Ireland as a country is lovely. Although seemingly similar to the UK, the people and culture take on their own feel. In short, I found it charming and friendly. In Ireland, I visited Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Killarney. I was with my Mom for these travels, and we took a loose approach to where we would travel, deciding a few days ahead of time where we would venture next.
There were two parts of my trip that stuck as out as my favorites. The first was visiting Blarney Castle, which is close to Cork. I have a very fond childhood memory of playing Build-A-Bear games on the Internet, and one was a trip through Ireland. The little bear made its way up to the castle, and kissed the famous 'blarney stone', as legend say it gives the kisser the 'gift of gab', or eloquence of speech. The day we went to Blarney was windy and wet, so very appropriate for a 600 year old castle. The stairs up are slim and daunting, and I held tight to the ropes accompanying the climb. I will admit I was shaky at the top, fear creeping through my veins at the thought of slipping through the holes in the structure. I didn't kiss the stone--I know, anticlimactic, but I've heard that locals have peed on the stone, laughing at all the tourists who later kiss it. Now whether this is true or not, I don't believe I had the strength of courage to lay upside down and kiss the stone. I'll never know if I could speak more easily otherwise!
The second favorite memory was the Cliffs of Moher. We took a day-trip of the Burren region, outside of Galway. It was an extremely windy day, and my clothes were soaked several times by the rain. But again, it seemed romantic that the day was so stormy. The Cliffs are amazingly majestic, and one of the most beautiful sights I've seen in my life. However, the cliffs are marred by a somewhat sad notion. Tour groups constantly have to remind its members of the danger of the cliffs. From time to time, people lose their lives creeping over the edge. It's both a sad and curious way to die, but those who choose it must want to rest in peace somewhere ultimately beautiful. Yes, very morbid, but the Cliffs will always remain in my memory as extremely beautiful. Cool side note, the Cliffs of Moher were used in the Harry Potter series as the cave/ocean where Voldemort buries the Salazar Slytherin locket. You may remember that towards the end of The Half-Blood Prince Dumbledore and Harry go there to find said horcrux, and return with the fake locket. (Nerd moment over.)
While the other parts of Ireland were equally wonderful, I have a very soft spot for nature-centric travels. The bulk of my traveling this break was to cities, but what I always found most touching were the sights, the raw energy of the country's resources and land. But there's so much to be said for architecture and man-made beauty as well--however I'm not the astute tourist with the historical knowledge to recount those details.
I've enclosed pictures of the travels, and hope you find my pictures of Ireland as enchanting as I found the country!
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| The River Liffey in Dublin |
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| The top of Blarney Castle |
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| The Cliffs of Moher |
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| Lambs are a popular animal in Ireland! |
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| Train Rides! |
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