on Sherkin Island, so we rented a small cottage and stayed there for a couple of days. Ruth stayed on after we returned to Dublin, and I have to admit to being a tad jealous. It is an unique and peaceful place.
Sherkin lies off the southwest of County Cork in Roaringwater Bay. It has approximately 80 full time inhabitants and 80 houses. Half of the houses are holiday homes and there is a small hotel and a few B&Bs. There are two pubs, and no stores to speak of. The entire island measures 5km by 3 km. The inhabitants drive bashed up old cars, many of which don't have licence plates or side mirrors (those having been knocked off by trying to pass other vehicles on roads only wide enought for one!). On lovely summer days the island attracts day-trippers from the mainland, attracted by its sandy beaches, coastal views, country walks and birdwatching. The ferry trip from Baltimore takes about 15 minutes - most islanders keep a 'real' car parked in Baltimore. There are interesting ruins from a 13th century Franciscan Friary, and many standing stones and other unidentifiable ancient ruins.
Stupidly, I forgot my camera battery charger back in Dublin, so have no photos of Sherkin as my battery had long since died. However, here is one I have 'stolen' from www.lancs.ac.uk/.../ ireland06/image008.htm.
And here is a picture of the Friary, taken off of the Wikipedia entry for Sherkin Island.
For more information on Sherkin, check out: http://www.sherkinmarine.ie/index.htm
Here is Aaste with our 'intermediate' relatives. This is how Gaute describes the way in which we are related. Gaute's grandfather and my grandfather were cousins. Obviously we are not 'immediate' family - so Gaute figures we must be inter-mediate family! 
Aaste and I spent a lovely day touring around the 'Sheeps Head Peninsula", stopping often to take pictures, or explore small villages. (Unfortunately as designated driver I could not sample a pint at the many roadside pubs). We stopped briefly at the site of the Air India Disaster Memorial, which has a lovely seaside garden with gorgeous purply blue hydrangeas. 
It was an opportunity to tell Aaste a little sad history that involved her country, Ireland, and India. She was intent upon knowing exactly how many people lost their lives so we spent a few minutes counting the names on the plaque. I can't remember now, but it exceeded 300. She asked what the 'terrorists' were trying to accomplish, and for the life of me I couldn't tell her. It strikes me that 'terrorist' is a term that she has likely known her whole life and I wonder if she is equally aware of the terror of oppression, poverty, and hunger?
