We got on a bus around 2 pm leaving from UCC's campus and settled in for a two hour bus ride to someone called the Craig Caves on Castleisland. The drive had gorgeous views of the Ireland countryside which, little did I know, were nothing compared to what I was going to be seeing that weekend. I have never had the opportunity to explore caves before, so this was a pretty cool experience. We learned a lot about how it came to be found and created, which I do not remember, while we took a guided tour underground. The guide told us myths that go along with the cave, I made a few innapropriate remarks regarding the rock statues and we went on our way (couldn't help myself.. she didn't laugh though). After leaving, we stopped at our first sightseeing spot to take photos which was at the top of a sheep covered hill overlooking the water. Next, we finished our drive to the hotel in Cahersiveen and had a nice dinner. We started talking to other students who weren't in our API group and found out that almost everyone was studying at UCC. We exchanged stories from Ireland so far, talked about home and enjoyed delicious mousse-like cheesecake. After dinner, we all went into a big room where to local "Gaelic football" players spoke about the sport and then allowed students to try playing a bit. This was followed by hours of swinging each other around at Ceili dancing class while a live band played traditional music (so much fun!).
Day 2:
We were up fairly early and got dinner as a group before hopping back on the bus. Our first item on the itinerary was the Skellig Ring Tour which included Valenta Island, Geokaun Mountain, Fogher Cliffs and the Skellig Experience Center. The island had a view of a little town with colorful buildings and an even more exciting view of the, newly fascinating, Skellig Michael Rocks. At the experience center we watched a documentary about the rocks which are 12 miles off this coast. We learned that it's history traces back to 500 AD and that men went there to pray and commit their lives to God. Centuries of men built a monastery and 650 stairs by hand out of rock! They said that people go out to the rock to visit and you become speechless when you realize the amount of work that the men put in and the sanctity +devotion they must have felt when they were secluded miles from land without any protection from the elements. The trip is probably so breathtaking because its 650 steps to the top as well lol. Scenes from Star Wars 6 and 7 were actually filmed here, which is pretty cool even though I've never seen a single Star Wars movie.. (We are considering trying to make it back to this area to make the climb in the near future.) You can see the rocks in the distance of our photos! Next, we walked up a never ending mountain/hill to the best view I have seen yet. It was one of those moments where you are so in awe of your surroundings that you have no thoughts or words (which does not happen often for me). I was completely surrounded by untouched nature and overwhelmed by the scene. We sat and stood for a while without speaking, just taking it all in as best as we could. I couldn't help but fall deeper in love with Ireland and really appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to have this experience. I will always remember that moment and that view. After my life was changed forever and I became one with nature.. we went back to the hotel and ate some lunch.
Following food we visited Cahergall Stone Fort, which was a giant circle of stone walls- one on the inside and one on the out. We were able to climb to the top using the different levels that still remained on the inside of the fort and got a pretty cool view from the edge.. I am telling you, the green is just greener here! My mother will LOVE the grass when she comes to visit me soon. It never really gets hot enough for the grass to burn, so dad could never cut it too short! Woot woot, solution-- we move to Ireland LOL. Our API guide, Shane, is a history professor at UCC and is an awesome resource especially on these trips. We can ask him almost anything regarding the places we go and he knows loads of information! Forts and castles are sweet, but hearing their history and stories that go along with them in Irish culture is what I really enjoy. After the fort we went to Ballycarbery Castle.. where I proceeded to step in a giant pile of cow poop :) :) :) and spent most of my time at this locations washing one of my Tom sneakers in the stream #MEMORIES.. maybe I will laugh one day. We had free time for a bit so we went to O'Connell Memorial Church, found a local pub to watch Rugby and then ate dinner with everyone back at the hotel. Following dinner we had my favorite activity on the trip, a "Life in South Kerry" and sing along with a local singer. He handed out sheets with the lyrics to class Irish songs and we all learned the words as he played the guitar and told the history of Kerry and about his own life there today. This was a lot of fun! My favorite part was that he performed the song Galway Girl, which is from my favorite movie P.S. I Love You (the first time I realized I wanted to visit Ireland was after watching this-- that's why I was so set on my England, Ireland, Wales, France trip after Senior year). He was no Gerard Butler, but I enjoyed every second of it and sang my heart out.
Day 3:
The last day we went to Derrynane House, home of late Daniel O'Connell which was pretty interesting. We learned that O'Connell (one of Brendan's ancestors) is very important in Irish history for leading the campaign for Catholic Emancipation and is often called "The Liberator". My favorite part about this was the "sleigh-looking" carriage that was GIANT and had a velvet, purple chair attached to the very top (cropped out of my photo.. but the same chair is shown on the ground). He used to go through town sitting atop the carriage in the chair! LIFE GOALS. We then walked through the woods, which had "fairy houses" scattered throughout. These were adorable, Ireland has strong myths and legends that many still believe to this day, I tried to get into a class about it at UCC but it did not work :( I opened one of the fairy doors, obviously, and a kind student on my tour informed me that I upset the fairy and now would be cursed. COOL! I gave them a odd smile and then whispered "sorry" as I walked away, ya know just in case. We walked down to the beach nearby (Derrynane Bay) with a stunning view of the mountains, but for some reason my favorite part of this location were the nearby ruins of a monastery grave. Not only were the scenic spots from this higher area, but I felt really at ease and calm in this area. I am not sure why, but I spent 30 minutes or so simply walking around the graves, admiring the views and reading the inscriptions.. It was extremely relaxing and also was able to feel very in touch with the history of the area when doing this.
Overall, we had a great weekend. I learned a lot about the area and also was able to see numerous historical landmarks and scenic, stunning views. I completely recommend going to the Ring of Kerry if you ever plan to visit Ireland. The sights are exactly what you picture when you think of the mountains and rolling hills. So grateful that our program planned this entire weekend for us and can not wait to see more of Ireland soon! Our next trip within this country is to Fota Island Safari Park in Cork... but next weekend we go to FLORENCE ITALY!! Ahh I am so excited to see Italy for the first time and also see my Bryant friends again :) I am hoping that Italy is as incredible as I am imagining.
Traveling so much and not sleeping full nights is getting tiring, but every time I start to complain I stop myself. I have NOTHING to complain about. I will sleep when I am back home in the states or dead, for now I will keep exploring every second that I can!
Bye for now!
Traveling so much and not sleeping full nights is getting tiring, but every time I start to complain I stop myself. I have NOTHING to complain about. I will sleep when I am back home in the states or dead, for now I will keep exploring every second that I can!
Bye for now!
No comments:
Post a Comment