All around Catholic Ireland are shrines to Mary, sometimes in the most unexpected of places. These combine Christianity with a certain pagan essence that is very true to the Irish spirit. This particular example I found while driving along the wild coast of Clare south and west of Killkee, on a photography expedition for Pentaxium.
The shrine is set back from the road and encircled by a mound of earth. Unless you walk to the opposite side you cannot see what it is. In this way it is both a public devotion and protected from casual eyes. The combination of a ring of earth -- a Celtic and Megalithic construction -- together with a Christian shrine is a notably Irish landmark. I do not know if the shrine was placed on the spot where a circle pre-existed, or if the circle was constructed specifically for it. There are no homes nearby, so there is no-one to ask.
This shot was taken with the sun directly behind the shrine as it set for the evening. I find the halo effect particularly lovely. But I am sure it is not a coincidence and that the shrine has been aligned with the sun's path.
Taken at 16mm with the Pentax 16-45mm. ISO 200. Three exposures centred around f/11 1/350s plus a fourth for greater exposure. No tripod!
Fascinating photo. You timed the sun perfectly. I was wondering, what was the source of illumination inside the shrine? I would doubt an electric spotlight in so rustic a setting. Hmmm?