of course in both weeks there were foggy and sunless days

– all the better

to examine this strange stone face on Kilcatherine Church

that dates from the Dark Ages 

some attribute the face to a pagan cat goddess

others link it to the ancient worship of snakes

its origins are not certain

but the site itself predates the 12th century and is very atmospheric

… there is an old stone cross

said to be the oldest in Ireland:

and when it’s too grey and foggy to do anything else

but the lough is still, misty and serene:

West Cork IV: click below