Slemish in the distance

Slemish, historically called Slieve Mish, in the townland of Carnstroan a few miles east of Ballymena, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is the remains of the plug of an extinct volcano. Tradition holds that Saint Patrick was enslaved as a youth and brought to this area to tend sheep herds on Slemish, and that during this time he found God.

A view from the other side

A circular walk starts from the car park at the base of Slemish, up a steep rocky track to the summit some 1437 feet above sea level. The track down is much gentler and leads back to the car park. On a clear day, as the song goes,it is possible to see as far as the Sperrins.

On this our National Holiday…. May your life abound with blessings:

A soft breeze when summer comes, a warm fireside in winter

And always: The warm, soft smile of a friend.

♣

Grant us a sense of humour, Lord, the saving grace to see a joke,

To win some happiness from life, and pass it on to other folks.

♣ ♣ ♣