May 5th: Cork


Today we traveled from Kilkenny to Cork, where we got the opportunity to explore the Blarney Castle. We climbed steep, slippery stone stairs to get to the Blarney Stone. Once we arrived at the stone, some leaned over the edge to kiss it. To kiss the stone, they had to lay on their back and hang upside down. According to the legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of the gab (great eloquence or skill at flattery). After the castle exploration, we were able to visit the gardens, waterfalls, caves, and the largest Irish shop in the world! Tomorrow we look forward to traveling to Killarney and staying there for a few days. 


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Fun pics along our adventure . . .

Image
Here's some fun pics of the students during various activities. CELTIC STEPS SHOW:  This is when one of the Celtic Step performers sat on Alyna's lap!  Awesome group shot on stage with the performers. Drs Bezotte and Peacock with our favorite coach driver Gerry McGettigan; we miss him already!! Pics from our first castle tour at the Blarney Castle Kissing the Blarney Stone! Fish and Chips in Killarney! Famous Gerry "Kodak Moments"! Boat ride to see the infamous Fungi the dolphin! Our ship's captain! Check out the heart shape in the clouds! Ireland loved us as much as we loved it! SHEEP!!!!  Liz and John conquer Giant's Causeway!   Miscellaneous Group Shots.   Jared, John and Celeste take a "Game of Thrones" tour!  ...
Read more

May 3rd, 2017: Arrival/Dublin

Image
After two airplane flights, our group of 26 arrived in Dublin this morning, where we were picked up by our amazing bus driver and tour guide, Jerry. He took us on a bus tour around Dublin to give us all an idea of where places and monuments in the city are. Before arriving to our Hotel, we stopped at Phoenix park and climbed the steps at the cross monument, called the Papal Cross, where Pope John Paul II had held mass at for over a million people in 1979. And although we did not exit the coach to view it, we were able to see the Wellington Testimony (an obelisk over 62 meters tall) while on the road.  Fun fact: the President of the Republic of Ireland also lives in a white house, just like our President back in the States. Both of the “white houses” were designed by the same architect. A fter checking in our hotel, we were on our own for dinner. While it took some of us a bit longer than expected to find a restaurant near our hotel, it ...
Read more

Northern Ireland and Giants Causeway

Image
Today we went to Northern Ireland! We began our trip in Derry, Northern Ireland. This was especially exciting, as the tourist center had a plaque noting the importance of Derry and Londonderry, New Hampshire, USA (Nicole is from New Hampshire). While Ireland and Northern Ireland may be one in the same island, electronically (and actually), they are of different government systems. As a result, some students had some problems with converting from Euros to Sterling, but this was quick sorted out. Also, the conversion rate is a thing. Gerry gave us a tour of Derry and noted the important places in the city regarding The Troubles and the important landmarks. Belfast is a city separated into different sections. During The Troubles, there were extreme conflicts between the Protestants and the Catholics of Northern Ireland. There were many monuments and murals commemorating the union and peace after The Troubles. Gerry then made a quick pit stop to the Dark Hedges, where an episode of Game o...
Read more