24 (40) Ireland's Soft Weather We continued to Slea Head, the westernmost tongue of land on Dingle Peninsula. From the steep promontory we scanned the horizon for the Blasket Islands. These islands were depopulated in 1953. One reason was that the women did not want to be restricted to marry within the declining population. It is funny how all brochures about Ireland often show the landscape in sunny and bright weather. I have always thought that sunny photos of Ireland are a distortion. Of course there is sun here, but Ireland gets its spirit and quality from what is called "Ireland's soft weather" - a soft rain and haze embedding the scenery. 23 25 First published: Friday 20th December, 2002 Send a to the author! You may also use this form