It’s amazing to think that I spent an entire semester on this blog with the anticipation of going to Ireland, and that I’m back home already writing about my journey. The first thing I have to say is that it was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken in my life. Previous to this whole experience, I had never been out of the country, and was very curious what life was like outside of the United States. The minute I got off the plane and arrived in the Dublin Airport, it was easy to see that the culture of the Irish was quite different than that of our own. The reason I say this is that the Irish in general have a very relaxing, humble, and warming presence to the people around them. I never felt rushed, or tense, or any of the usual feelings that can be found day to day in typical America. Don’t get me wrong; it was very evident that the Irish are hard-working, timely people, but their general outlook on life is just very laid-back compared to our own.

            So in terms of the outline of the entire trip, we spent the first two days in Dublin touring around the city. It was very enjoyable even with the rain that we did encounter. Probably one of the most noticeable aspects of the tours was the fact that there was so much history attached to it, and the interest from the Irish people in the history. It seems as though the Irish people and the history of their country are very strongly linked. So after driving through the city on a double-decker bus, seeing the amazing library in Trinity College, drinking Guinness in the Storehouse, and standing on top of the Hill of Tara, we made our way east to the town of Ennis. On our way over there we managed to see the National Botanic Gardens and the Kilbeggan whiskey distillery as well. 

Sampling whiskey on a cold, rainy day

Apparently if you put your hand on the stone, and trumpets blare, it means you're the new king of Ireland...needless to say I didn't become King.

When touring the Guinness Storehouse, you get a free pint at the end in the Gravity Bar.

            The night of our arrival, we went to Bunratty Castle where we experienced a medieval-style banquet. I was actually appointed as Lord that night, and since then have been known as Lord Humble Gumble. Needless to say it was a fun night. The next morning we drove over to the Cliffs of Moher. We were 700 feet above the ocean, and had nothing but clear skies. Needless to say it was absolutely breathtaking. We also drove through the Burren country, and finished the day by having a blast at one of the playgrounds in Ennis. 

The Cliffs of Moher, looking 700 feet above the ocean

This is a picture of me being crowned Lord at the Bunratty Castle Banquet

This was a playground at Ennis, and probably one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip.

            The rest of the trip included scenic tours of the Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, the Muckross Gardens, Rock of Cashel, the National Stud, Glendalough, the Powerscourt Gardens, and a fun night at Lanigan’s Pub. The end of the trip came all too soon when we had to say good-bye to our bus driver Murt O’Shay, who helped make this trip as great as it was. 

This is one of the stops we made on our way to the Dingle Peninsula, where it's easy to see how Ireland is known for having 40 shades of green.

A beautiful view of the Dingle Peninsula

Muckross House

Muckross Gardens

Muckross Lake

Rock of Cashel

A few horses at the National Stud

A view of the bridge in the Japanese Gardens at the National Stud. The entirety of the gardens represent the journey of man's life.

A beautiful scene from the Powerscourt Gardens

Japanese Gardens within the Powerscourt Gardens

The Celtic Cross which is found as a tomb stone at the monastic settlement of Glendelough in this particular photo

            So now you’re probably wondering what I have to say about the gardens and landscapes of Ireland, especially considering that this was the entire subject of my blog from the start. Well, what I have to say is that while I was over in Ireland, I didn’t run into a huge number of landscape companies, and the presence of landscape contractors. Perfect landscapes from homeowners were just simply not there. The reason for this, that I could find, is that the country of Ireland is absolutely beautiful. Wherever you go you’ll see rolling hills of green, coastline and beaches, old castles, and stone walls. You simply cannot get away from the natural beauty of which is Ireland itself. Since the people of Ireland have all of this in their backyards, they simply don’t need the level of demanding landscaping that we experience here in the United States. Now this isn’t to say that landscape companies and nicely refined properties don’t exist over in Ireland. That’s not true at all. In all of the major public spaces and historical areas, there was great attention to detail that could be found everywhere. I could especially see this in Muckross. There wasn’t a single blade of grass out of place. All of the shrubs and trees were pruned perfectly as well. I also noticed that as we drove through the country, there would be random houses throughout that appeared as though they were owned by prominent, wealthy individuals. These particular houses had very precise, perfected landscapes as well. Lastly, I noticed that there were several large garden centers throughout the country, and that these could be found before landscape companies. The main reason for this, to my understanding, is that if a middle-class, or lower socio-economic status Irish person would wish to improve the value of his or her property, or just do some gardening, he or she would do it on their own, rather than higher a landscaper. 

            So to finish my blog, I would like to say that this course was a great experience, and that I now have the need to see the rest of the world as well. I also have to say that traveling in general, seeing new places, and meeting new people is really something everybody should do at some point in their lives. There’s nothing else quite like it, and I can say from my own experience that it is a unique education that can really enlighten you as an individual, and make you a more open person. 

            It has been a pleasure, and until next time, Slainte!