Trips, Visits and Events
Ireland Trip
by Paddy Salmon
We were very fortunate in our two guides, Joyce and Matrin Enright, whom we had already met six years ago in 2006 when Betty Lau organised the first trip to Ireland. Joyce is a professional archaeologist, Martin a retired head teacher with interests ranging from wild life, history, geography and both are deeply immersed in literature – particularly that of WB Yeats, who is from their part of the country: Sligo.
The trip started in Dublin, for two days, visiting the National Museum and the Writers’ Museum and having a guided walk through James Joyce territory (the pupils had read “The Dubliners” over the summer). We also had a dance class laid on for us at a local pub, famed for its traditional dancing and live Irish music. Vicki and I allowed some of the pupils sips of Guinness as part of the “experience”. There was much whirling, twirling and foot tapping and many of us stumbled and knocked into each other, laughing all the time. Martin and Joyce however, are very good dancers, and kept going till 2 am, long after we had all turned in.
On to Galway, a beautiful and busy university town on the west coast. In the evening of our arrival, we were treated to a special introduction to traditional Irish harp playing by Kathleen Loughnane, a friend of our guides, who is one of the foremost harpists in the country. From nearby, the next day, we set sail for the Aran Islands. We were very lucky indeed to have a sunny day to visit Inishmore, the largest of the three islands, where we visited the extraordinary Celtic hill fort of Dun Aonghasa, perched perilously on vertical cliffs 300 feet above the sea. Those students brave enough were allowed to crawl to the edge and peer over at the foaming black rocks below. We also visited the “Seven Churches”, the remains of seven early Christian churches all built at the same place, though at different periods.
And finally to Sligo, where, although time was short, we were able to visit Drumcliffe Church where Yeats is buried, the waterfall at Glencar, glimpse the Lake Isle of Innisfree, besides taking in a film on “Yeats’ Sligo” at the “Yeats’ Museum”, and to have a walk along the shore near Strandhill, where we were staying.
Vicki and I were delighted with the pupils who are to be complimented for their friendliness, enthusiasm and compliance. Joyce and Martin both remarked on how responsible and easy the students were to talk to as a group. They themselves were determined that we should learn and experience as much as possible in the short time we were there, and I think we all returned with very valuable memories and lots of wonderful insights into Ireland’s cultural, political and social history. Thanks to our 26 culture-vultures for looking after us – you were a lovely group!
Dernière modification le 10-11-11 par
