Day 3 in western Ireland...
So on day 3 we had a quick breakfast at the hostel, then left for Bunratty Castle. Honestly, it was a pretty stupid stop. We didn't even go inside, and it was a pretty boring, square-shaped castle. I'm honestly not sure why we stopped there, but I did get a photo behind the castle of some nice countryside. Also, right beside the castle was the original Durty Nellie's pub. Knowing there's one in Palatine back home, it was kind of cool to learn that the original dating back to 1620 was right in front of me.
After this stop, we drove to Limerick, which is another city near the center of Ireland. Surprisingly, it reminded me of Chicago. It had a river that curved around similar to the Chicago River, and there were also bridges every so often, just like back home. Also the buildings were taller than the ones in Galway and Dublin. Obviously they weren't as tall as the ones in Chicago, but they were about 4 or 5 stories tall, which is pretty tall considering most buildings here are maybe 3 stories tall. I also found a little bit more of home in Limerick on a few street signs:
In Limerick, we had a nice lunch at O'Connor's Bar and Restaurant. We then walked around the city and eventually got to King John's Castle, but we didn't want to pay to get in, so we just took pictures outside. We did the same at a cathedral.
So then after Limerick, we hopped on the bus and headed for Moneygall, which is a small village. Now, the significance of this place is that it is the village of President Obama's Irish ancestors. Now, we don't really think of Obama having Irish heritage, but apparently he does, and they came from Moneygall. He actually visited the village a few years ago, and was poured a pint at the town pub, Ollie Hayes. Now, before he came, no one knew about the town, so when he arrived, they didn't hesitate to make the place fit for tourism. There were American flags everywhere alongside Irish flags. President Obama's face was everywhere, lining the pub walls, on tourist gifts (hurling sticks, key chains, magnets, etc). We spent some time there, checking out the town and seeing Obama's "ancestral home". We also caught a bit of the gaelic football championship match between Dublin and Mayo. It's a pretty cool sport, but very odd for us Americans.
Overall, it was a pretty great trip, apart from the crummy weather at the cliffs and Aran Islands. I got the chance to spend some time with friends, and develop stronger friendships with international students. I also got to make some new friends from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the States.
This week will probably be pretty chill. Open pick up soccer, jazz society workshop, and open mic night tomorrow. Also this Thursday is Arthur's Day, which is Ireland's day of tribute to the original creator of their lifeblood. Basically the entire country goes out and drinks a lot of Guinness to celebrate the work of Arthur Guinness. Should be good craic (Irish phrase for fun/good times pronounced "crack"). Maybe this weekend I'll go up to Howth, a small fishing village just north of Dublin. Ireland is pretty great!
Side note: To see more pictures, click on the Pictures tab above for links to Picasa web albums.
So on day 3 we had a quick breakfast at the hostel, then left for Bunratty Castle. Honestly, it was a pretty stupid stop. We didn't even go inside, and it was a pretty boring, square-shaped castle. I'm honestly not sure why we stopped there, but I did get a photo behind the castle of some nice countryside. Also, right beside the castle was the original Durty Nellie's pub. Knowing there's one in Palatine back home, it was kind of cool to learn that the original dating back to 1620 was right in front of me.
In Limerick, we had a nice lunch at O'Connor's Bar and Restaurant. We then walked around the city and eventually got to King John's Castle, but we didn't want to pay to get in, so we just took pictures outside. We did the same at a cathedral.
A pretty nice view of the castle from across the river
Another view of the castle
So then after Limerick, we hopped on the bus and headed for Moneygall, which is a small village. Now, the significance of this place is that it is the village of President Obama's Irish ancestors. Now, we don't really think of Obama having Irish heritage, but apparently he does, and they came from Moneygall. He actually visited the village a few years ago, and was poured a pint at the town pub, Ollie Hayes. Now, before he came, no one knew about the town, so when he arrived, they didn't hesitate to make the place fit for tourism. There were American flags everywhere alongside Irish flags. President Obama's face was everywhere, lining the pub walls, on tourist gifts (hurling sticks, key chains, magnets, etc). We spent some time there, checking out the town and seeing Obama's "ancestral home". We also caught a bit of the gaelic football championship match between Dublin and Mayo. It's a pretty cool sport, but very odd for us Americans.
Overall, it was a pretty great trip, apart from the crummy weather at the cliffs and Aran Islands. I got the chance to spend some time with friends, and develop stronger friendships with international students. I also got to make some new friends from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the States.
This week will probably be pretty chill. Open pick up soccer, jazz society workshop, and open mic night tomorrow. Also this Thursday is Arthur's Day, which is Ireland's day of tribute to the original creator of their lifeblood. Basically the entire country goes out and drinks a lot of Guinness to celebrate the work of Arthur Guinness. Should be good craic (Irish phrase for fun/good times pronounced "crack"). Maybe this weekend I'll go up to Howth, a small fishing village just north of Dublin. Ireland is pretty great!
Side note: To see more pictures, click on the Pictures tab above for links to Picasa web albums.
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