Blogs from Ireland, Europe - page 373

(I know I am running a week behind, sorry!) Last Sunday I went on a guided tour called the Celtic Experience. I was looking forward to seeing some of the old Celtic religious sites along with newer (by newer I mean only 800-1000 years old) sites. The tour was due to leave from the city centre at 9:30 AM. I woke up on time (a miracle) and went out to the bus stop on the UCD campus. I thought it was strange as I walked to the bus stop that there were no buses there. Usually there are 3 or 4 buses parked there until the next departure time (UCD is the last stop so the buses rotate out so the drivers can have a break.). So I look at the schedule and find out ... read more

So, here I am back in Dublin finally. I went to Kells for two days, I intended to stay until the 27, but there was simply nothing else to do after yesterday. However, I DO have photos...below. More later...these take forever to load!... read more

Saturday continued.... Next we went to Cove (formerly known as Cobh and Queenstown). I really enjoyed Cove for a couple of reasons: 1) it was the last port of call for Titanic 2) The exhibit on the Titanic, emigrate ships, and convict ships was very well done, and 3) I found out the Coleman is an Irish surname. First we stopped at the St. Colman Cathedral-- it is a very beautiful and well kept cathedral. It was built in 1868 (but not finished until 1915). The carillon (A stationary set of chromatically tuned bells in a tower) is the biggest in Ireland, with 49 bells. They are tuned to the accuracy of a single vibration!! That must be really hard to do. My camera died right after I stepped inside, but Sarah has kindly shared her ... read more

Our Route...Version 1Hi guys, I have just sent y'all the email link to this page so i thought i should make your visit here worthwhile! Only 7 days, 13 hours, 51 mins and 4 seconds left till take off. Our first destination is New Dehli, India, and courtesy of Laura we have an action packed 3.5 weeks planned in the country. I dont think we have quite figured out the logistics of getting from the Northern Region of India to Goa and back to Mumbai for our flight to Bankok but shure what fun would there be if we did!? Yep, flying by the seam of our pants is the plan methinks!! This is what Laura sent on to us this morning...let us know what you think! If any of you have been there before or ... read more

Last Saturday all of us went to Glendalough (glen of two lakes) and the Wicklow Mountains. It is a monastery that was founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, but the buildings date from the 8th through 12th centuries. It is located about an hour and a half from Dublin and is nestled into the mountains. Glendalough was once the religious philosophy learning center of Europe. Apparently Ireland was having a golden age while the rest of Europe was in the Dark Ages. A lot of the main abbeys around Europe were started by Irish priests. It is a beautiful monastic community by two lakes and lots of walking trails. The monks house, the round tower, and the church are all still standing. The cathedral is missing the roof and parts of some of the ... read more