Sadly, my time in Ireland has come to an end after three quick months. But we decided to treat ourselves on our last field trip where we got to stay in a large, rented house and actually got a few meals paid for by the University! On this trip we went to Dingle where we visited the Cliffs of Moher, the Blarney Castle, and the Flying Boat museum. This was a great way to end our time here because we started our first field trip at the Aran Islands where Dun Aengus has a similar view as the Cliffs of Moher. I enjoyed the Cliffs of Moher because the site is absolutely breathtaking. It’s nerve wracking to stand upon these cliffs that have a huge drop straight into the ocean. The ocean view goes on for miles and doesn’t look like there is anything out there. The weather was nice to us and we got to enjoy these beautiful sites all together without rain boots or jackets! Next, we went to the Flying Boat museum. This attraction isn’t quite as big in Ireland but it is extremely interesting to learn about. I think our professor enjoyed this site very much because he was previously in aviation and was able to tell us about a few of the tools used on some planes and his experience with them. I had no idea that our passenger planes had progressed from the stage of a ‘flying boat’ (which should have named a floating plane). Once our first day was done, a few of us decided to go out and check out the night life in Dingle. Turns out, its great craic! (Pronounced like crack and means fun or a good time) We went to a pub where we sang our hearts out with the two stag parties and bachelorette party that were there!
Lastly, we went to the Blarney Castle. This place is what I imagined a castle to look like it. The grounds it was on were absolutely beautiful! There was a Poison Garden, Fern Garden, and even some waterfalls. The castle obviously wasn’t in its original state but the basic layout was understandable and the fireplace and staircase were still there. As we managed our way up to the top we were able to kiss the Blarney Stone where it is said that if done upside down, hanging by your feet, you will have the gift of eloquence! Not sure that that worked for me though, because I’m still not quite as quick on the comebacks as Kristin is! I think I say this every time, but Blarney Castle was also one of my favorite places! J
My time in Ireland and traveling around Europe has definitely been an experience I will never forget. I think the biggest challenge for most people is taking that first leap of faith because we are scared of the unknown. Fear often creeps into our minds and tells us that we don’t have enough money or that it’s dangerous to go somewhere where the language is different, but the adventure is well worth it. Traveling and seeing something magnificent is an experience I literally cannot put into words, it can only be felt. We often get wrapped up in our own worlds and we technically know that there are other things out there, but your soul doesn’t truly believe it until your standing on the edge of a cliff with just a step forward to the end of the earth. This is where you realize how big this beautiful world is. So whether you’re young, old, married, single, have children, don’t have children, broke, or drowning in riches—just go for it! See and experience another world than your own. You will grow from it and cherish it.
Lastly, we went to the Blarney Castle. This place is what I imagined a castle to look like it. The grounds it was on were absolutely beautiful! There was a Poison Garden, Fern Garden, and even some waterfalls. The castle obviously wasn’t in its original state but the basic layout was understandable and the fireplace and staircase were still there. As we managed our way up to the top we were able to kiss the Blarney Stone where it is said that if done upside down, hanging by your feet, you will have the gift of eloquence! Not sure that that worked for me though, because I’m still not quite as quick on the comebacks as Kristin is! I think I say this every time, but Blarney Castle was also one of my favorite places! J
My time in Ireland and traveling around Europe has definitely been an experience I will never forget. I think the biggest challenge for most people is taking that first leap of faith because we are scared of the unknown. Fear often creeps into our minds and tells us that we don’t have enough money or that it’s dangerous to go somewhere where the language is different, but the adventure is well worth it. Traveling and seeing something magnificent is an experience I literally cannot put into words, it can only be felt. We often get wrapped up in our own worlds and we technically know that there are other things out there, but your soul doesn’t truly believe it until your standing on the edge of a cliff with just a step forward to the end of the earth. This is where you realize how big this beautiful world is. So whether you’re young, old, married, single, have children, don’t have children, broke, or drowning in riches—just go for it! See and experience another world than your own. You will grow from it and cherish it.