Haegeles' Ireland 2022
Life is like a puzzle.
The more you travel,
The more you understand.
Then the more you understand,
The better the pieces fit together.
Astounding heights and breathtaking views at the majestic CLIFFS OF MOHER
precarious
rugged
magical
Day 8: Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
Sunday
Aug 21, 2022
Mostly Sunny 63°
A SCENIC DAY IN WHICH WE:
sláinte
Sláinte to tour friends
Amy and Randall.
Amy and Randall arrived in Dublin from Derby, Kansas. Amy grew up in Alaska and Randall has lived pretty much all over! In choosing a place to visit, they wanted a new experience for Randall and that is how they chose Ireland. They discovered Rick Steves while searching the internet for active tours. This is their first Rick Steves' tour and we are sure they will be back for more.
Amy was one of our volunteer dancers in Belfast! We think she will remember that experience for a long time.
What's that sign we keep seeing?
It's the Wild Atlantic Way!
Celebrate spectacular landscapes and culture on this 1500 mile long coastal route that traverses 9 western counties from County Cork to County Donegal. There are 150 designated discovery points along the route and our tour stopped at several of them. We enjoyed the view as we rode past the stunning scenery.
A red door was meant to keep away evil spirits. A limited number of windows was to avoid paying the window tax.
WHO LOVES A THATCHED ROOF COTTAGE?
"I do! I do!" says Becky. In the 1800s about half of Ireland slept under a thatched roof. Today, about 2,500 thatched cottages remain speckled throughout the Irish countryside. These quaint, traditionally styled homes are iconic Ireland.
Once a sign of poverty, the thatched cottage of today requires extra financial resources due to the cost of insuring a roof easily ignited along with the cost of finding a qualified thatcher for maintenance. But thankfully there are people who recognize the value of keeping their heritage alive in this form and choose to have a thatched roof so we can continue enjoy their charm.
Day 9: Galway and the Aran Islands
Mon, Aug 22, 2022
Sunny 63°
Monday
Aug 22, 2022
Cloudy, 64°
THE WINDSWEPT DAY IN WHICH WE...
Located in 7 counties within 4 provinces, GAELTACHT communities speak predominantly Irish in the home and to each other. These regions are recognized and encouraged by government policies designed to restore the Irish language. Preserving the language is not the only goal as people of the Gaeltacht are also known for keeping the Irish traditions of dancing, singing, and craftsmanship alive. All three of the Aran Islands are considered Gaeltacht communities.
There are also Gaeltacht educational programs where students experience total immersion in the language. Irish is compulsory subject for the Leaving Certification and the oral Irish exam constitutes 40% of the total mark.
dia dhuit | hello slán | goodbye go raibh maith agat | thank you
cill | church dún | fort inis | island loch | lake áth | ford
IRMIRT GO MAITH | Play Well
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Stand in awe of the majestic Cliffs of Moher
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Wonder at the rocky Burren
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Mingle in Galway's vibrant Latin Quarter
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Ride the ferry to Gaeltacht Inishmor
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Hop on a van tour of Inishmor
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Ascend to the mighty Dun Aengus
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Ponder the time worn remains at The Seven Churches
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Shop for handmade Aran wool products
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Check out the pre-medieval Spanish Arch
ITHE GO MAITH | Eat Well
We slept two wonderful nights in GALWAY | CATHAIR NA GAILLIMHE at Jurys Inn on Quay St which is across from the River Comb and super convenient to the pedestrian friendly Latin Quarter.
1520 Steak Sandwich: Prime Irish beef, fried onions & mushrooms, applewood smoked cheddar, toasted ciabatta & pepper sauce.
Jurys Inn
Get Your Irish On
KEEPING TIME LIKE A LOCAL
If you've been to Germany you know Germans are tied to the clock with their punctuality. Apparently, this is not the case in Ireland. Pascal explained that in Ireland, time is very "-ish" as in 7ish, 8ish... For example, he adds, "the Millennium Tower in Dublin was completed in 2004, so it was millennium-ish." This is not true on a Rick Steves' tour where everything is punctual. And it is. In fact, to Pascal's delight, our group was routinely ready to crack on | get going early.
Our observation is the Irish use the 12 hour clock in everyday conversation. However, we noticed all signage and schedules contained the 24 hour clock. Just remember subtract 12 from the 24 hour time to convert to the pm 12 hour clock.
Oh, and 'half eleven' means 11:30.
A TIMELY TRAVEL TIP
We like to wear a watch when on a tour to keep track of time. We find it easier to check our wrist with a glance than fumble around trying to find the phone.