On The Road to Galway
I don't know which part of this Ireland trip I find more exciting - the adventure seen through my eyes, discovering this lush and magnificent country with a fascinating history...or seeing it through my daughter's eyes - a new experience around every turn, from the early morning mist that greets you each day, to the genuine warmth of the Irish people who have been so kind and welcoming to this group of Americans.
As day 4 began, we said goodbye to Killarney and hello to Galway. We got there via ferry on the River Shannon, the largest river in Ireland ("You mean the bus goes on the ferry too?!")
We make our way to the Cliffs of Moher, a magical vista along the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare, an incredible natural structure that was formed 320 million years ago!
We explored O'Brien's Tower, built in 1835 as a viewing point for tourists. On a clear day you can see 5 counties - but not as far as Boston, as our tour guide jokingly suggested!
As if that site weren't enough, we continued on to the amazing Poulnabrone Dolmen. A "dolmen" is an ancient tomb - "Poulnabrone" translates to "hole of sorrows" in Irish. This burial ground dates back to the Neolithic Period, 4200 BC - 2900 BC. During the most recent excavation in 1985, 33 bodies were found buried under the monument.
Because of the uneven way sunlight hits the jagged rocks, this is the only place in the world, we are told, where plants from the Mediterranean grow alongside plants from the Tundra!
Our hotel in Loughrea beckons; the next performance will be at a local high school. Through the eyes of my child......
As day 4 began, we said goodbye to Killarney and hello to Galway. We got there via ferry on the River Shannon, the largest river in Ireland ("You mean the bus goes on the ferry too?!")
We make our way to the Cliffs of Moher, a magical vista along the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare, an incredible natural structure that was formed 320 million years ago!
We explored O'Brien's Tower, built in 1835 as a viewing point for tourists. On a clear day you can see 5 counties - but not as far as Boston, as our tour guide jokingly suggested!
As if that site weren't enough, we continued on to the amazing Poulnabrone Dolmen. A "dolmen" is an ancient tomb - "Poulnabrone" translates to "hole of sorrows" in Irish. This burial ground dates back to the Neolithic Period, 4200 BC - 2900 BC. During the most recent excavation in 1985, 33 bodies were found buried under the monument.
Because of the uneven way sunlight hits the jagged rocks, this is the only place in the world, we are told, where plants from the Mediterranean grow alongside plants from the Tundra!
Our hotel in Loughrea beckons; the next performance will be at a local high school. Through the eyes of my child......
Wow - what an exciting and beautiful trip you are experiencing. Pictures and commentary are great. Continue on with your excursion.
Love, Dad
Posted by: Jack Varon | 03/28/2012 at 09:54 PM