On To Northern IrelandWe were excited to embark on our trip to Northern Ireland today and for the opportunity to learn more about the unique relationship between the "two Irelands." On the way, we stopped at Drumcliffe and saw the poet Yeats' grave. Then it was on to Donegal.
We really enjoyed Donegal. We saw a weaving demonstration from a world famous weaver using an original loom. He was really welcoming and informative! While in Donegal, we also had a chance to tour the local castle and spend out our last Euros before heading into Northern Ireland. |
LondonderryLondonderry was one of the most interesting stops on our tour, and it was here that we learned the history of Northern Ireland, "The Troubles" and "Bloody Sunday." Our guide was fantastic. She was the daughter of the man who started the first tour company in Northern Ireland. She shared with us that after finally achieving local peace in 1998, their country's #1 task has been to teach their children acceptance and tolerance, so they never grow up knowing the division of their parents and past struggles. As she reminded us several times, "Hate is learned." This is such wisdom. We felt proud that Rick Steves was the first tour company to go to Northern Ireland after the treaty was signed in 1998. In some small way, we felt part of that by being a part of his tour.
On our tour, we saw the Catholic section of town with murals commemorating major events. It was almost as if the town itself was a museum or historical monument. Walking along the castle wall, we experienced the large dividing wall that still exists between Catholic and Protestant areas. Our guide shared how they are working hard to remove it. It's been up longer than the Berlin was was up. We finished up our tour of Derry by visiting the government center with its great stained glass and the bridge of unity. |
Portrush
After our rich visit to Londonderry, we traveled to Portrush and checked into our hotel. We had a beautiful location right on the coast! We walked around town and took in a bit of the local culture, including a group of kids jumping off a cliff into the water. We ended the day with a nice group supper at a restaurant overlooking the water. It had large windows that provided stunning views as we ate and visited.
People and Culture
W. B. YeatsAlthough he's no longer alive, Yeats holds a lasting place in the literary cannon of not only Ireland, but also throughout the world.
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Master WeaverDressed smartly in his expensive suit, this master weaver skillfully worked the loom and demonstrated his craft.
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Another Awesome Local GuideOur local guide was awesome! Her insights and history were at once sobering, informative and filled with wisdom.
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Places and Sights
DonegalDonegal was a neat little town. We really enjoyed touring Donegal Castle and our weaving demonstration.
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Londonderry Bridge of UnityThe Bridge of Unity is a prominent symbol of the progress made in Londonderry and Northern Ireland since the 1998 treaty.
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PortrushPortrush is a cozy seaside town. The image above is the scene we had during our group supper on the coast. Beautiful!
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Music and the Arts
WeavingSome of the most famous weaving in the world has been done in Donegal by these master weavers. It was very impressive!
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Paintings in LondonderryBuildings throughout Londonderry were adorned with paintings depicting important events and memories from their past.
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Facing the Past, Informing the FuturePaintings told the story of the past, but also seemed to serve as cautionary reminders to not repeat those same troubles again.
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