Cultural History of Ireland Winter Term 2013: 2013

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Burren & Cliffs of Moher

Today we journeyed to the Cliffs of Moher with the Galway Tour Company and saw many important historic sites along the way. Among other things we saw a 16th castle, a Cistercian Abbey, a pre-historic ring fort believed to be inhabited by fairy folk, a wedge tomb from 2500 BCE, a neolithic burial portal that is 5,800 years old, and the world famous cliffs! After a full day, we gathered for our last dinner together at McSwiggan's in Galway, which was recommended to us by Ms. Crowley- thanks, it was delicious! Tomorrow we head home, bringing with us new memories, a lot learned, and a bunch of pictures!

Willie & William at Dunghaire Fort

Our tour bus!

Horses at Corcomroe Abbey

Celtic cross at Corcomroe

Ballyalban Fairy Fort

Ring of trees

The gang at Poulnabrone Dolmen

5,800 year old burial portal

Tribute to tale of Aillenasharragh

Leamanagh Castle, home of Maire Rua O'Brien

The Cliffs of Moher

O'Briens Tower

Last group shot in front of the Cliffs

O'Brien's Tower from a distance

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Shannon & Galway

This morning we left Dingle and made it to Shannon for lunch, where we dined at Durty Nelly's, established in 1620 in the shadow of Bunratty Castle. Thank you to Mr. Flannery for the suggestion! After our meal we headed across the street to the castle, built in the 15th century, and had a tour of the inside and the surrounding folk park. We met chickens, geese, goats, sheep, deer and Irish wolfhounds along the way! After a lesson in traditional Irish life, we piled back in the car and drove up to Galway. We walked around the town and enjoyed a nice dinner (Italian for a change...pizza appreciated by all) before heading back to the hotel to rest up for our day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren tomorrow. Until then, goodnight!

Izzy & Jill taking the throne in the Bunratty Great Room

Bunratty Great Room

Tour guide: notice the royalty in the background

Group shot on a turret

Malachy

Nick up high

Bunratty Castle

Izzy making friends (by choice) with Irish Wolfhounds

A pig that resembles a corgi

Admiring wildlife

Galway

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Dingle

Today we toured the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, one of the most breath taking and scenic of all the places we have visited. We stayed at Benner's Hotel in large part due to the kindness of the Burke family, so thank you, it's lovely! This morning we traveled out to the Slea Head Drive. Among the sites we saw were Dunbeg Fort, Beehive Huts, Coomenoole Strand where Ryan's Daughter was filmed, the Blasket Islands and Gallarus Oratory. Check out the photos!

Sun, sand and water!

At da beach

Baaaaahh

Izzy & Nick at Dunbeg Fort

Willie & Nick

Nick, photojournalist, in the field

Izzy in the fort

Model poses

Kim & Jill

1/2 the Wolf-pack

Enjoying the view

Gorgeous landscape

The kiddos

Malachy in front of his house in Ballyferriter!

Gallarus Oratory

Kilmalkedar Church

Fishing boats

Pre-Polar Bear Dip

Successful dunk!

Cold, wet, but very happy and proud!

Fungi the Dingle Dolphin

Nick's first seafood EVER- local fish & chips!

Monday, January 21, 2013

Kenmare Part II & Killarney

We woke up this morning to snow! Apparently it snowed 2 years ago, and before that, it had been 12 years since the last snowfall! It was a pretty sight to see, especially with the contrast of the green grass as it melted. We spent the morning at a local high school. We were greeted with warm hospitality and given a tour of the school, followed by hot chocolate, snacks and conversation with students and the principal both! The kids appreciated meeting students their own age and being able to ask them questions about life in Ireland. Following lunch and shopping in town, we headed to Muckross House and the Lakes of Killarney, including a trip to Torc Waterfall. Enjoy some pictures of our adventures below!