This week started with an amazing trip to the Wicklow Mountains. The bus ride through the countryside went by much more quickly than anticipated as we drove through areas that looked like they came straight out of a painting, with grazing horses and sheep. Once we arrived at the first portion of the trip, Glendalough, we began our walk down to the lake. It was a beautiful day, and throughout the walk, the surroundings felt like we were walking through a postcard. As I walked alongside my friends, we kept commenting on how at peace we felt walking through nature.
Our next stop on the trip was Kilkenny, which was about a two-hour bus ride from Glendalough. After getting off the bus, we had the opportunity to explore the streets filled with market booths offering items ranging from ice cream to blown glass art. Before the tour of the castle began, we stopped to get lunch in a local pub. What I have found incredibly interesting during my time in Ireland thus far is how no one seems to be in a rush in a pub. The hustle and bustle of restaurants in America keep you constantly moving. However, once you step into pubs here, everyone talks to everyone, and you are left to enjoy your time there with no rush.
The highlight in Kilkenny was, without a doubt, the exploration of the restored castle of the Butler family, one of the most powerful families of the 17th century in Ireland. I found it fascinating that the castle was sold for only EUR 50 so it could be restored and its beauty enjoyed by the rest of Ireland. Walking through its old hallways and grand rooms, I felt like I was transported to the past. The castle’s restoration was able to preserve the historical aspects, such as sourcing the original carpet that had been destroyed from a leak in the roof and purchasing an identical one. A granite table was also left on the premises as it was used to display the dead, and getting rid of artifacts like that symbolizes bad luck in Irish culture.
On Monday, our class was able to visit the National Museum of Ireland. Here, we were able to learn even more about the country’s rich history and culture through ancient memorabilia. One of my favorite exhibits was the Destiny Stone and the legend behind it that said it would scream for the true king of Ireland and has not been heard in over 2,000 years. Moreover, it has never screamed for a woman, so there has never been a queen of Ireland. We also had the opportunity to look at the ancient jewelry on display. Each piece was a true glimpse into the wealth and status of the time. The fact that they were able to curate such pieces of luxury meant that they had leisure time and were not constantly worrying about survival. The last stop of the museum was the preserved bodies from ancient times. Even in death, you could see the status of the bodies, as one of them had hair gel which would have been imported, meaning that they had a large excess of funds to purchase things like that.
This week featured a blend of nature, history, and culture, which will all work to form our overall experience in Ireland and allow us to continue learning about its rich history while we study here.
This is a photo of the jewelry at the National Museum of Ireland
