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Published: January 11th 2011
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Youghal
Youghal used to be the second most important port to the British Empire. It was home to many famous (and infamous) historical people. On Saturday I went on a heritage trip with UCC Chaplaincy. We went for a day trip to explore Youghal in County Cork and Ardmore in Waterford. Youghal is a medieval town where Oliver Cromwell permanently left Ireland from. It used to be the 2nd most important port in the British Empire. We saw the Clock Gate which served as a short term prison for those who were to be hanged. The hangings also took place from the Clock Gate. Another attraction in Youghal is St.Mary's Collegiate Church. It was built in the 12th century and parts of it are still original. It is still in use today as a Protestant church, although it was originally established as a Catholic church. Around the church was a large cemetery bordered by the original city wall. There was a "pauper's coffin" (see photos) and also a plague tomb. Youghal is a town of about 9,000 people. It is traditionally a fishing village, but that way of life is becoming more difficult as fishing restrictions are being enacted in Europe.
Ardmore is one of the earliest Christian sites in Ireland. It is a tiny coastal town of about 300 permanent residents. During the
Moby Dick
This town was the site for some scenes in the 1950's movie Moby Dick. This pub is right on the waterfront. summer the beautiful scenery and beaches bring many vacationers. St.Declan set up a parish in Ardmore before St.Patrick Christianized Ireland. St.Declan's oratory is in the cemetery near the 12th century round tower Ardmore is well known for. To get there, we went on a cliff walk and enjoyed the nicest weather I've seen in Ireland so far. The sky was perfectly blue and it contrasted beautifully with the green and gold pastures we walked through. When we reached the round tower we learned that it was used as a bell tower. There are four windows at the top which allowed the sound of the bells to reach far into the surrounding area, calling people to worship. St.Declan's oratory, where his remains were once buried, is surrounded by graves because people thought that if they were buried near a Saint they would have a better chance of getting into heaven! So many people wanted to be buried there that the ground level is now where the top of the door originally stood. The entire cemetery was bumpy and uneven because they would bury people grave on top of grave on top of grave. There are graves there from recent years as
Cromwell's Arch
This is part of the original city wall built in the 13th century. This was the entry for anyone coming by sea to Youghal and it is called Cromwell's Arch because it was the place Cromwell permanently left Ireland from in 1650. well.
We also explored St.Declan's Cathedral. It was built centuries after St.Declan's time, but inside are two Ogham (Owe-um) stones dating back to the 5th century. Ogham is a primitive writing system that has been discovered on stones all over Ireland and the UK. The largest collection of the stones is actually at UCC's campus. There are also 8th or 9th century stone carvings on the outside of the church. They depict biblical scenes such as Adam and Eve and Soloman's judgment.
I had such an amazing day on this trip. Chaplaincy hosts one heritage trip each month, and I'm excited for the next one! It was quite affordable too, it only cost 5 euro for the bus ride.
Speaking of trips, I'm going on a weekend trip to see the Ring of Kerry the first weekend in February. It's supposed to be a total blast! We get to do the usual tourist things in southwest Ireland, but we also get to see some areas tourists hardly ever visit. I can't wait!
School is going...well, I guess it's not really going at all yet. I didn't go to class last week because I couldn't figure out
The Clock Gate
This was another entrance into the city for settlers loyal to the English crown. This was built in 1777. when or where my classes were. Only one was listed on the timetable. Now I have all that figured out and I've officially registered, but my Italian class won't start until sometime next week and I think my Geology class might only meet during the second half of the semester. So this week I have either four or six hours of class total. Either way I don't mind. I can't believe how lucky I am to be in such an amazing country for my last semester of school!
Thank you everyone who has been emailing, Skyping, and messaging me. It really helps knowing that I have so many loving and supportive people back home. And if anyone is even entertaining the thought of coming over, let me know. I might be able to convince you...
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Shae
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KK! Looks like your having a blast!! Im so jealous! What is your email address? I meant to get that from you before you left. Anyways im glad your enjoying it so far! Love ya Shae Shae