Here is a list of everyone's favorite part(s) about the Ireland Trip! You will see what were the most popular parts:
Caroline B - The Cliffs of Moher
Katie - The Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle
Aria - The run along Galway Bay with the sunset
Liz - The Cliffs of Moher
Clare - The run along Galway Bay with the sunset, Trying Perriwinkles at Lehinch Beach
Brigid - The Cliffs of Moher
Alecia - The Cliffs of Moher
Alex - The Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey
Miranda - Dancing to the live musician
Carter - The Cliffs of Moher and Grafton St. in Dublin
Caroline W - Dancing to the live musician
Miss McMahon and Miss Tattersall have to agree that the Cliffs of Moher was their favorite part of the trip too, even though they were nervous with all of the students that high up!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Last Full Day!
Post by: Carter Vari and Brigid Morrissey
Today was our last full day in Ireland. While this trip has been full of fun and adventure, we are definitely ready to come home and enjoy our summer vacation. This morning, we drove 2 hours to the town of Trim. We toured Trim Castle, which is a medieval castle. It was used in the movie "Braveheart". After the tour, we traveled to Newgrange, a neolithic passage tomb built in 3000 BC. It was still in good shape! We got to travel into the tomb and saw displays of abstract art from the people in the stone age. Today was a beautiful, sunny day and we all got some color. We returned to Dublin after Newgrange to get ready to come home tomorrow.
Today was our last full day in Ireland. While this trip has been full of fun and adventure, we are definitely ready to come home and enjoy our summer vacation. This morning, we drove 2 hours to the town of Trim. We toured Trim Castle, which is a medieval castle. It was used in the movie "Braveheart". After the tour, we traveled to Newgrange, a neolithic passage tomb built in 3000 BC. It was still in good shape! We got to travel into the tomb and saw displays of abstract art from the people in the stone age. Today was a beautiful, sunny day and we all got some color. We returned to Dublin after Newgrange to get ready to come home tomorrow.
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| The group waiting for our tour of Newgrange |
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| Abstract carvings on the entrance stone at Newgrange |
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| Trim Castle |
Monday, June 16, 2014
Galway Adventures
Caroline White & Clare Lynam
Good afternoon! We started off our day with an early drive to Kylemore Abbey and its beautiful garden. We learned so much about the history behind the building! Next, we were off to the Killary Fjord harbor cruise in Galway. The weather was phenomenal and the harbor was filled with bodies of jellyfish! Later on, we made our way back to the hotel to freshen up and leave for dinner at Supermacs, a food court. Based on an early dinner, everyone can rest up tonight for an exciting last day tomorrow in Dublin.
Good afternoon! We started off our day with an early drive to Kylemore Abbey and its beautiful garden. We learned so much about the history behind the building! Next, we were off to the Killary Fjord harbor cruise in Galway. The weather was phenomenal and the harbor was filled with bodies of jellyfish! Later on, we made our way back to the hotel to freshen up and leave for dinner at Supermacs, a food court. Based on an early dinner, everyone can rest up tonight for an exciting last day tomorrow in Dublin.
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| On the cruise around the Killary Fjord |
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| On the cruise around the Killary Fjord |
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| View of the Walled Garden at Kylemore Abbey |
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| Garden Entrance at Kylemore Abbey |
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| Kylemore Abbey |
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Galway rocks
Post by: Miranda and Aria
We all enjoyed awesome American pancakes this morning and fruit smoothies. After our breakfast, we all went to church at Ennis Cathedral, which was a beautiful place to visit. Then, we explored the town before boarding the bus for Galway. We stopped at the Galway Cathedral to light some candles and say a few prayers. We then shopped in Galway's city center and went around to the local stores including Penny's (a store similar to Forever21) and The Sweater Shop. We had dinner at a delicious restaurant called Busker's. After dinner, we came back to the hotel to relax before going out on the town to hear some traditional Irish music. We went to a lively pub with a musician and danced the night away. It was great to be surrounded by the music and culture of Ireland. It was a great day, and we are looking forward to tomorrow's cruise!
We all enjoyed awesome American pancakes this morning and fruit smoothies. After our breakfast, we all went to church at Ennis Cathedral, which was a beautiful place to visit. Then, we explored the town before boarding the bus for Galway. We stopped at the Galway Cathedral to light some candles and say a few prayers. We then shopped in Galway's city center and went around to the local stores including Penny's (a store similar to Forever21) and The Sweater Shop. We had dinner at a delicious restaurant called Busker's. After dinner, we came back to the hotel to relax before going out on the town to hear some traditional Irish music. We went to a lively pub with a musician and danced the night away. It was great to be surrounded by the music and culture of Ireland. It was a great day, and we are looking forward to tomorrow's cruise!
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| Eyre Square in Galway |
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| Inside the Galway Cathedral |
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| The group listening to traditional Irish music |
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Cliffs of Moher Kept Us Wanting More
Post by Liz Frick and Alecia Nippert
This morning, we packed up after our last night at the Heights Hotel. We took a drive to Lehinch beach and spent an hour there for lunch--some of us even got our feet a little wet and went in the water. We took another drive to the Cliffs of Moher and spent a couple hours trekking the rocks and hiking the trails next to the steep cliffs (don't worry--no one got hurt!). The view was gorgeous, and a lot of us felt relaxed looking at the view, even though some of us were scared at the height. After we were done at the cliffs, we took another drive (this day involved a lot of driving), and we made a few stops...the Poulnabrone Tomb, an area by the ocean with nothing full of limestone slabs in Blackhead, and a clean water well next to a deserted famine town. Then we checked into our beautiful hotel, Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, where we all got dressed up to eat a delicious fancy dinner. For the rest of the night, we're going to listen to some Irish music!
This morning, we packed up after our last night at the Heights Hotel. We took a drive to Lehinch beach and spent an hour there for lunch--some of us even got our feet a little wet and went in the water. We took another drive to the Cliffs of Moher and spent a couple hours trekking the rocks and hiking the trails next to the steep cliffs (don't worry--no one got hurt!). The view was gorgeous, and a lot of us felt relaxed looking at the view, even though some of us were scared at the height. After we were done at the cliffs, we took another drive (this day involved a lot of driving), and we made a few stops...the Poulnabrone Tomb, an area by the ocean with nothing full of limestone slabs in Blackhead, and a clean water well next to a deserted famine town. Then we checked into our beautiful hotel, Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, where we all got dressed up to eat a delicious fancy dinner. For the rest of the night, we're going to listen to some Irish music!
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| Our view from the Cliffs of Moher |
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| Dinner at our hotel |
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| Lahinch Beach |
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| Lahinch Beach |
Friday, June 13, 2014
Friday the 13th Didn't Touch us in Dingle
Posted by: Caroline Bullock, Alex Perna, Katie Corbino
Today, the group started with an hour drive from Killarney to Dingle Peninsula, which included a small town. Near the bay lies a statue of Fungi, the dolphin who had inhabited the bay and became somewhat of a pet for the locals. Afterwards our driver, Matt, took us along Slea Head Drive, a winding, narrow road which took us around the edge of the peninsula. The majority of the view was foggy, making it difficult to see anything. On the trip back, we stopped at Gallarus Oratory where monks used to pray. Surprisingly, the stone building is still waterproof after centuries of harsh weather, as pointed out many times to us. We traveled back to Dingle and ate lunch in small restaurant and then made our way back to Killarney where we remained at our hotel for the night, eating in the pub and enjoying acoustic music performed live.
Today, the group started with an hour drive from Killarney to Dingle Peninsula, which included a small town. Near the bay lies a statue of Fungi, the dolphin who had inhabited the bay and became somewhat of a pet for the locals. Afterwards our driver, Matt, took us along Slea Head Drive, a winding, narrow road which took us around the edge of the peninsula. The majority of the view was foggy, making it difficult to see anything. On the trip back, we stopped at Gallarus Oratory where monks used to pray. Surprisingly, the stone building is still waterproof after centuries of harsh weather, as pointed out many times to us. We traveled back to Dingle and ate lunch in small restaurant and then made our way back to Killarney where we remained at our hotel for the night, eating in the pub and enjoying acoustic music performed live.
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| Bottom of the Torc Waterfall |
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| Donkey in the middle of Dingle |
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| A view from our drive around the Dingle Peninsula #1 |
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| A view from our drive around the Dingle Peninsula #2 |
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| A view from our drive around the Dingle Peninsula #3 |
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| Torc Waterfall |
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| Gallarus Oratory, over 1300 years old |
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Cork, Ireland
Post by Caroline White & Clare Lynam
Today we started our day off in Cork, Ireland. We visited the Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone, a smooth piece of rock one hundred and twenty steep steps high. It was a life-changing experience! Next, we strolled through the poison garden, full of plants that are poisonous...next years teachers Christmas gifts (just kidding)! After that, we drove to Killarney, which is in the next county. The first thing we did was visit the Ross Castle on the shores of the Killarney Lake. It took our breath away! Then we were off on a horse and carriage ride through the national park. Finally, we took a double-decker bus tour of Killarney and the surrounding areas. Stayed tuned for our next adventure!
Today we started our day off in Cork, Ireland. We visited the Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone, a smooth piece of rock one hundred and twenty steep steps high. It was a life-changing experience! Next, we strolled through the poison garden, full of plants that are poisonous...next years teachers Christmas gifts (just kidding)! After that, we drove to Killarney, which is in the next county. The first thing we did was visit the Ross Castle on the shores of the Killarney Lake. It took our breath away! Then we were off on a horse and carriage ride through the national park. Finally, we took a double-decker bus tour of Killarney and the surrounding areas. Stayed tuned for our next adventure!
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| Looking up at Blarney Castle |
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| One group on a jaunting car/horse and buggy ride |
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| The whole group on the shore of Lake Killarney |
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| Group shot at the Poison Garden at Blarney Castle |
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| Ross Castle in Killarney |
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
#Glendalough
Post by: Aria and Miranda
Today, we started our day off with a wonderful breakfast at our hotel, Ashling ("dream" in Irish). We then departed from Dublin to head off to check out the Ursuline Convent here in Ireland. After seeing this awesome sight, we went to our personal favorite spot so far on this trip, which was the beautiful water of Glendalough. The lake was beautiful and we got a lot of great pictures. This area contained a beautiful monastery that St. Kevin founded. We continued on our four hour long bus ride, which most people used to nap and get a jump start on their summer reading. After arriving in Cork and checking into our hotel, we explored the city. We went to a traditional Irish pub (Aria got Shepherd's pie). Following dinner, we drove to The Ursuline Secondary School to check it out even though it was closed for the day. We knew the students wouldn't be there because they are taking national examinations but if we had made it in time, we would have enjoyed a tour. Cork is a beautiful city, but don't worry, parents! The shops were closed early, so no shopping for us!
Today, we started our day off with a wonderful breakfast at our hotel, Ashling ("dream" in Irish). We then departed from Dublin to head off to check out the Ursuline Convent here in Ireland. After seeing this awesome sight, we went to our personal favorite spot so far on this trip, which was the beautiful water of Glendalough. The lake was beautiful and we got a lot of great pictures. This area contained a beautiful monastery that St. Kevin founded. We continued on our four hour long bus ride, which most people used to nap and get a jump start on their summer reading. After arriving in Cork and checking into our hotel, we explored the city. We went to a traditional Irish pub (Aria got Shepherd's pie). Following dinner, we drove to The Ursuline Secondary School to check it out even though it was closed for the day. We knew the students wouldn't be there because they are taking national examinations but if we had made it in time, we would have enjoyed a tour. Cork is a beautiful city, but don't worry, parents! The shops were closed early, so no shopping for us!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Ireland Trip: Day 2
Post by: Brigid and Carter
Although we were still exhausted when we woke up, we ate a filling hot breakfast and boarded the bus for a full day of sightseeing. We drove through Phoenix park, the largest enclosed park in Europe, and were able to see the houses of both the President of Ireland and the American Ambassador. While in the park, we stopped and saw the Papal Cross and got a beautiful view of the entire park. The Papal Cross is where Pope John Paul II said mass to over 1 million people in 1979. Afterwards, we went to the Christ Church Cathedral, the oldest Cathedral in Dublin and where the vikings founded the city, and saw the crypt where they house special treasures. Here we also participated in a peace prayer. After that we drove to the North of Dublin to Malahide, a rich part of the country. Along the road, we experienced some technical difficulties with the bus and had to pull over for 30 minutes. Not to worry, we were rescued by a new bus and continued to Trinity College! While at Trinity College, we saw the Book of Kells and learned about it. Afterwards we went to Grafton St. for dinner and some shopping. One group had a classic Irish dinner at T.G.I Friday's while another group enjoyed pizza and gelato, some other true Irish delicacies. On the long walk back to the hotel, we stopped by the famous Temple Bar area, a tourist attraction for its shops and restaurants. We made it back to the hotel for an early night to get ready for our next journey.
Although we were still exhausted when we woke up, we ate a filling hot breakfast and boarded the bus for a full day of sightseeing. We drove through Phoenix park, the largest enclosed park in Europe, and were able to see the houses of both the President of Ireland and the American Ambassador. While in the park, we stopped and saw the Papal Cross and got a beautiful view of the entire park. The Papal Cross is where Pope John Paul II said mass to over 1 million people in 1979. Afterwards, we went to the Christ Church Cathedral, the oldest Cathedral in Dublin and where the vikings founded the city, and saw the crypt where they house special treasures. Here we also participated in a peace prayer. After that we drove to the North of Dublin to Malahide, a rich part of the country. Along the road, we experienced some technical difficulties with the bus and had to pull over for 30 minutes. Not to worry, we were rescued by a new bus and continued to Trinity College! While at Trinity College, we saw the Book of Kells and learned about it. Afterwards we went to Grafton St. for dinner and some shopping. One group had a classic Irish dinner at T.G.I Friday's while another group enjoyed pizza and gelato, some other true Irish delicacies. On the long walk back to the hotel, we stopped by the famous Temple Bar area, a tourist attraction for its shops and restaurants. We made it back to the hotel for an early night to get ready for our next journey.
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| Group in front of the Papal Cross |
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| Christ Church Cathedral |
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| Long Hall at Trinity College |
Monday, June 9, 2014
Some sights from our first day in Dublin
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| Just before boarding the bus at Ursuline. |
Our first day in Dublin was quite a whirlwind. We were picked up from the airport at approximately 8:00 AM local time, but to us it felt like 3:00 AM! Since our hotel rooms weren't ready, we walked around the city center of Dublin once we dropped our luggage off. We paused for a group picture on Ha'penny bridge just to celebrate that we were finally here. We shopped at Grafton Street and Stephen's Green Centre. We were able to nap for a short time before heading to dinner at a typical Irish pub, Nancy Hands, which is right down the street from our hotel. A quick walk through Phoenix Park, and our day is practically done!
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