Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's day.  In honor of this Irish holiday, I have uploaded some pictures of the Emerald Isle that I took on the trip with my Mom in May of 2015.

Dunguaire Castle, County Galway, Ireland

Burren, County Clare, Ireland

Botanists love this place because plants from the Artic and Tropics live in one spot due to the Atlantic Ocean currents.

Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland

This town is home to an annual Matchmaking Festival.

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland

These cliffs are the tallest in Europe, at just over 700 feet tall!  Notice the castle at the top.  It was also a great bird sanctuary, with everything from Rooks to Razorbills.  The cruise departed from the town of Doolin, the birthplace of Celtic Music.

Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland

Town of Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland

St. Coleman's Cathedral, Cobh, County Clare, Ireland.

This is one of the most famous port cities in Ireland.  The cathedral was put up in memory of those who left during the potato famine.  It was also the last port of call for the Titanic (it was known as Queenstown back then).

Planes of Tipperary, County Tipperary, Ireland

There are 40 shades of green in this county.  The sheep in the foreground were wandering all over the countryside in Ireland.  The marker on the side is to identify which sheep belong to which farmer.

Blarney Castle, County Clare, Ireland

The famous Blarney stone is at the top.  It is outside the main wall, but inside the parapet.  My Mom and I both climbed to the top to kiss the stone.

St. Patrick's Cross, Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary

St. Patrick's statue on the Hill of Slane, County Meath, Ireland

St. Patrick got the attention of the High Kings of Ireland from

this spot.

Newgrange, County Meath, Ireland

This ancient 5,300 year old passage tomb predates Stonehenge,

and the Egyptian Pyramids.  It was put up in pre-Celtic times.

Every year on the Winter Solstice, the sunlight comes in through a box above the

main entrance, and lights up the entire inside of the tomb.

River Boyne, County Meath, Ireland

The Boyne River Valley contains many ancient passage tombs,

and was the site of one of the biggest battles in Irish history.

Kytler's Inn, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny, Ireland

This pub was founded in 1321.  It still has a great atmosphere, and wonderful music.
The band in this picture is called the Raglan Rogues.

Old Library, Trinity College, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

The picture on the top is of the main room in the library.  The picture on the bottom is of the Brian Boru Harp, one of the oldest harps in Ireland, and one of the major symbols of the Emerald Isle.  That harp is one of the many amazing exhibits inside the library.

Molly Malone Statue, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

This is the most famous statue in Dublin.  Many of you have

probably heard her song (also called Cockles and Mussels).