TravelBlogging Ireland

True Dublin

2009-01-14T13:31:00.000-05:00

Reflections

2009-01-14T12:17:00.001-05:00

A Dublin Walkabout

2009-01-14T12:09:00.006-05:00

Into the soul of the city...

2009-01-14T12:09:00.005-05:00

City Beat

2009-01-14T12:09:00.003-05:00

The Rockstars of Travel

2009-01-14T08:47:00.007-05:00

I’m standing outside in the dank mist that has plagued Dublin for the past two days-its about 3 a.m. Across from me is an Ausie who looks as if he were chewed, swallowed, and regurgitated by the 1980’s hair-band era. I would consider him a friend as we have drank the past three consecutive nights together. At that moment we were in the back ally of the hostel Kinlay House, which conveniently

Flashpoint Dublin

2009-01-14T08:43:00.006-05:00

I was caught off guard by chants of “Allah Akbar” while traveling down the streets of Dublin’s financial district. The chants grew louder as a parade of Palestinian flags and pickets of protestors reached the crest of the street. Their leader was ahead of the pack carrying a baby doll wrapped in a bloody cloth screaming for the death of Israel. The followers joined in the chants and songs of

Traveler Lost.

2009-01-14T08:40:00.003-05:00

For many Ireland is a place of nostalgic beauty. It is a place where life is simpler. The beauty of nature compels people to find inner tranquility. It is a place of postcards, where visuals emulate a deeper more profound emotion that is Ireland. For some, however, it is a place where travelers find themselves engulfed in beauty, but also away from home.Travel to a hostel in Dublin in Ireland and

At Ringsend...

2009-01-14T08:34:00.005-05:00

Journey down the side streets and river ways of Dublin, make your way past the hustle and bustle of the financial district, towards the weathered boathouses and rusting depots and you will find a history of Ireland that cannot be seen in any tour-guide book or postcard. Travel down the cobblestone streets that flank the River Liffey. With the skyline to your back, away from the traditional pubs

A Poetic Call to Arms

2009-01-14T08:23:00.007-05:00

“Those in power write the histories, those who suffer write the songs.” These are the words of Frank Harte, an Irish singer, and song collector. Harte’s quote speaks deeply to the Irish, a people subjugated first by England, then the British Empire spanning almost 800 years of foreign occupation. The Irish have been a resilient and proud people, fighting the firm grasp that was English

Arrival in an Irish Wonderland

2009-01-14T07:37:00.006-05:00

As we entered the Kinlay House, our youth hostel in Dublin, I nearly expected a white rabbit in a waist coat to rush past me, frantically glancing at his pocket watch. It was as if at some point during our trip, we had unexpectedly slipped through Alice’s mirror into Wonderland. The vestibule was dimly lit and not exactly welcoming. Everything seemed to be yellowing, the walls, the floor and even

Culture Shock at the Kinlay House

2009-01-14T07:36:00.004-05:00

I feel as if everybody knows. Since we arrived, I’ve had the slightest feeling that we’ve been walking around wearing giant, “I’M AMERICAN” signs. As my friends and I walk into the dining hall of our hostel, we hear the din of several languages I don’t recognize. Making our way to the empty chairs at the far end, I can feel the eyes of the other travelers curiously scoping us out. We take our

Dublin on Ice

2009-01-14T07:31:00.006-05:00

I hear the sounds of children and teenagers laughing and screaming. It is an exciting time of the year for Dubliners, in a place where the lakes and ponds rarely freeze, a winter festival with an indoor ice skating rink sets up shop, as if appearing out of no where, on a side street in the Smithfield area. We were waiting in line and I was excited and anxious; I hadn’t been ice skating in years.

Conversation by Street Light

2009-01-14T07:30:00.003-05:00

“So where are you from?” an attractive Irish boy with soft features and a kind face inquired. We were standing outside Turks Head, a club in the Temple Bar area. We had exchanged introductions after he generously offered to light my cigarette. Even under the dim light I remember thinking he was cute with his light hair and eyes. We were both bundled up in layers, yet still shivering from the damp

Italian food in Dublin

2009-01-14T07:13:00.005-05:00

As I watched people outside rush by the window, trying to take cover from the rain, I wondered where each person was headed to and who may be awaiting them at their destination. Were they Dubliners rushing to get home or to meet a friend? Or were they tourists wandering the city hoping this was the street their hotel was on?We were sitting in a local Italian restaurant, Da Pino, a few blocks away

Once in a Lifetime Sunrise

2009-01-14T06:58:00.008-05:00

I had never heard of such a big structure being built so long ago without the help of machinery. We arrived at Newgrange in the early morning to learn that it is a Megalithic Passage Tomb that was built about 3200 BC. Walking into the interpretation center I found out a little information on my own before crossing the bridge where we then took a short bus ride with about 24 people all together

Curiosity at the Theatre

2009-01-14T06:57:00.004-05:00

In fancy black dresses and high heels a group of American college students who have never seen a play before enter the Gate Theatre to experience this first-hand opportunity in Dublin, Ireland. The Gate Theatre has been artistically and architecturally a landmark building for over 200 years. The Gate was established as a theatre in 1928 by Hilton Edwards and Micheál MacLiammóir.Seeing a play for

A Part of Dublin Not in the Travel Guides

2009-01-14T06:56:00.007-05:00

It was a brisk cold morning walking in Ringsend next to the water looking. I was looking at the birds sitting on the cold black and blue ice made the surreal experience of being in Dublin for the first time became real. Fionan O’ Connell, a professional photographer, was showing us around Ringsend when something very unexpected happened. I looked down the dead end road that led into the docks

Writing on the Wall

2009-01-14T06:54:00.004-05:00

Upon arriving at Kilmainham Gaol I had a twisting feeling in my stomach about a place where some of the most heroic and tragic events took place in Ireland from 1780s to the 1920s. The brisk air touched my nose as my fellow students and I got out of the cab and my eyes were met by a large castle like construction which a solid steel black door for the entrance. I was very intrigued to find out

The wonder of Newgrange

2009-01-14T06:52:00.020-05:00

The bus came to a halt as we arrived at Newgrange and I began to bundle up, for we were about to head back out into the icy cold air in the country side of Dublin. The doors of the bus opened as the driver announced to everyone that he would be back to pick us up in about an hour to bring us back to the interpretive center. The wind was blowing quite hard as we made our way up a hill towards the

Circus at the Dublin Rink

2009-01-14T06:52:00.015-05:00

The Dublin ice skating rink is like a circus, though it may not include acrobats, clowns, trained animals, trapeze acts, tightrope walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and other stunts. The rink is located in the Smithfield section near the old Jameson Distillery. Over 80,000 people go ice skating at Dublin on Ice between November 21st and January 11th and this is where the “circus” magic comes to

The execution courtyard of Kilmainham Gaol

2009-01-14T06:49:00.017-05:00

As we entered the barren courtyard surrounded by the fifty foot stone walls of Kilmainham gaol, the frigid night air sent shivers through my body. Looking around at the hard ground made up of dirt and random patches of dead grass I was startled by a different kind of chill that ran down my spine, for a feeling I had not yet encountered had overtaken me. It was like we were standing in an empty

Dublin at 2 a.m.: The world outside my window

2009-01-14T06:47:00.008-05:00

Dublin is like a friendly conversation no matter day or night. I discovered this while staying at the Kinlay House Hostel, which is located near the center of the city on Lord Edward Street. As I lay awake on our second night in my twin sized bed within my double room that I shared with a good friend, I glanced at the clock and saw that it was 2:30 a.m. This was the first time since I arrived in

Breaking a cultural barrier at Kinlay House

2009-01-14T06:46:00.007-05:00

All the furniture seemed to be mismatched as if it had come from a consignment shop. The tables and chairs were obviously not a set, as some were made of wood and others of aluminum. The people seemed mismatched as well. Conversations seemed strange and the languages very different. We had just arrived at the Kinlay House in Dublin and I was mismatched. This was my first visit to the city;

Lost in the city streets

2009-01-14T06:39:00.014-05:00

It was completely dark except for the glow of street lamps and lights from stores and restaurants that lined the sidewalks as well as the quickly approaching and passing by of taxis, cars, and buses. It was around 6 p.m. and most of the shops had closed or were getting ready to lock up for the night.Huddled together and discussing what we should do, Lindsay and I stood on the corner of a street

Newgrange

2009-01-14T06:35:00.011-05:00

I have to admit that as we were traveling into the countryside to see the ancient temple at Newgrange, I was not very enthused at first. I had learned about the tomb in class with Roxanne, so I knew a little bit about it, but did not realize how amazing it was. The massive circle of stone is 5,000 years old, with barely any restoration done to it. While standing outside of the entrance of the

House of Terror

2009-01-14T06:35:00.009-05:00

Entering Kilmainham Gaol was like setting foot in a building full of lost souls. On the tour as we walked through the stone cold hallways, there was an eerie feeling in the air that I could not seem to shake off the entire trip. Flashes of what might have happened to the prisoners many decades ago kept popping in my head. As I continued to creep down each vacant corridor, I imagined the men and

Winter Wonderland: Dublin on Ice

2009-01-14T06:34:00.005-05:00

I hadn’t been skating in almost seven years, so it was as if I were a child taking my training wheels off for the first time. While approaching the Dublin ice skating rink in Smithfield after a day of snapping photographs with Fionan, different thoughts streamed through my mind. These particular thoughts that were in my head were not cheerful or positive –I was flat out nervous about the

Home away from Home

2009-01-14T06:32:00.007-05:00

Since settling into a new place took some adjusting, finding two places that I identified with made me appreciate the city on a more personal basis. Bull and Castle is a pub right across the street from Kinlay House Hostel. Our first visit to the pub was on our first night in Dublin and I was quite delirious from jet lag. I knew that we would be back because we enjoyed the food and

Unknown Territory

2009-01-14T06:29:00.009-05:00

The first day in Dublin was somewhat of a struggle from the moment we stepped off the plane. As soon as we got our luggage, I had a sense of loss because I did not know my way around and was unsure of what to do next. Exchanging money and deciding what type of transportation to take was a new process, and I had no idea what to expect from there on out. Arriving in the city was like trying on a

Testing posts for 2009

2009-01-14T05:40:00.005-05:00

Here is my post and I will put the picture in later.

Travelblogging Ireland 2007 - the group

2009-01-10T18:08:00.001-05:00

This is the 2007 Travelblogging group with the addition of Caitlin Foley's cousin at the far right. Photo by Roxanne O'Connell outside the Old Ground Hotel on our last evening together.

St. Brigid's Well -- Liscannor

2007-06-17T10:26:00.000-04:00

It was a tunnel of sorrow and prayer, prayer from such a deep unknown place to me, so loud in its manifestations -- I was frightened at first, as though a cold hand had placed itself on my shoulder.But that was just the damp chill condensed in the dim, narrow passage that led to the well. Above the well, an opening poured sunlight in. Water blessed by Saint Brigid trickled from a spout on the

Time

2007-06-05T14:08:00.004-04:00

As the trip comes to an end I find myself slightly irritated by the slow and relaxed pace that Ireland offers. Time in Ireland is slow, it is preserved. I have enjoyed this lifestyle. But, I am ready to return to my lifestyle where the day is never long enough. Time is an immense part of the culture. Here people embrace each other with open arms day in and day out. They are not concerned and

The Run of a Lifetime

2007-06-05T14:08:00.003-04:00

The further I ran the more isolated Inis Oirr became. I had been running for what seemed like miles with the cold rain beating on my face. This part of the Island that I had just discovered had more to offer than the small area where there was civilization. Alone I ran determined to explore the gravel road that seemed never ending. Unraveled and empty the road had a lot to offer. A single rock

A Fresh Start

2007-06-05T14:08:00.002-04:00

Skibbereen was vibrant like a brand new box of crayons. I was enthusiastic to represent the town with my camera as if I were the first one to use the crayons. I am passionate about photography, but tend to take tourist pictures. Today was different. My focus was not to gather my friends and get a group shot but to search beneath the surface for a small delicate detail that could easily go

The Perfect Spot

2007-06-05T14:08:00.001-04:00

Numerous shades of green that covered the Blasket Island were pure like a new born baby. I was like a sheep searching for the perfect place to station my body and mind for a moment to appreciate the view. There it was, a slight incline sprinkled in rocks. As I perched myself upon the slope the moist grass began to dampen my pants, I did not care. It was like hitting the pause button, everything

Up Close and Personal

2007-06-05T14:08:00.000-04:00

I stood along the railing as we left the Blasket Island, care free and comfortable with the wind in my hair enjoying the occasional splash from the waves that crashed along side the boat. I was relaxed and in my own world when a few passengers yelled in amazement, that there were two sharks in the distance. I saw them! The dark wet fins protruded from the rough water reflecting the hot rays from

Inis Oirr

2007-06-05T13:45:00.000-04:00

I was captured in the ambiance of the ocean when taking the ferry back from the diminutive island of Inis Oirr. Upon arriving to our destination, I was soon informed that since the tide was too low, our boat was forced to anchor away from the dock and we would have to take in another boat to the mainland, setting us back a good hour or so on our voyage. Irritated at the fact that instead of

Portals - SoundSlide

2007-06-05T13:37:00.000-04:00

Portals*music by Paul McGrattan "Paddy's Ramble Through the Park" - KeelwestPoem "Gates" read by Dr. Kate MelePortals are passageways that lead you to another place. You never really know what is on the other side until you take the time to look. This is our visual celebration of the various portals that we have found on our journey through Ireland. The pictures in this blog are our favorite

Light

2007-06-05T13:29:00.001-04:00

The day seemed to stretch on like an endless Kansas road as I relied on the light, my muse. The light in Ireland has inspired my photography. Photography is a way for me to communicate lyrically, to write with light. The light is temperamental, electrifying. It has depth and contrast.

Rocks

2007-06-05T13:29:00.000-04:00

The Inis Oirr Island off the west coast of Ireland was like a labyrinth of meticulously hand crafted stonewalls. There were rocks in every different size, shape, and texture. There were small sharp rocks that functioned as gravel for the many different paths and roads. I hurled these rocks into the ocean like they were baseballs. There were large flat rocks that formed the shoreline of the island

Our Magical Schoolbus

2007-06-05T13:25:00.001-04:00

It was like being in a spaceship. This was my overall feeling towards being on our coach. Although the coach was brand new, I got sick of it very quickly, I felt like I was on a spaceship. There were some advantages though, we flew through the mountains witnessing great landscapes and mountain ranges that extended beyond the view of the eye. I would complain about having motion sickness,

Oh the Places You'll Go - SoundSlide

2007-06-05T13:14:00.000-04:00

Our Soundslides presentation depicts signage throughout Ireland. We decided to do our project on this topic because the signs are so different and unique than in America. There are brighter colours, more design to the text, and they are situated in distinct locations. We want to capture the contrast of such signs through there presentation and context. Each sign has a quality that sets them aside

Past to Present - Soundslide

2007-06-05T13:12:00.000-04:00

The Evolution of Ireland: Past to Present Katelyn Porter, Shealyn Davis and David Pitts For the visual portion of our group project we chose to visually represent how Ireland is in the process of going through an evolution from the past to the present. The reason we chose this topic was because everywhere we have traveled in Ireland you are able

I explore the terrain through touch.

2007-06-05T13:05:00.000-04:00

I explore the terrain through touch. I free my feet from the confines of my canvas flats. The sand crumbles delicately under my toes. On the Great Blasket Island the sand is as fine as sugar and the color of pine. Tentatively, I tread towards the shoreline trying to get a better look at the seals playing in the waters just offshore. Stopping just before my toes reach the water, I look out over

Stepping into the brisk morning air

2007-06-05T13:04:00.000-04:00

Stepping into the brisk morning air of Clonakilty startles my senses like a shot of espresso. It is early and the street outside of O’Donovan’s Hotel is void of the usual noise and activity one expects on a main street. Making gradual process and taking in my surroundings I notice the candy colors of the buildings, the objects in the shop windows, and the hand painted signs.The sun appears soft

An Irish meal is honest.

2007-06-05T13:01:00.000-04:00

An Irish meal is honest. It does not hide its freshness behind elaborate sauces and seasonings. Like the little towns peppering the countryside, it relies on local flavor to attract attention. At Harrington’s, a seafood shack in Dingle, I sit down at a heavy wooden table to have just this kind of meal. The interior is painted bright blues and greens and the walls are lines with children’s

Hurling

2007-06-05T12:54:00.002-04:00

I felt like a god smashing rocks from the Great Blasket Island into the Atlantic Ocean with my flawless hurling stick. The island was a picture perfect setting for this ultimate sport. The crystal clear turquoise waters, which encompassed rolling emerald hills and freely roaming sheep, was a natural tranquility garden. My hurling stick felt as if it was perfectly crafted for my hand. As soon as a

Boat

2007-06-05T12:54:00.001-04:00

No one expected to be boating across the shark infested ice-cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Blasket Island. I was beaming with excitement to take the adventure while my fellow travel bloggers took Dramamine and valiam to settle their uneasy nerves and stomachs. There was a narrow windy cement path that led us down the steep cliffs to the dock in which our oceanic journey would

Graveyard

2007-06-05T12:54:00.000-04:00

It was a criminal Kodak moment when all the tourists tromped on the sacred graves; there was not a single tear or any remorse. We stop at the ancient Tighmolagie ruins in the Tighmoaige village, merely a short stop on our journey though the south west of Ireland from. The only knowledge that sightseers had of the people who were eternally resting in the graves was from the brief script on their

Pubs - Soundslide

2007-06-05T12:51:00.000-04:00

PubsThe pubs in Ireland create an atmosphere for those looking to go and enjoy the company of others. They are cultural gathering spots, not just for drinking, but for congregating. Throughout any part of a day you can see people of all different ages at the pubs, even young children too. Throughout our trip we visited many pubs and realized that although each pub’s environment was different,

Perspectives - Soundslide

2007-06-05T12:33:00.001-04:00

PerspectivesFionán O’Connell opened our eyes to a whole new aspect of photography. He encouraged us to shoot Skibbereen from a different abstract perspective. We learned how to focus our cameras and use different shades of light to capture truly fascinating images. Our project focuses on the abstract images in which we thought captured the culture and beauty of Ireland. The music used from

Adventure on a Bike

2007-06-05T12:31:00.000-04:00

That last morning on the Island of Inis Oirr a small group of us decided to rent out bikes. We decided that we would take our own personal tour of the Island. What a great idea it would turn out to be. We were given a map and some suggestions on some great spots to visit, but we decided to make up our own route. We followed a path to a totally uninhabited part of the island that was beautiful.

Great Blasket Island

2007-06-05T12:22:00.000-04:00

I think I can honestly say that the Great Blasket Island is the most beautiful place I've ever been in my life. The ruins and empty houses were fascinating and definitely tickled my anthropological fancy. After strolling around in and among the houses for a while I climbed up the grassy mountain to a small ledge that was jutting out of the middle of the hill where I stopped for my lunch. As I

An Enchanted Island

2007-06-05T11:57:00.000-04:00

It was a place where you could be as free as you can be. This best describes the Great Blasket Island. We arrived via a converted fishing boat. It was turned into a transport vessel used to get to the island. Upon first arrival I was awed by the island’s natural complexion and beauty. Views of a crystal clear ocean, massive rock formations, green topped mountains gave this a magical quality. I

Blasket Island

2007-06-05T11:51:00.000-04:00

Once I climbed to the top of the mountain and looked down on Blasket Island, my body became numb with tranquility and astonishment. Reaching the top of this mountain was like winning the gold medal at the Olympics and realizing all of the rigorous training had just paid off. Watching the turquoise crest of the waves collide against massive rocks prohibits me ever trying to elucidate the scenery

Magic

2007-06-05T11:50:00.001-04:00

It was as if I worked magic. I opened my mouth and doors swung open. I was at a pub in Tralee not really having too good of a time. While outside, I went up to a security guard at the pub and asked him where the best place to go for late night partying was. He called over a friend of his who gave me three all access passes to a hot night club in town. It was go time.We arrived to a grand entrance

Photography

2007-06-05T11:50:00.000-04:00

The beauty of Skibbereen was overwhelming and being able to represent this exquisite town using photography was a task I never thought I could achieve. When taking my first few pictures, I assumed that I was to replicate images in articles such as postcards and magazines. I was later instructed that photography does not have to depict the entire scene, rather my own interpretation. Utilizing

McCarthy's Bar: Dingle and Its Change

2007-06-05T11:38:00.000-04:00

In the chapter "Blaming the Dolphin", Pete McCarthy explores Dingle's change. Stating that it was rather remote in 1972, it certainly has changed from the sleepy town that it once was considered. Tourism has very much settled into the fishing town and much of the buildings really have been improved a large deal, whether they have been fixed up construction or painting touch-ups. Most of the

Ireland, In five words or less

2007-06-05T11:13:00.000-04:00

Rocks, spuds, sheep, green and drink-are the five words that my friends and I came up with to sum up Ireland while we where on the island Inis Oirr. While I strongly believe that it is impossible to sum up a country as rich in culture as Ireland, in five words, these words cover most of the areas. These five words came about standing outside one of the pubs on our second night on the island,

Luxuries

2007-06-05T11:01:00.000-04:00

It was as if I had fallen through the seemingly sturdy ice, into a body of unbearable frigged water, as I turned on the water in the shower in the place we are staying in Ennis, Ireland. After not being able to enjoy a warm shower for at least five minutes since the Bed & Breakfast in Dingle, the frustration and level of annoyance was unbearable yesterday evening. Being on the smallest of the

Ferry Adventures

2007-06-05T11:00:00.000-04:00

Making my way down into the ferry that would bring me to the Great Blasket Island was like sliding down a steep wet pitch of grass in the early morning dew. The only difference was the enriching smell of sea air and the vivacity of the eccentric Irish ferry driver who gave us the lay of the land as we traveled. To me, a ferry is a giant boat that can hold hundreds of cars and lets me sit in

Inis Oírr: Plassey Shipwreck

2007-06-05T10:32:00.000-04:00

Backtracking to the Aran Island of Inis Oírr again, I was satisfied that we all managed to get a glimpse of the Plassey shipwreck up close. Arriving at the shore was rather difficult: I never realized that walking such a small distance seemed longer given the barren surroundings of only a couple of homes, an airstrip, and countless stone walls. When we arrived by a horse-driven carriage, the

McCarthy's Bar in Skibbereen

2007-06-05T08:30:00.000-04:00

In the book McCarthy's Bar, Pete McCarthy talks about his experience in Skibbereen. I also visited Skibbereen and had a very similar experience that he did in his book. In the book he talks about seeing a monument that is covered in petals and is in the shape of a Celtic cross and was erected in memory of the victims of the famine. We also traveled to a similar place, a museum in Skibbereen

Biking

2007-06-05T08:13:00.000-04:00

Biking away from the rental shop we all started to question whether or not to go back and ask for helmets. There are only a few roads on Inis Oirr and most of them consist of loose rocks and gravel, posing quite the challenge to an exploring biker. To think that cars did not even exist on this island thirty years ago is amazing, but i cant imagine biking on the rough roads as a sole means of

Great Blasket Island

2007-06-05T08:11:00.000-04:00

I can now understand why people moved to Great Blasket Island. Never before have I experienced natural beauty like this. Hiking up the steep side of the island it felt like I could never get high enough. The ideal weather enhanced all the colors and shades to an unreal vibrancy. At this sublime natural place it felt as though I was just part of the cycle, coexisting with the seals, sheep, sharks

Farm

2007-06-05T08:09:00.001-04:00

There they were all working; Pringle, the sheep, the cows, even the owner. We stood on the edge of a beautiful farm in the country watching an energetic sheep dog named Pringle round up a flock of sheep and three large cows all scattered across a field. The owner stood nearby and spoke commands to the obedient dog across the windy field. It was amazing to see how much the Pringle enjoyed

Stone Structure

2007-06-05T08:07:00.000-04:00

Now I know for sure that I want to build a stone house. Before I came to Ireland it had been a dream of mine but then I saw the castles, houses, and walls that decorate the landscape and my dream turned into a mission. There is something about stonework that I find timeless. Standing at the base of Blarney castle looking up at the vast stone I could visualize the transformation that the

McCarthy's bar

2007-06-05T07:43:00.001-04:00

As I have been traveling around Ireland I am slowly picking my way through the required material Pete McCarthy’s McCarthy’s Bar. It is about his trip around Ireland to try and find out if He belongs to the Irish culture that he has descended from. In it He references that the Irish people are a group of people who believe that hospitality is first and for most. This I have found true except

one last one

2007-06-05T07:42:00.000-04:00

As I sit in the last internet café that I have to for this trip around Ireland I am shocked to see the likeness to the café’s at home. The only reason that I still know that I am in a café in Ireland is that images that I see on the front window. There are a lot of posters that are advertising everything from calling cards to twelve other countries in the EU to plays and other musicals that are

Return trip form Inis Oirr

2007-06-05T07:41:00.000-04:00

As slowly slip around the last point of land that has been blocking the dock I realize that the tide is so far out there is not way we are putting the ferry beside it to unload. We have just returned from the island of Inis Oirr to the main land. I think to my self what we are going to do weight the twelve hours or so for the tide to come in. That can’t happen because we have a dinner and

Inis Oirr

2007-06-05T07:40:00.000-04:00

The island’s name is Inis Oirr (Inisheer.) The first day there was rain that held us in the hostel and we came to the realization that we are in the middle of the sea and secluded from anything that happens on the main land. The next morning we wake to find that the main land is within eye sight and not just a small blip on the horizon but we can see the sun glint off the cars as they drive along

Blasket Island

2007-06-05T07:39:00.000-04:00

As we climbed into a small Zodiac that is ferrying us out the larger ferry that will be taking us out to the Blasket Island. I was very ecstatic not only to once again to be on the water. Because of school I have not been able to be on any of my boats at home that I once lived on for the summer. The island once held a bustling village that was forced to evacuate due to the lack of them being

A Stroll Through a Ghost Town

2007-06-05T07:33:00.000-04:00

Traveling down the Buren Way in Doulin was like walking through a ghost town. I had a creepy feeling come over me as I started walking through an ancient village that was deserted because everyone had died from suffering because of the Potato Famine. Even though the village was set in one of the most beautiful settings overlooking aqua green water and towering mountains I could not get over the

The Timoleague Friary

2007-06-05T07:28:00.000-04:00

At first glance the Timoleague ruins looked like a medieval castle straight out of a Hollywood movie. I was astonished as I wandered through the ruins many chambers and maze like passageways to find a huge cemetery with many interesting stone monuments and statues. As I continued my exploration through the ruins sometimes having to bend down to keep from hitting my head to get into another room

Clonakilty Ghosts.

2007-06-05T07:26:00.000-04:00

The night spent in the DeBarra pub in Clonikilty was like a continuing snapshot of a completely foreign life, but the old white haired man smiling gaily at me while clutching the shoulders of his flutist friend brought the scene to familiarity and welcome-ness. With his strong pure Irish voice he sang the souls of the Irish in a ballad about life and love and everything in between. As he

Re-creating the Great Blasket

2007-06-05T07:18:00.000-04:00

It was as if I could actually see the farmers hard at work on the Great Blasket Island. After seeing many pictures of what the Island looked like when it was inhabited, then walking among the ruins, it was like I was putting the puzzle pieces together in my mind--I begin to create my own images of what island life looked life. In doing this I began to gain a greater sense of how difficult life

It's been a real crack listening to Americans talk in Ireland.

2007-06-05T07:06:00.000-04:00

Since I've been in Ireland I've noticed an interesting phenomenon occurring among the people I've interacted with. It's been the most prominent with the teachers who've been here longer than the students have, but it's been increasingly noticeable among the students as well. Peoples' accents have changed, and not only that, but the general vocal inflections, tones of voice, and turns of phrase.

INIS OIRR

2007-06-05T06:42:00.000-04:00

The island of Inis Oirr (Inisheer) in my opinion is a place best explored alone. although some may disagree, I found this place to hold a personal connection for me. As I began my walk around the island I was intercepted by two very wonderfully jovial and energetic dogs. These two gorgeous canines who I dubbed Ebony and Orion accompanied me on my journey. Despite the rain and overcast sky, I have

2007-06-05T06:40:00.000-04:00

There is a phantom on the island of Inis Oirr. Sitting at the back of a horse drawn carriage, I had no idea I would encounter this haunting reminder of the recent past. As we reached the eastern coastline a strange shape loomed among the rocks. Nearing it I saw it was the remains of the Plassy, an immense cargo ship wrecked off the coast in 1960. Lured into Inis Oirr's shore by the sea, it

Mixed Salad

2007-06-05T06:30:00.002-04:00

It was like seeing a mixed salad. The Irish is the lettuce, and different countries and cultures make up all the other parts of the salad. The Irish part is the most dominant part of the salad, but the final product creates an Irish tasting salad with a hint of other cultures. This moment came about when I was walking through the streets of Skibbereen, Ireland and came upon a painted wooden

Great Blasket Adventure

2007-06-05T06:29:00.000-04:00

Fear had me in its vice like grip as I precariously picked my way over the moss covered rocks to the waiting inflatable motor boat. We rapidly made our way to the larger boat that was to take us to the Great Blasket Island. With he smell of sea air and gasoline on the wind, I worried that my usual sea sickness would make me its victim yet again. the roar of the motor and the screech of gulls

Blue Zone

2007-06-05T06:21:00.000-04:00

The haunting melody of the jazz signers' voice affected me as much as the red wine I was drinking. Every Wednesday night at the blue zone wine bar in Dingle, Clare Horgan performs for those who gather to see her. Clare adds to the ambiance of the bar, keeping up with the zen mellow theme and attitude. We enjoyed our wine and desserts on plush jewel toned leather couches. The walls were adorned

The Great Blasket Island: Picturesque and Fascinating

2007-06-05T06:11:00.000-04:00

On the Great Blasket Island the water surrounding the stunning landscape was shining like a 14 carat diamond. I felt as if I was standing on top of the world when I hiked up the hill and marveled at the ruins that where left behind by the Island people. Not only did we get to bask in the glory of the Island, we also got to learn a lot about the history of the people that lived on the Island. Some

Muckross

2007-06-05T06:03:00.001-04:00

Seeing Muckross house for the first time was like walking into a dream. It contrasted sharply with the surrounding area of the Ring of Kerry. The wild rugged countryside made the house seem out of place, yet no less beautiful. The grounds and the house itself are exquisite. With sweeping views of the gardens and lake that the house overlooks I found myself holding my breath in wonder and

An Eye Opening Experience

2007-06-05T06:01:00.000-04:00

In Skibbereen I was wandering around the town like a blind man who could now see for the first time. Taking abstract photographs of objects that caught my eye was a very different experience for me because I usually take landscape and scenic photographs. I never really paid attention to what you can do with a camera and colors or the photos you can generate using different lighting and angles.

Exploring the Great Blasket Island

2007-06-05T05:52:00.004-04:00

The island was like a book that hasn't been finished. As we explored the great Blasket Island we could feel the history of the island and the people who lived there. We had been told of the history the day before, saying that by the 1950s everyone was evacuated off of the island because it was too dangerous to live there. It seemed like the islanders lived a whole different life than everyone

Walk on Pringle!

2007-06-05T05:52:00.003-04:00

I felt like I was on Planet Earth. The landscape, the animals, and the atmosphere were so surreal I thought I was on a tv show. Watching the sheep run around the field on the farm was one of the best experiences I have had thus far in Ireland. I never imagined myself watching a real sheepdog demonstration. I could not help myself but to think of the movie Babe and all of the farm animals in it.

No more "tourist pictures"

2007-06-05T05:52:00.002-04:00

They were like living portraits as I saw them crossing the street. I was never any good at photography, but after having a lesson with Fiannon I don’t think I will look at anything the same again. Taking pictures of walls or of the street lines never seemed normal to me, I never thought of it as an art. Walking through Skibbereen really changed my mind about photography. Before the lesson with

Birthday Dreams*

2007-06-05T05:52:00.001-04:00

It was like a dream come true. Having my birthday in Inis Oirr was an experience I will never forget. When we got to the ferry that would take us to the island, the landscape around us was exhilerating. The ocean water was a tropical, sky blue color, although ironically freezing cold. The enormous mountains far off in the distance looked as if they belonged in a postcard. We took the boat across

Blast to the Past

2007-06-05T05:52:00.000-04:00

Walking up the steep hill I felt a knot form in my stomach. Ahead of me stood Maire Houlihan, on her doorstep of her house in Fahn, waving and smiling. As I looked back at the bus I saw my future, looking at Maire I saw my past. I was showered with kisses, hugs, and stories from Maire. She told me my grandpa was a quiet lad when she knew him and that she was very good friends with my grandpa’s

Green, green land

2007-06-05T05:49:00.000-04:00

It was like seeing a baby born when I rode on the bus through Ireland. We were driving from Killarney to Dingle, cutting through endless fields of brilliant greens. There are no words to describe the beauty of this vast land and my awe when first seeing it.

All washed up

2007-06-05T05:46:00.004-04:00

It was as if we were shipwrecked on the island. Alexis and I walked down the streets of Inis Oirr and were quickly joined by two delightful and playful dogs. The two dogs followed us as we walked and were interested in everything we looked at. I felt safe with them as our guides and I knew if anything should happen they would protect us like Lassie protected Timmy on t.v. The gravel road

Tearmann

2007-06-05T05:46:00.003-04:00

The dancing in the show Tearmann was like Riverdance but far less flashy. I had difficulty understanding the story until I read the program but the dancing was like captions to help me comprehend what was happening. As a dancer I have always enjoyed to watch all genres of dance and as the first dance began I knew I was going to thoroughly enjoy this evening. My eyes locked onto the dancers feet

Tranquility

2007-06-05T05:46:00.002-04:00

The ferry ride to Inis Oirr was like a carnival ride. The boat named “Tranquility” was far from tranquil and rocked back and forth like a pendulum in a clock. My feet slipped across the deck from the water rushing onto the boat. I held on tightly to the back of the boat and enjoyed the remarkable view of the land behind us. I walked inside to sit down I quickly realized that the rocking of the

Great Blasket Island

2007-06-05T05:46:00.001-04:00

As I wandered around the Great Blasket Island it was as though I was an explorer on National Geographic. The clouds in the distance were like smoke rising over the hills. My eyes were frantically trying to soak in the environment of this breathtaking island. My legs tightened and burned as I climbed the steep inclines. The wildlife was so close and seemed very accustomed to the people hiking by.

Great Blasket Islands

2007-06-05T05:46:00.000-04:00

As I walked up to the ruined houses of the Great Blasket Islands it was as if I was looking through a peephole into another person’s life. I could imagine my great grandmother, aunts, and cousins in their long skirts caring for their families. I pictured them chatting at the freshwater spring while they waited for water to trickle into their buckets. From the top of the island, gazing at the

Inis Oírr Tourists: A Couple

2007-06-05T05:43:00.003-04:00

With the course past the halfway mark, we all managed to gather our belongings for the trip to Inis Oírr. Most of us realized that spending three days at the island would be a memorable experience. Arriving to such a place didn't seem so remote as once thought: many tourists were housed in the same hostel that we resided in for the entire trip. Of these tourists, I had a moment of meeting Brendan

Tearmann: The Highlight of Tralee

2007-06-05T05:43:00.002-04:00

The trip to Tralee was like a flash in a pan: short but sweet. We arrived late and situated ourselves in the hostel. Although cramped, all managed to get squared away and prepare for the forthcoming evening. We arrived at a restaurant where we were treated to a scruptuous, three-course meal. After dining in eligance, we hurried to the Siamsa Tire Folk Theatre, where a production of "Tearmann" was