Ireland (Mid September)

      So my trip through Ireland started at a small hostel in Dublin called "Isaac's Hostel". It was located in a small side alley, that at first looked like it hosted nefarious acts, but upon closer inspection was a rather pleasant hub of travelers from various nations. Sharing the alley, at the base of the wall across from the hostel, was sculpted a small face of an elderly man seemingly watching the comings and goings of the hostel patrons.

      

      Upon waking the next morning my travels brought me to Northern Ireland, where my first stop was Carrick-A-Rede Bridge. This was also my first glimpse of the Irish coastline. It was a shocking contrast to my red rocked birthplace within the United States. The ocean was a bright blue green, while the sheep covered land was a calm and crisp green. The view was spectacular, and made for wonderful photo opportunities. The actual bridge itself was pulled straight from the precarious crossings one usually only finds in folklore. 

       My next and final stop for the day was the famed Giant's Causeway. It is where, according to legend, a famed Irish giant outsmarted a larger Scottish giant. It is a beach that is covered in unusual, hexagonal like volcanic stones, ranging from block sizes to grand mounds made from several joined columns. The crashing waves against the blackened stones imbued the site with a grand feeling of importance, making easy to see how it became a place of legends.

       
       The next morning I started my travels with a visit to Dunluce castle and the Mermaid's Cave beneath it. This was the first time I have ever seen a European castle in person. It gave me a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship that our ancestors possessed. Although I did not enter the castle itself, I was able to walk the grounds as well as enter the Mermaid's Cave. 
        The Mermaid's Cave entrance was at the base of the castle and lead down into a wet cavern that opened up to meet the ocean tide. The waves crashed within the cave with a violent force whose hypnotic roar echoed throughout the cavern. It was easy to see how this sheltered opening to the sea could be viewed as a doorway into an aquatic fairy realm.

      The next part of my journey was unplanned and stumbled upon by chance. It was an old cemetery with the ruins of an old Abby at its heart. walking through the crumbling walls, and arches, and looking upon the remains of the main tower itself definitely gave the impression that the place was haunted. Then as if the Abby wanted to further stress the ominous feel, behind the old sealing stone that had fallen away from a chamber due to natural weather and earth movements, sat a human skull surrounded by a scattering of skeletal remains. It was the first time that I had ever seen human remains outside of a museum or funeral. 

       Now if that wasn't a good way to end the day, then my adventure starting the following morning, more then made up for it. I partnered with a hawk named Lima at the Ireland's School of Falconry. While hiking through the forest belonging to Ashford castle, I learned how to call the hawk back after I cast her off, and then had a bonding moment with her as I fed her a mouse. It was an amazing experience, and one that I will always keep with me.

        

     To continue my day of grand experiences, my next stop was to see the Cliffs of Moher. The overwhelming beauty and majesty of these cliffs took my breath away. Looking out over their edge was enough to inspire my creativity and desires for poetic expression.