It’s another Wednesday so it’s time for another blog! This week may have been my favorite of the trip so far, headlined by the trip to the west coast of Ireland. On Friday, we hopped on the bus and set off. Our first stop along the way was Dunamase Castle, an old site of ruins from the 800s. It was really special to visit a site like this one where there were no limitations to what you were or weren’t allowed to explore, leading most of us to find hidden alcoves and climb to higher points of the former stronghold. At this site, we happened to experience another Irish staple, unpredictable weather. As we ascended the hill, the skies were relatively and all was well. About halfway up the hike, this began to change when it began to drizzle. By the time everyone was at the top, we were taking cover wherever we could to avoid being soaked by the newly formed storm clouds. While the rain was cold, it allowed us to briefly spot a rainbow adding to the character of the site. When the storm eased, everyone rushed back down the mountain to avoid getting drenched again. 

Our next stop was the famous Cliffs of Moehr. We only had an hour and a half at the site so instead of lingering in the visitor’s center, we set out right for the cliffs themselves. While I knew the views would be stunning, I was still somewhat surprised by how incredible they were. Something was mesmerizing about how high above the sea we were and I really enjoyed watching the ways the waves broke upon the rocks 700 feet below. We walked mostly northward due to our time constraint but experienced some of the parts of the path that were closest to the edge which was equal parts cool and terrifying. I was also very surprised that there were pastures for cows and sheep right next to the cliffs. While I know they were contained with fences, the combination of having tourists walk right by and the obvious risk of the cliffs themselves felt unique from tourist attractions found back home in the States. 

Our next major stop was in Galway itself. After checking into the hostel (and learning what a hostel is), we were given the rest of the night for free time. All of the guys on the trip decided to go out to dinner together and we found a Taiwanese restaurant to grab a quick bite before exploring the city properly. We met up with another group of Bucknellians at the King’s Head, a pub found right on the main street. We had a blast and I really enjoyed the cover band there who played everything from disco to Harry Styles. 

The next morning, we took the ferry over to Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands. While I was a little seasick hopping off the boat, I quickly started having a blast once we got on our bikes. I followed the herd of Bucknellians who chose to go west, allowing me to get to know some of them better along the way. We ultimately came back the other way after finding our way onto cobblestone roads and stopped at a restaurant for lunch. Afterward, we found the lone ice cream shop on the island and set a course to go there. This took us along the ocean on the east side of the island and the route was very scenic. I wish I had taken photos from this journey but I was too preoccupied with peddling and taking in the views. The ice cream was fantastic and we took the same route back to the docks. 

Since we got back to Galway so late, Tyler, Cole, Merli, and I went and found a quick grill restaurant. My burger exceeded my expectations and we went from there back to meet everyone else at the King’s Head. While it was fun to have almost everyone from the program there, we quickly realized the band was playing the same setlist as the night before. A group of about 8 of us then decided to leave in search of another band. Right next door, we went to Taaffes Bar where two guitarists and a violinist were playing traditional Irish music and covers of other famous Irish groups like the Cranberries. 

The next morning we checked out of the hostel and began our journey back to UCD. The first stop we made along the way was at Kylemore Abbey. I really found the abbey’s history interesting, especially since the site was both a tourist attraction open to the public, but also an active monastery where nuns live. I liked spending some time wandering the gardens and felt very at peace looking out over the lake. 

Our next stop was anything but peaceful but in the best way possible. The excursion I have been most excited for all trip was going to the sheep farm. After seeing all of the photos of people I knew holding baby sheep on Instagram last summer, I couldn’t wait to do it myself. Before we got to go into the pen, we watched a demonstration of how the sheepdogs can herd the sheep. The psychology major in me came out and I asked the farmer about why the sheep respond the way they do when the dog is pursuing them. He told me that the dog makes eye contact in a way that makes the sheep feel that they are being hunted, thus making them want to get away from the dog. 

Then the moment happened, we were let into the pen with the sheep. At first, they were somewhat skittish and resistant to being picked up so I stood back trying not to stress them out any further. After about five minutes, they had settled down somewhat and I finally got my moment. It was a little more difficult to hold the sheep than I thought but it was very well-behaved in my arms. For the rest of the time, I pretty much always had a sheep in my arms, having as many people take pictures as possible. 

This weekend was filled with adventure, excitement, and wind. I feel that some of my favorite memories from this trip were just made although the rest of the itinerary still has me very excited. This blog ran a little long but there were so many memories made this weekend that I wanted to share and even more that I didn’t even touch on!

My favorite picture I took from Dunamase Castle, moments before it began to rain

Me (staring into the sun) at the Cliffs of Moehr

One of the few photos I took on Inishmore of the dock where we got off the ferry

A photo of the gardens at Kylemore Abbey

SHEEP! (thank you to Tyler Thrutchley for taking this photo for me)