Wonderlust In Ireland

My Adventures in Ireland started off to a  rough start. Traveling from Cyprus to Dublin, Ireland with an overnight stay in Londen took a near 30 hours to get there. It was safe to assume that I was no happy camper when I finally settled into a hostel in central Dublin. After a traditional irish meal and a pub crawl, I was very content with being in Ireland. From there the wonderlust starts...

 The second day in Ireland was a magical experience.  With a tour to Northern Ireland I saw some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever laid on eyes on.  Not to forget the stories being told from the tour guide, about the problems Northern Ireland faced back in the 70's, 80's to present.  Ireland is divided. One half under british control in Northern Ireland,which practices protestantism.  The other side, Irish Republic is Catholic. 

   

 Onward to the landscape of Ireland, The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge was a very cool site to see and cross. With a whopping 100 foot drop below to an unsettled sea and jagged rocks. It was a great experience getting from mainland to an island. While crossing, it started to hall. This hall had a stinging sensation when it smashed into our faces. It was funny to notice the groups reaction to hail. Some members taking it in, while others where complaining about pain and camera troubles  The island itself was not big. There was limited space for walking around and capturing photos. However it was amazing site to vist and experience.

View from above

Towards the later half of the day.  I ventured to the Giants Causeway, an area known for its Hexagnonal columns that stretch into the ocean. Giants Causeway was created from volcanic eruptions some 50-60 million years ago. This place was an awesome site. I had never scene rocks like this before.  From the bus drop off point, it was abround a 2 mile walk to the site. An extremely scenic walk leading up to the Causeway. Peering over steep green cliffs and hills,over looking the sea and surrounding landscape. The walk had so much to see, it was hard to focus on what to look at. With a fulfilled day of traveling Northern Ireland. Seeing everything there is to see another one of my favorite sites was this so called "fairy village" below.  It was a nice area to stop by and take in some of the countryside beauty that Ireland offersl.

 By far, the highlight of my trip was the Cliffs of Moher.  Standing up to 400 feet above sea leavel this was the sight to see! And the weather was very cooperative that second day. From the tops of the cliffs over looking the Atlantic ocean. I was able to have a clear view of the Aaren islands. I really enjoyed walking along the cliffs edges and throwing rocks into the sea. But, not being able to get close enough to the edge to watch them splash in...I was alright with that. It was a scary feeling realizing that if you misplaced your step you could easily fall of the cliffs and plummet into the ocean.

While at the cliffs, I was incomplete wonderlust taking in some of natures finner beauty.  The crazy thing is that a farmer, owns all of the land just beind the tops of the cliffs.  Now tell me that wouldn't be a nice peace of property to own.

I was in love with this view above, it was easily one of the most beautiful sites I have ever been to. I was in awe with everything that it had to offer from the roaring ocean below, wildlife, and green hillsides. Our tour only stopped at the cliffs for and 90 minutes but I could have easily stayed all day to soak in the scenery

 I snapped this photo to the left, from a comfortable ledge to looking down on the smaller sides of the cliffs.  At that point I couldn't help to pounder what could have happend if I accidentally slipped off. It was a chilly feeling to think about it... There are some signs around the cliffs saying " need someone to talk to? Call good smaratins" apparently this place has a high number of suicide rates every year.  Onto a more happier note this photo below is of me and one my backpacking partners Brianna. We have traveled to the middle east together and now to Ireland.

Truly an amazing day. While on the bus ride back to Gallaway. A troublesome cow found it very entertaining to block trafic both ways on the two lane road. This cow would not let cars pass it. When somebody would try to make a move to get around the cow.

It would block there path. This went on for a few minutes entertaining the whole bus. When the farmer came to collect his cow, it ran off. Allowing us to get back on the way. It was a very funny sight to see. Farm animals blocking trafic is apparently pretty common in parts of Ireland.

    The next day was Saint Patricks day, and the energy was flowing around the city of Gallway. With green lights everywhere you look.  Drunk people on the streets and live music comeing from surrounding pubs. It was an interesting but fun experience.  From my travels so far, the Irish people are the friendliest of folks that I have come across on. Having fun going conversations over a Guinness. To singing some 90's classics together.

The parade that day was nothing special. Considering that they where originally started in Bosten.   However It was cool to see a different countries parade but it was nothing exciting by any means. Although, the rain that cold morning was contributing to the St. Paddys Day Celebration  Towards the end of the parade, the American and Irish flag were being flown through the streets. I am a huge fan of the photo I took below. It was great to see the flags of my family's heritage flying together.  This was the highlight of the parade for me.

Ireland was a extraordinary experience. From the Northern part to the Irish Republic, I laid eyes some magnificent landscapes.  My favorite part of the trip was the cliffs of Moher. With so much to see it is hard to decide on what was the coolest place or landmark. I am so glad I got the chance to explore Ireland.