Dingle Field Trip

This last weekend, my classmates and I all went on our final field trip to the Dingle Peninsula in southwestern Ireland, which just happens to be the westernmost part of Europe. Knowing it was our last field trip we were a little sad, but still excited to make the most of it.

Hannah and Michael on a stone bench in front of an awesome tree

Our first stop was to (William Butler) Yeats' Tower and Coole Park where we met our Irish Literature professor for a class. He was able to show us around and explain the site as well as read us Yeats' poetry. The tower was where Yeats had lived at one point and Coole Park was where Lady Gregory (a good friend of Yeats) lived and had many friends who were important in the world of Literature.

Dr. O'Brian reading Poetry at Coole Park

The next place we went to was the Cliffs of Moher. This was one of my favorite places that we have visited. The weather was great and the views were absolutely stunning. Also, for the Harry Potter fans out there, a scene from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was filmed there.

You can see the little specks that are people on these massive cliffs

We spent a couple of days in Dingle and were able to tour the coast. The weather was really nice for a change, which we appreciated since we were outdoors a lot. Before we went back to the cottages, we stopped at Blarney Castle. Blarney Castle was absolutely amazing. The castle itself was pretty cool, but nothing too different from the many other castles we have visited on this trip, but the grounds and gardens around the castle were stunning. We had 2 1/2 hours there and I still was not able to see everything. First Michael and I walked through a magical little forest trail, which was gorgeous and so forested it was like we were somewhere else, and not on the grounds of the castle with a bunch of tourists. Here we were greeted with forestry native to Ireland, and some that was transplanted there. We also saw a pretty little waterfall. It was very peaceful and serene and I definitely could have spent more time there.

We did make it up to the castle, and kissed the Blarney stone, which is said to gift whoever kisses it with the skill of eloquence. To kiss this stone, you have to hold onto metal bars while laying on your back, and someone working there holds onto you.

Me kissing the Blarney Stone

We were also able to see the Poison Garden, which is an interesting collection of plants that are poisonous. Some of the plants are said to be so dangerous that they are forced to be put behind a cages. There were many other gardens that we really did not have time for, but if anyone reading this blog decides to go to Ireland, I would definitely recommend Blarney Castle because it is so beautiful.