Today we
were able to relatively sleep in for the first time in a while, having to meet
for the bus at 9 a.m. to leave for our first Ireland optional excursion. This trip included seeing the Aillwee Cave
and the Cliffs of Moher. The bus ride to
the cave was approximately an hour and a half, but our bus driver was also our
tour guide so we learned a lot about Ireland on the way. It was also our first look at the beautiful
countryside around Galway. Once we got
to the caves, we got an opportunity to look at the gift shop before our tour
began. We went inside the caves at 11
a.m. and had a half hour tour. Seeing
the Cave was magnificent and we learned a lot about its history. The best part was when our tour guide turned
off the lights, showing us what it would be like to be inside the caves when
they were first discovered. It was
complete darkness, you could not even see your own hand if you held it up to
your face. We learned that if you were
to spend 72 hours in the cave’s darkness, you would go blind.
After our
tour of the Aillwee Cave, we began our journey to the Cliffs of Moher. Everyone was extremely excited to see the
amazing view and to stand on the cliffs.
We got to the cliffs at around 1 p.m. and had two hours to explore. When first approaching the cliffs, the view
was spectacular as we got a panoramic view of the main cliffs. It is impossible to describe how spectacular
the experience truly was and the endless amount of photographs attempt to show
this beauty. To the left was the
well-known span of cliffs where the barriers ended. Many people went pass this and were able to
get closer. To the right was a viewing
tower that opened up to the main cliffs, giving those who went up the best view
there. Everyone had a blast and the
cliffs definitely surpassed our expectations.
Once we left
the cliffs, we took the scenic route back to the university. We stopped multiple times at different
landmarks along the Atlantic Ocean, including Dunguaire Castle. We all got amazing pictures of the scenery
and were extremely happy to get a closer look at Ireland’s history as well as
to get off the bus. We made it back to the
residence just in time to go to dinner with those who did not go on the
excursion. These people spent the day
sleeping in, touring Galway, relaxing, or catching up on schoolwork. It was by far one of the best days on the
trip and we are all loving Ireland!
Slán Agat,
Meagan and Allyson
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