Ireland Intensive
Trip Start
May 07, 2009
1
7
8
Trip End
Ongoing
Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
Monday, June 22, 2009
Last Saturday I left for a 7 day trip around Ireland. I absolutely had an amazing time. If I could marry Ireland I would- its like a big, green, velvety hug. (rivaling BC mountains). I wasn't the only one on the trip who, day after day, sat upright and transfixed on how the scenery constantly changed from lush rolling hills, to dramatic cliffs, to deep blue lakes, to rocky and sandy beaches. Brought a little tear to my eye (especially when I was hungover or didn't take full advantage of the pee stops).
I could go on and on about this trip, but to spare you reading a 30 page synopsis of my diary, I'll give you the highlights
Shamrocker Coach
. In bullet form. * We visited the Blarney Castle. I purposely didn't kiss the Blarney Stone because I wanted a reason to come back. Plus my mom kissed it when she was pregnant with me and that didn't really work out for her now, did it?
* We explored some limestone caves that really brought out the nerd in me. It was so exciting learning about these stalactites and stalagmites that take millions of years to form. God nature is cool.
* The County of Clare was my favorite county because its the most superstitious place in Ireland. If you find a brush on the ground there you have to run around it. It is also the land of fairies and giants. I just think they drink a lot of Absinth.
* We spent a day and night on the largest of the Aran islands. This was an entire day of bicycle riding. Biking is absolutely one of my favorite things- right up there with putting cream in coffee and swing sets. If I had to choose a favorite day it was this one. We biked around, stopped on the beach for a jig, and climbed up to a monument to defaced it with hilarious tourist pictures
The Gang
. Then it rained. I loved it. * Northern Ireland was also a great experience. The mood got a little somber as we learned about the recent 'going ons'. We went on some fascinating political tours that tried gave both sides of the story.
Now, I went on this trip hoping that it was going to be a rugby team of boys, but I have to say- I lucked out even more. They were all Australian! Therefore, not only did I learn about Ireland, I got an Auzzie cultural experience as well. In addition, the tour guide was a great sport who had many opportunities to be embarrassed by our antics- instead he joined in! Needless to say these people made the trip what it was.
This trip was definitely worth every penny and I would recommend it to anyone coming to Ireland.
I'm sure I'll be telling you more about it when I get home. Love you all!!
