Ireland is a small country. For perspective, it’s about the same size as the state of Indiana. We really got a feel for its size today as we traveled all the way to the west coast from Dublin, taking only about 3.5 hours. During that time, I enjoyed listening to some Ed Sheeran and Niall Horan while taking in the beautiful scenery, and we finally got to see Ireland’s countryside that we had originally pictured. With rolling green hills, small farmhouses, sheep and cows galore, and windy roads, Ireland is truly a beautiful country.
And just when I thought it couldn’t amaze me more, we arrived at the Cliffs of Moher. You can see pictures, but until you actually walk up the side of the cliff and look below, you can’t truly feel the vastness and extreme beauty of it all. I made sure to walk up both sides to see multiple views. At the right stood a small castle overlook and to the left was a muddy trail for more sights.
As the time went on, the more the fog rolled in, slowing causing the ocean below to disappear. I don’t know if it was the cool mist of the air or the experience itself that gave me chills. I may have left behind my white sneakers, but I certainly took home something more valuable.
An even windier journey took us to a stop along the Atlantic in Burren. While we only spent about 15 minutes here, climbing among the unusual, moon-like rocks was so fun and gave us an opportunity to see even more beautiful views of the ocean.
I was very excited when we arrived in Galway. Much of what I knew about the town was through an Ed Sheeran song, but I fell in love with the small town. It offered so much charm in such a small area, with cute shops, restaurants, and local musicians crowding the streets. There must have been a wedding going on because many people were dressed to the nines and wearing fancy, colorful hats. I made sure to get McDonough’s fish and chips, and Brad took some of us to a cute park where we could eat and take it all in. After a deliciously filling meal, I went shopping at a street market, purchasing a beautiful pendant and homemade ornament by talented artists. If I am ever back in Ireland, Galway will surely be a stop I make, and hopefully, I’ll be able to stay longer.
The bus ride home was a very quiet one, despite our driver listening to some U2 and traditional Irish tunes, as we were all very tired from the long day and enjoying generous naps. I still can’t believe how naturally beautiful our world can be. The cliffs reminded me of my trip to Machu Picchu, Peru last year, with the grand mass of it all. It can truly make you awestruck while utterly peaceful at the same time. And what a great opportunity for economic development. The cliffs are the number one tourist destination in Ireland and can bring in a great amount of revenue while showing visitors the culture of the country and its people. Not only were there multiple gift shops and a café, but people ranging from young children to the elderly were playing Irish music as we walked around. Little things like that really add to the experience and give Ireland a positive reputation. On the other hand, the number of tourists walking around had a potential to distract from the serene atmosphere, yet it’s a compromise willing to be made.
Clearly, despite its comparative size, you can really see how much beauty and culture can fit into Ireland’s diverse landscape.
