Sheep, cows, horses, and pigs! This week I got to interact with several adorable animals, see beautiful nature, learn about history, enjoy nightlife, and go on three boats! This week was wonderful, because I drank a Galway Girl cocktail, ran 32 miles, and held a lamb!
The highlight of the week was our trip to the West Coast. First we saw the Cliffs of Moher. They are on the west coast, facing toward the Aran Islands. They are nine miles long and 700 feet high, at the highest point. The waves of the ocean slowly erode the shape and reveal Namurian shale and sandstone; the top is blanketed with luscious, green grass and cows.
After an hour-long ferry (boat number one), we arrived at the Aran Islands. My day was spent biking twelve miles and eating mussels and orange white chocolate ice cream. The seafood and ice cream tasted so fresh! I loved exploring via bike, because it really encouraged exploring consciously and really observing the surroundings.
After arriving back in Galway (boat number two), we soaked in the lively city at the King’s Head Bar, which was a product of the Celtic Tiger Era. Galway began to thrive financially in this era so they opened pedestrian-only blocks with restaurants and Irish-made items like wool sweaters and the Clauddig ring. The street had live Irish music and high spirits emanating the charming area.
On the way home from the West Coast, we visited Kylemore Abbey. Mitchell Henry built this house, chapel, and garden for his wife. The ornate house provides a window into Irish culture of the 19th century. For example, we learn that the family hosted extravagant, multi-course meals for their guests and that Margaret enjoyed ballroom dancing in the ballroom and reading in the library. The gardens are a vast six acre lot with grass, trees, shrubs, flowers, and a greenhouse. The estate has several animals, including pigs and ponies. In addition, Ireland is also known for their sheep, so we visited the Killary Sheep Farm. We watched a shepherd dog showcase his excellent obedience and hearing while rounding up about ten sheep. The shephard sheared a sheep and invited us to pet and hold lambs.
Lastly, we learned about the Jeanie Johnston ship (boat number three). Not one single person died on this ship, contrasting to the coffin ships. The captain and crew took care of the passengers by giving them a weekly ration of food, providing a health screening before the trip, allowing them to breathe fresh air, and giving them a doctor.
I am looking forward to our trip to the Blarney Castle and Irish folk dinner this week!
I love the photo of you holding the lamb! How sweet! What fun things you did this week!