Here I sit, May 16th, 9:37 PM, nearly nine months since I first arrived in the Emerald Isle. A place that one seemed so foreign and overwhelming has since become a second home to me. Galway’s city streets, riddled with craic-seeking tourists, has become my oasis; bouncers, street performers, and local musicians alike have become familiar and (mostly) friendly faces. And, whether it’s been cross-country road trips for National League games, exploring western Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, or travelling internationally to expand my cultural horizons, all roads have led back to my domicile on Dock Road situated along the waters of Galway Bay. It pains me to be leaving this beautiful country in two short weeks, but luckily, thanks to the Jes gymnasium’s unprotected backboards, a piece of me will forever remain in the City of Tribes.
As the tourism sector continues to expand throughout the island, I found it only fitting to build upon a list of must-have experiences here I put forth several months back. Without further delay, here are my Week 35 Power Rankings of additional must-have experiences on ‘the land of Saints and Scholars’:
1. Stand in limbo along the Peace Walls, Belfast, N. Ireland – Since the onset of the Troubles in 1971, Nationalist and Loyalist communities throughout Northern Ireland have been divided by Peace Walls. Though stoic in construction, these large stone and steel erections tell stories pertaining to decades of struggles to retain peace, order, and protection throughout the Belfast community. Even today, tensions still permeate the city landscape; while cohabitation between parties has improved since the multi-party Good Friday agreement of 1998, still only 10% of Protestant and Catholics live in integrated housing developments.
2. Kiss the Blarney Stone, Co. Cork – Okay, sure, hundreds of people have likely kissed it today prior to your arrival at Blarney Castle. But, what? You’ve come all this way to not kiss it? Doubtful. Join the millions of statesmen, literary giants, and wanderlusts before you by climbing the castle stairs, laying your lips upon the stone, and gaining the gift of eloquence. For as the saying goes: 🎵 there is a stone there, that whoever kisses, / oh! he never misses to grow eloquent / ‘tis he may clamber, to a lady’s chamber, / or become a member of Parliament / . . . 🎵
3. Hike in Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry – A rugged landscape surpassing 26,000 acres, Ireland’s oldest national park offers endless natural and manmade beauty. Take a scenic stroll through the Gap of Dunloe and McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, or reign supreme over Ireland by ascending its highest point 1,040 meters up atop Carrauntoohil Mountain. Explore other natural wonderments like Torc Waterfall and Loch Leane or visit the 15th century remnants of Ross Castle to gain firsthand perspective of Munster’s last stand against Oliver Cromwell and the British forces.
4. Besiege Charles Fort, Kinsale, Co. Cork – The remarkable five-bastioned star-shaped artillery fortress was constructed during the reign of King Charles II in 1682. Overlooking the Old Head of Kinsale and the mouth of the Bandon river, this ‘terror from the sea’ was taken by British forces in 1690 during the Williamite War, housing Red Coat soldiers until 1922. In recent history, it also held purpose during the Irish Civil War as well.
5. Read the Book of Kells, Trinity College Library, Dublin – Regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure, the book possesses the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin based on Vulgate text, which are prefaced by ‘canon tables’, summaries of gospel narratives, and summaries characterizing the evangelists. Though the date and location of its creation is still the subject of scholarly debate, it is believed to have been created circa 800 AD in Britain or Ireland. Today, the book is best known for its lavish decoration and artistry, and can be visited in the Trinity College Library for a small fee.
Honorable Mentions:
1. Spend the night at the continent’s most bombed hotel, the Europa – Though current residents enjoy a secure, beautifully interiorated four-star hotel experience, the hotel endured a resounding 36 bombings during the Troubles!
2. Drive the coastal route of the Ring of Kerry – The 179 km coastal drive along the Iveragh Peninsula has been frequently ranked amongst the top scenic locations in the world. The picturesque loop boasts medieval ruins, mountains high and loughs low, sandy beaches, and an island-filled (most notably the Skellig Islands) view of the Atlantic Ocean. Test your driving skills through the narrow, winding roads, or join a tour group for a more relaxing experience.