Hello dear reader! Apologies for the late update, the WiFi in our hotel was malfunctioning and I’m only now posting. Nothing like tech issues to remind you that you’re actually not an Irish princess prancing around the countryside in the 14th century (talk about a dream killer). Today was filled with adventures galore, and I am so very excited to tell you about them!
Wednesday, March 6th
Firstly I want to give a shoutout to our absolutely amazing coach driver John! He is so kind and knowledgable about all things Ireland, and has put up with all of my stupid questions such as “Why are the sheep spray painted?” and answered them diligently. He has made this trip genuinely so amazing and has been so amazing in organizing unplanned detours on the spot for us, like the beach and Carrickfergus Castle!
Started off strong with a traditional Irish breakfast (also known as “the works”): toast, tea, fried eggs, mushrooms, stewed tomatoes, potatoes, and beans. The beans were baked beans, which everyone knows is the worst kind of beans, so I didn’t particularly enjoy them. Everything else, however, was absolutely wonderful!!
Drove to visit St. Patrick’s Mountain and the National Famine Memorial. Both were incredibly moving. The hike up to the statue of St. Patrick was a bit treacherous, but as you well know, treachery has never stopped me before, and the view from the statue was well worth it. We trekked back down and stopped to visit the statue of Mary that was at the base of the mountain. I don’t have any pictures as I didn’t want to disturb the moment I was having with the BVM (I’ll be honest, I got a bit teary eyed looking at her with the mountain and fog in the background. Talk about awe and wonder!!!! The beauty of God’s creation is endless here!!). We then walked across the street to the National Famine Memorial which depicted a coffin ship that carried many Irish peasants who were forced to immigrate to the US during the Famine, many of which died on the journey. It was so beautifully made and a wonderful tribute to the lives lost during this time. While walking back we saw SHEEP!!!! They were so cute and looked so content grazing and napping in their meadow.
Next up we drove through the beautiful mountains and lakes of the Irish countryside and saw sheep on the road! They were really adorable and I loved taking pictures of them. Then we took some pictures at Aasleagh Falls, the site of a really beautiful waterfall!!
After Aasleagh Falls we stopped for lunch at the Purple Door Cafe in the lovely village of Leenaun. I had a green tea, potato and leek soup, and a caramel brownie. WHAT a delicious meal. The owners were so kind and it was such a cute little cafe! We then did some quick shopping (there was only one store) and hopped back on the bus to continue exploring the countryside. We drove for about another hour and a half and finally were in Galway!!
Before going to our hotel we got to go to the Galway Cathedral, and it was absolutely gorgeous. Chizzy and I walked around exploring, and then sat down in a pew and prayed for a bit. I said a few decades of the rosary before it was time to go. One thing that brought me to tears yet again was the stained glass inside the cathedral. As I was saying a Hail Mary, I looked up at the 12th Station, Jesus Dies at the Cross. The stained glass at the entrance was shining through at just the right angle that it lit up Jesus on the crucifix in just about every color. It was truly so beautiful and in that moment I really felt the presence of God in that cathedral. TYJ for such a wonderful day!!
We checked in at the hotel, then went out and explored Galway, shopping a bit too. I got some gifts for my family and got myself a claddagh ring!!!! I am so happy that I finally got one and absolutely love it! Maddie and I actually got them for each other because of the superstition that it’s bad luck to buy one for yourself. Then it was back to the hotel for dinner! I had a Caesar salad, which had a surprising amount of green onion, spinach and ricotta tortellini, and apple pie for dessert! I may sound like a pompous American when I say this, but I think we Nebraskans do apple pie better. There! I said it! Shoutout to the lovely people of The Village Piemaker, they’ve really spoiled me in terms of quality pie. Now I am here and hopefully the WiFi works so I can post this!
Have a great day friends! I think it’s only about 5 pm in Omaha so have a great evening!!
Much love,
Maggie
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