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Background: Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the United Kingdom. In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, known as the Good Friday Agreement and approved in 1998, is being implemented with some difficulties.

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By kristinbrodie
September 11th 2008

Rollercoaster Adventure

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Aran Islands

Aran Island
at the lighthouse

NOW the Aran Islands….. these are the Island’s just off the south west coast of Ireland. They really well known for their wool sweaters, blankets, hats, and well anything made out of wool. I had intended on purchasing a blanket or sweater or hat or sock even, but again, economics people… economics. We had to take another ferry, but this time the waters were super rough. Almost everybody was making their way to the top deck for some fresh air. Alicia, Kiley and I thought it was more like an exciting roller coaster that lasted for 45 minutes. I don’t think [View Full Entry]

By kristinbrodie
September 10th 2008

A Bus Ride Around Ireland

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Galway

Galway
the cathedral

So originally I was planning on putting all of Ireland together. Great idea Kristin, not only will this help you save time by typing everything, but then everybody who wants to read about Ireland can in one easy stop. Eh, didn’t happen. Reasons are that Dublin took up a lot of space, I have a lot of pictures to go with everything, and I disagree with Daniel (he wants one paragraph about everything - If I went there it deserves a decent description). So here is my second entry on Ireland, but I find this leg of the journey more interesting. [View Full Entry]

By renbyrnes
September 9th 2008

Don't fall off the Cliffs of Moher

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Galway

Shannon Breeze Ferry

After taking leave of our lovely hotel in Killarney, Tommy drove us north towards the Shannon River as we had an appointment with a ferry at 9:30 am. When we reached the waters edge our bus drove onto the boat. Once Tommy parked amidst the other buses and cars and the ferry started to move the doors of our bus opened and we were let out to roam around. Up on the upper railed in deck areas surrounding the vehicles we took pictures through the misty, foggy morning of the surrounding water, islands, lighthouses and coastline. Back on dry land Tommy [View Full Entry]

By GrantH5185
September 5th 2008

On to Ireland

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Galway

Manchester
Me and Kate and Jess walking through Manchester

I've been to a few stops since my last post, more up's and down's and more brushes with coming home. Me and Kate and Jess didn't see a whole lot of Glasgow until we were walking around with our bags waiting for our bus to Edinburgh and took a grand total of zero pictures. After a quiet first night in the hostel we made some friends the second night and stayed up pretty late exchanging stories so I was fairly groggy the rest of the day traveling back to Edinburgh (after scoring bus tickets on line for just 1 pound [View Full Entry]

By JessRK
September 4th 2008

Week of relaxing in Galway

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Galway

We went out for Tappas... pouring rain, the other side of town... and this is what we saw when we got there... haa! figures

Well... There hasn't been too much to update ya on, but I will give ya a bit anyway! (This entry is up about 4 days late... there will be another this evening). I returned back from the Fleadh and just crashed. Totally exhausted. We had a good night out here in Galway and from that point on I've just been sleeping and resting. For the first time in my life I was bored for a couple days. Now, bored for me... let's see... most of you know me well and know that I am someone who goes from dawn until late [View Full Entry]

By Annalise 13
August 25th 2008

The Aran Islands

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Aran Islands

View of Cliffs of Moher from Doolin

Can you believe we had TWO FULL days of sunshine?!? In a row!!! Simply fantastic! It was just enough to lift our spirits before it went back to pissing down rain. I've heard a few times now that this summer is the worst summer on record, stealing the title from last summer. I think this Irishman said it best when referring to the global enviroment situation, 'God gave us a garden and we're just shitting in it.' I got the feeling Ireland is wising up on the whole enviro crisis. The governement has mandated a 20c surcharge on each plastic grocery [View Full Entry]

By katenian
August 25th 2008

LAST DAYYYYYYY

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Galway

So today is our LAST in Europe...not counting tomorrow which is full with a bus, a train, and two planes!!! Yesterday we toured the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, two verrrry beautiful areas around Galway. The cliffs were absolutely amazing, and we lucked out with pretty good weather. We haven't had true sunshine here yet (and its raining today), and I wish we had, because there is so much green that would be almost flourescent if it was sunny. Still gorgeous though. Last night we found some people to play cards with and had some pretty big card games going [View Full Entry]

By ramblinman1985
August 25th 2008

Last week in Galway

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Galway

Claddagh

Travel will commence on September 17th, watch this space! [View Full Entry]

By katenian
August 23rd 2008

A few more for the road...

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Galway

Hey all! Today we went on a day trip with Galway Tour Company. We were a little afraid because it was raining, but it ended up being alright. A bus picked us up around 10 AM and we drove to the county of Mayo, yes like the condiment, where we stopped at Ross Errily Friary, ruins of a friary that has been around since the 14th century. Great place to take photos and walk around, it almost felt like a little maze. Good fun. We drove past a stone circle and a fairy tree, where locals believe the fairies come out [View Full Entry]

By mbondi
August 22nd 2008

Pictures!

Europe » Ireland » County Galway » Galway

ireland 011
Monastery in County Clare

Sorry it took so long to post these pictures and my last entry of my trip, it was phenomenal! I will let the pictures speak for themselves but I greatly appreciate all of the kind words from everyone!! [View Full Entry]

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