Ireland

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Rebellion of 1916

Lorcan Collins

"In 1916 a small band of armed insurrectionists declared Ireland a Republic. This event is known as the Easter Rising, a violent battle which resulted in many deaths and the destruction of many parts of Dublin."

The above is a very brief summary of the The Easter Rising taken from the website: http://www.1916rising.com/book.html#anchor

We went on a walking tour through Dublin with guide Loran Collins and it was helpful in putting Ireland's relationship with England into perspective. Lorcan and Conor Kostick co-wrote a book about the uprising and if you are interested can be found at the above link.

Monument dedicated to Daniel O'Connell who, among other things, campaigned for Catholic Emancipation

Bullet hole above her left foot....

2 bullet holes above the hand

Sir John Gray (1815-1875), political reformer and supporter of Daniel O'Connell

Monument to Jim Larkin (1876-1947), union leader and social activist

Jim Larkin was instumental in the uprising....

The "Post" (our Post Office) was an integral scene in the Rebellion

Lorcan was very animated and entertaining throughout the tour!

The Blarney Castle

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains

In my opinion this was the absolute most amazing part of the trip - so much history, such a serene environment and breathtaking landscapes. The Wicklow Mountains are so beautiful - I could have spent another week here. They may seem familiar because they are the center of filmaking in Ireland. Some things that have been filmed here: Braveheart, The Tudors, Excalibur.... Also in Powerscourt in the gardens.

Glendalough (pronounced Glendalock) is a 6th century monastery, home to St. Kevin - the very 1st Kevin. He was given his name by monks - which means fair born or good looking. Glendalough is "the garden of two lakes" - the upper lake is a classic postcard image of Ireland.