IRISH JAUNT Monmouth College Trip to Ireland May 2008

This trip was planned by William Urban and Louise Barbaro-Medrano, who made it part of a HIST250 class: History and Culture of Ireland, that met every Monday evening for lectures and movies. The tour was organized by BRENDAN TOURS IRISH JAUNT On May 22) We boarded American Airline flight in Chicago. No problems, and a nice flight. A Brendan representative saw our bag markers and took us to the bus, then to our hotel.

Our walking tour through Temple Bar and the palace did not work out as expected—a medical emergency was handled in a few minutes, but it required sending everyone to find a meal on their own. Still, almost everyone made it to St. James Gate on their own.

A free day followed. Most chose to sleep in. The faculty were out and about early. Breakfast was superb—for those who got it.

A city tour with a local guide brought life Dublin’s grand architectural treasures and history stretching back more than 1,000 years. -- St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin’s beautiful Georgian squares, the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College and its famed library and truly unique world treasure – the 8th century Book of Kells.

Book of Kells—a quick view in a long line.

Christ Church and Ha’Penny Bridge

Dublin pubs and dancers

Molly Malone In Dublin's fair city, where the girls are so pretty, I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone, As she wheeled her wheel-barrow, Through streets broad and narrow, Crying, “Cockles” and mussels, alive, alive, oh!" "Alive, alive, oh, Alive, alive, oh", Crying "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh". She was a fishmonger, And sure 'twas no wonder, For so were her father and mother before, And they each wheeled their barrow, Through streets broad and narrow, Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!" (chorus) She died of a fever, And no one could save her, And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone. Now her ghost wheels her barrow, Through streets broad and narrow, Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"

May 26) DUBLIN / BLARNEY / KILLARNEY. After driving through the Curragh, the heart of Ireland’s equestrian country, we viewed the unforgettable Rock of Cashel, an impressive pre-Christian settlement. The dramatic limestone rock crowned with secular and religious buildings dominates the flat countryside.

Beautiful countryside

Blarney Castle—windy on top

We traveled on to County Cork to visit Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss, shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills.

Continuing on to bustling Killarney, we found a town on the lakes famous for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call “craic!”

Dingle Peninsula—wild and wonderful

Scenes on the Dingle Peninsula

May 27) THE RING OF KERRY. We traveled the narrow road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as “The Ring of Kerry.” undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Even the names of the towns seem to whisper their beauty: Cahirciveen, Glenbeigh, Killorglin and Sneem. Our bus driver was great, both in his skill and his banter.

May 28) KILLARNEY / CLIFFS OF MOHER / LIMERICK. This morning we crossed the Shannon estuary by ferry and entered County Clare to walk along the Cliffs of Moher.

Cliffs of Moher. There was a great visitors center, with outstanding presentations on nature

The bus then took us north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape dotted with rare flora.

Bay of Galway

We had refreshments at Rathbaun Farm and watched the farmer shear a sheep and maneuver his flock with the help of his dog.

Bunratty Castle, was built in 1425 by the Earl of Thomond. Following his tradition of hospitality, the world renowned Bunratty Medieval Banquet is held twice nightly throughout the year. Since 1963, the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl's Banquet at Bunratty Castle. The entertainment provided by the world renowned Bunratty Singers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception, a four course meal, and of course good wine.