Tombs, Belleek and More

Today was a very fun day, filled with pretty things and a lot of driving. After leaving Ballyvaughn we started heading north. On our way we stopped to see some Neolithic Tombs. Theses tombs were 3,500 years old or a little older. Surprisingly, we don't understand much about them other than they are a tomb marker. A few of these tombs have been excavated but scientists are unable to tell us why they built the tombs the way they did or anything about their rituals. So they are just strange landmarks in the countryside.

Neolithic tomb

My parents beside the tomb

After looking at the tombs we continued our journey north to Sligo. In Sligo we went into the Sligo Abbey but funny story, its not actually an abbey it is a friary. However, everyone calls it Sligo Abbey. What's the difference? Monks live in abbeys, Friars live in friaries. This building was beautiful. The most interesting feature (besides the fact that one of my pictures looks black and white since the sky was gray) was the tomb of James. As you can see the last name, death date, mother's name and age were all erased by a stone cutter. No one is sure why but there are two possible reasons. 1. He was exhumed and buried with his family. 2. It was discovered he was born out of wedlock and disgraced so he was erased. So brother of mine: behave!  

My unintentional black and white picture except for my Dad's head :)

Here lyeth the Boby of James --- who Died De the --th -- Aged ---Years Erected by his Mother -----

We then continued on to Belleek home of the Belleek Factory. So naturally we took a tour. These people are amazing! They are all trained on site, and there are surprisingly few workers. First we entered the greenware, which is when the craftsmen are working with unfired, wet clay. After pouring the clay into the molds they were responsibly for smoothing out joints to make objects appear as if they were poured in one piece. They are also the people who would cut out windows or any other part that needed to be removed for the finished look. After the pieces have dried they are called whiteware and are fired for the first time. After the first firing they are then dipped in glaze and fired again. At this point they are given to the painters (there are only 5 on staff) to paint the different aspects and then fired again for a third time. The paint is created using a powder substance that they would add liquid to create the consistency. Also the different patterns were combined to create the colors so by default each painted piece is original and can have slightly different coloring.

Pigments for the colors

Vase after its first and second firing with the glaze

Vase on the left is painted but not fired. Vase on the right has been fired

Painter!

There was also a section of the factory where the baskets were made. Each Belleek basket is created by hand by one of the 9 weavers. These tiny baskets were created by first weaving the bottom using clay that had been turned into what looks like spaghetti. After the bottom was finished it would be placed on top of the mold and the sides of the basket would be done entirely by hand as well. It was quite amazing to watch! The weavers are also responsible for making all of the clay flowers you find on Belleek. The only thing they used a mold for is the leaves.

What the weavers tools and set up looks like

Weaver at work

Completed (not yet dry) heart baskets

Examples of baskets and flowers

After the awesome tour we raced to Donegal to try to get into the castle. Unfortunately we were five minutes late and were not allowed in. So all I have about this castle is the awesome picture I took. I do know that it was a tower house that was combined with a manor house (which was built after the tower) which is what gives it the interesting look.

Donegal Castle

We currently are staying in Derry in Northern Ireland so for the next two days I am in the UK!

The Burren

Now, some of you may be wondering what the Burren is. Well, it is a region in Ireland that looks like it belongs in Lord of the Rings. I am serious. It is a stoney place with tons of vegetation but not really farmable. It is known for its flora and fauna but not habitability. It has an interesting beauty with the rocks every where.

Well, as I said in my last post I went to the Cliffs of Moher but first we stopped at a Newtown Castle. Its is another Tower House that is pretty much next door to our B&B. It was not very tall, only 4 floors and much smaller than the Ross Castle tower house. All of its floors were made of wood so it was probably a not so rich, rich family. Probably the most interesting feature was that it was being used by musicians! On two floors there were groups of musicians just in the rooms performing together. However, they were not playing for the random tourists passing through but for each other. There was also  a painter who was being inspired by its architecture. Then we headed through the Burren towards the Cliffs of Moher.

Daisy growing in a murder hole.

On the way there we stopped at an interesting spot that should give you a good idea of what the countryside looked like. It was where the edge of the Burren hit the water in a not as impressive set of cliffs. It was very beautiful and different from Moher. While the view was spectacular, climbing it was my favorite part! The rocks were pitted from the rain so they were not even remotely smooth. It was a fun balancing act. Then we preceeded to the widely known Cliffs of Moher. These Cliffs were spectacular even in the rain! (The cold was missing today, however, the wind had stayed but I was still happier). Although, because of the rain we did not find any Puffins that live on the cliffs. While the pictures of the cliffs will speak for themselves I will mention an atrocity! On the way to the cliffs was a row of shops. One of these shops was a music store and it had a harp sitting out in the rain! It irked me to no end and really just made me cringe! This harp wasn't for sale or even played but it is such a waste of a beautiful instrument.

The Burren

We climbed that!

The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher

After the Cliffs of Moher we continued to explore, and get lost, in the Burren. We found these interesting tombs that consisted of two parallel stones that supported a single stone to create a roof. I am not sure if you were placed under the stone between the walls or in the ground with the structure used as a marker. They were interesting. We also found a perfumery. Some of you would have absolutely loved it. It was entirely organic and filled with lotions, perfumes and remedies for common ailments (bruises, bites, acne, eczema, ect.). It was kinda cool. It also showed us a video of the different flora that grew in the area. It has some beautiful flowers.

Then we went to our medieval dinner! It was nothing like what I expected. First, they gave us silverware. Second, it was in a tower house, not a large castle. Third, it was still really fun! Each course was preceded by a song and the atmosphere was perfect. The room had shields on the walls and was mostly lit by candlelit. We also had interesting company at our table. There was a man diagonal from me who is Irish with a British accent. His parents are 100% Irish but he was born and raised in England. He taught me a few things, such as the origin of the term honeymoon. Apparently when two people were married in the olden days they were given enough honey mead (alcoholic beverage) to last them an entire month. The purpose of the mead was to guarantee that at the end of the month a baby would be on the way! Hence the term, honeymoon. He was a very interesting fellow, and fun to talk to! Well that is all I have for tonight! Until tomorrow :)

Ring of Dingle

Another gorgeous day in Ireland. Cold, wet, and windy were the main features! I wouldn't mind if it only combined two out of the three weather conditions but all three is just awful. For me anyway. The weather however, did not make this country any less beautiful! Today was a mostly scenic drive day. We spent most of the day in the car. After leaving our extremely charming B&B in Kenmare (with a British Host who was very nice) we traveled to Dingle. There we got out of our car to explore the shops. We moved quickly to the nearest store because of the weather. The first store we entered was the Dingle Crystal shop. Oh, how I wished I had won the lottery! The man who started this particular crystal company was originally trained at Waterford from the age of 15. I did not purchase anything but my mother bought a gorgeous cake plate which you should all see sometime. :) We also went into a real music shop where I played a neoceltic harp. I have realized on this trip that I need to memorize and keep up with a few really simple pieces that can be played on any size harp. As of right now, all the pieces in my head need to be played on a pedal harp! I did buy a book of music to explore once I get home :).

After shopping we began the drive around the Dingle Peninsula. It was beautiful even through our rain soaked windows. We did not get out of the car as often as we would have if it had been sunny. Our first stop was the Inch Beach. This beach was gorgeous and would have been pleasant to stand and walk on if we could have subtracted either the rain, wind or cold. However, with all three present we stayed out of the car long enough to get some good pictures and then quickly made our way back to the car! The next time we exited the car was to go and visit the Clochans (Beehive Huts). These buildings where made entirely out of stone but as you can see in the picture look like a beehive! They actually provided a nice block from the aforementioned weather conditions but did not allow for a ton of light. We also stopped briefly at a cultural center where we watched a brief documentary and then had a bowl of soup.

Beach of Inch

Beehive Hut

Bay in Dingle

Sleeping Giant Island

All pictures past this are just countryside pictures :)

I am so excited for tomorrow though! We are going to the cliffs of Moher and having a medieval dinner! If you have ever talked to me about medieval times then you will know this is my cup of tea! I also think that I should admit to you all now that I did not make it to the Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. This is because after the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle unfortunately we did not have the time. So obviously, I need to start planning my return trip to Ireland! Well that is really all I have to report but enjoy the wonderful pictures of this beautiful countryside!  

Gorgeous Day

First day that we have had sunshine!!!!!! Today I was not wet and it was sunny and that was fabulous! We saw a bunch of beautiful countryside and shopped! We started out the day driving down part of the Ring of Kerry to get to the Muckross House. It is a beautiful manor house with a fully working farm. It was very beautiful and quiet. There were a million horse buggies that will drive you around for a fee. They are very sweet and try hard to get you in the wagon. We also saw a beautiful waterfall called Torc that is right next to the Muckross House. That was scenic.

Torc Waterfall

We then traveled down to Kilkenny where we shopped! I bought myself a new ring and a Christmas ornament. My mom and I also bought some of the ice cream that we have found all around this country. It is delicious soft serve ice cream. (I'm not a huge fan of American soft serve, I like Marble Slab or Blue Bell much better). This soft serve uses real cream and it is just delicious. The perfect marriage between cream, texture and flavor. My mom and I have had it almost every day since we found it! We also vistited the Ross Castle; which is actually more of a Tower-home than a castle. It is just the single fortified tower were a family lived. It was easily defending and could fit a ton of people. It had stumble stesp (uneven round steps which make it difficult to climb quickly) and a murder hole (ways to drop objects on attackers heads as they come through your door). Outside was a lake which had a ton of ducks. My mom and I single handedly started a duck turf war.

New Ross Castle

To explain the situation: we were sitting by the lake waiting for our tour to start. I decided I wanted to feed two ducks that had approached us. I got some bread from the wonderful ladies running the store. When I got the bread the two ducks were no where to be seen but a mommy duck and her ducklings were very close. So I started to feed the ducklings. Then the other two ducks showed up and for a while all was well. Then the female duck and the mommy duck got too close to each other. One of the two climbed on the back of the other  one sinking it into the lake while pecking at it. When the two separated the mommy duck took her ducklings and tailed out of there. Then there were other adult ducks coming to be fed and the male duck kept chasing them off! After I fed those ducks one piece of bread I moved to an area that had about 30 ducks and a swan! I really enjoyed feeding them. They would walk on your feet and quack at you to get bread but if you tried to reach your hand toward them then they would run. The swan was gorgeous and I got it almost close enough to take the bread out of my hand. In the water stretching its neck out it was probably only 8 inches shorter than me and I was on slightly higher ground. These birds are huge! I really enjoyed my time with the ducks and swan.

So other random fun facts that I have picked up while in Ireland. We refer to the Irish language as Gaelic. This language covers all of Ireland and Scotland. However, the Irish refer to Gaelic as speaking Irish. So we are no longer politically incorrect for thinking they speak Irish. Also when you are listening to live music being performed it is rude to clap along. This is actually mostly for practical reasons, real Irish music is performed without amplification and songs are sung unaccompanied. So if everyone is clapping then you can't hear the music and the musicians can't hear themselves. Let alone each other. The tunes are usually gigs and reels and it is perfectly ok to tap your feet along to the music. These songs were meant to be danced to so tapping your feet replaces the sound of the dancers.

Live music at Davitts

We just came back from dinner in Kenmare at Davitts where there were two live musicians. The lady played guitar, concertina, and harp! The man played guitar, violin and mandola. They both sang as well. It was a wonderful dinner listening to live Irish music from the Kenmare area. Well goodnight all! I am in for an early night.

Irish Harps, Rock of Cashel, and Cahir Castle

This country is fantastic, except that we are always cold and wet but I just don't care. Today I met Siobhan Armstrong. She is the head of the Irish Harp Society and is pretty much single handedly trying to revive the lost art of Irish Harp. She has a replica of the Trinity Harp which is just spectacular. The harp has brass strings for the middle and top of the harp. The bass wires are strung with 18 karat gold! The sound is like bells, it has a ton of beautiful resonance without using a lot of pressure. If I had even attempted to use my own technique I could have broken the strings. I did play it but very very gently. She also had a student model, which is the same instrument without the carvings. The wood is just plain. The harps are made by a man in Minnesota and she and him have also started developing student harps based on other ancient harps such as the Trinity Harp. It was just super cool. She also had a baroque Italian triple strung harp. It was the most mind boggling thing I have ever attempted to play. People have told/asked me "how do you see the strings? Don't they blend together?" On this harp...they did. It actually hurt my head trying to see what my right hand was doing. It has two diatonic rows with the chromatic row in the middle. It was super cool but difficult. The strings also had no tension and you played it with your fingers up and even used your pinky!

My attempt to give you the view of the triple strung harp

Siobhan and Me with the Baroque Italian Triple strung harp

Her Trinity Harp and a student model of the Downhill Harp

We then went to the Rock of Cashel (Cash-El). It was a dilapidated old monastery. It had a fallen majesty that only comes with ancient things. There was a really cool museum around it as well which gave us a really good overview of Irish history. There were also a ton of birds at this monastery! There were holes in the wall and the birds just used them as their house. It was filled with jackdaws. They are related to the crow and very chatty. Apparently there is also a raven that lives at the monastery, possibly two. However, he only comes around toward evening but apparently the moment he shows up the jackdaws stop talking and hide in their homes. My mom said "oh, so the queen bee?" The guide laughed and agreed with her.

Rock of Cashel

The jackdaws of Rock of Cashel

Cahir Castle

We then went to Cahir (care) Castle. Coolest castle we have been in so far!!!!! After a brief 30 minute tour you are pretty much allowed to do what ever you want! Obviously, they expect you to respect the building but you wander around unattended and there isn't much you can't do. We climbed the ramparts and the tower. The stairs were narrow spiral stairs, some with no railing. To get the ramparts you climbed an unprotected stairs. So no hand rail to keep you from falling. It was so authentic! The doors were wood and it was just so fantastic! Cahir Castle also has one of three working portcullis. It drops in just 4 seconds and has been used in the Tudor series and Brave Heart! It was really cool looking. The portcullis actually leads you to a courtyard called the "trap". This is because it is a small courtyard about 20x20. So if you were attempting to take the castle you would go through the portcullis thinking that the enemy had not had enough time to lower it. The moment you entered you would realize your mistake. They would drop the portcullis and you would be surrounded by archers on 3 sides. The 4 side would be dropping rocks from the top of the castle so if you weren't shot you would be squished. It was so cool! I hope you guys are enjoying my pictures and stories! Until tomorrow.

Kilkenny Castle, Dunbrody Famine Ship, Hook Lighthouse and More

Today was a wonderful day. We started off at the Kilkenny Castle which is literally a street over from our wonderful B&B. The castle was beautiful and only has 3 walls! The fourth wall of the castle collapsed and was never rebuilt. It was a great way to start the day.

Kilkenny Castle

We then did our first longish drive. We drove to the Dunbrody Famine Ship. This ship was one of hundreds that took passengers from starving Ireland to the USA. The ship was modified to hold cargo and was not a safe way to travel. If you were first class you were well fed and doing fine. If you were a steerage passenger...life sucked. There was about a 50% mortality rate. However, the Dunbrody once did the trip in 28 days with only 5 deaths which was an excellent voyage. So what made it so deadly? Steerage passengers were only allowed on the deck for 30 minutes a day, IF, the first class passengers did not ask the Captain to keep you below deck. You slept with your entire family in one bunk and your toilet was a bucket that would spill if the waves got to rough. There are also two rows of bunk. If you are in the bottom bunk you had the worse end. If the people above you threw up and missed the bucket, it leaked down on you. So sitting in sewage, no ventilation (the doors to above deck were only opened when you were allowed up), and close quarters = death. They even have two "passengers" one from first class and one from steerage telling you the lives of 2 real passengers. It was a neat experience. Then ironically we also had our best meal at the cafe over-looking the ship. So we ate well next to a famine ship.

Dunbrody Famine Ship

We then traveled to the Hook Lighthouse. It was like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. First the GPS took us to the wrong place, down narrow winding roads. The car was being hit by the trees on more than one occasion. We finally made it! It is the oldest working lighthouse in the world. It is beautiful and provides an amazing view of the ocean. We stared out at it for awhile. I enjoyed finding some tide pools and looking at the different things living in them. They were not very deep so it wasn't anything spectacular. The view was.

Hook Lighthouse

We then took a short jog to Waterford via a ferry. We were too late to go to the Waterford factory but I found a harp that I want when I win the lottery! Then we returned to Kilkenny where I was craving ice cream. So we passed this cute candy story. The door was locked but the owner was closing up. I waved at him, mostly just to be nice and then he opened the door! I got my ice cream and some delicious candy! We then took a walk around the wall of the Kilkenny Castle and enjoyed the peace and quiet of Ireland.

Waterford Crystal Harp...when I am famous!

This lovely man let us in after he closed and let us in. I got candy and Ice Cream!

Love you lots :)

Beautiful Countryside

Today we left Dublin and headed to Kilkenny, but first we had to stop at Powerscourt Gardens. They were beautiful! The largest garden in Ireland. It was beautiful and peaceful and I enjoyed every minute there. I found a tower where I took pictures like I was a princess, I waved a handkerchief and everything. I also took a picture in front of the fountain and beautiful metal work and my father told me I was acting like I was Cinderella. I said I am Cinderella! I am also Rapunzel...and Mulan?! Haha, there was a Japanese Garden in the overall garden. There was also a pet cemetery which was really sweet. Really for today the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy!!

My dad called this my Cinderella shot. I think he started a trend!

Powerscourt Gardens

What country am I in again?

My Mulan picture :)

Rapunzel, Rapunzel..Let down your hair!

Good Knight! Do come save me! Try to survive the 8 cannons below...

I'm Wishing...For the one I love...To find me...To Find me...Today! (Snow White)