1) Today has been an extremely exciting day, as we went for a class trip to the Cliffs of Moher. My day began after spending a night with Wei Herng and Talal at their apartment; they were really kind to let me stay the night. I could not go back home as the LUAS trams wouldn't operate until 6.30am - which was the time I needed to be at the meeting point (The Swan Pub) for the trip. Anyway, after a slight delay, we were off!
2) It was a 4 hour bus ride to the Cliffs, which provided us time for some much needed sleep. For your information, the cliffs take their name from an old promontory fort called Mothar or Moher, which once stood on Hag's Head, the southernmost point of the cliffs, now the site of Moher Tower. The cliffs are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland and topped the list of attrations in 2006 by drawing almost one million visitors. It was therefore with utter disappointment when we found the weather gloomy as anything, and the scenery blanketed by clouds of fog. To top it all off, when we exited the bus, light rain showers fell on us. Not the best way to start an adventure...
3) And then, something magical happened. Call it Irish luck if you will, but as the day progressed, the rain stopped, the fog cleared - blown away by the strong winds. And we were greeted with some of the most iconic - not to mention breathtaking, sceneries of Ireland. Ignoring the muddy tracks, we trudged up the "Moher Walk" - consisting of a series of peaks which provided a wonderful backdrop for the many photos we all took.
4) Afterward, we took the bus to Doolin Village (just a ten minute ride) for lunch. Zi Yan and I opted for the daily special at Fitzpatrick's Bar - consisting of a meat-filled bap with seafood chowder. The bus driver had earlier recommended the chowder, and he wasn't wrong at all. Thick cuts of salmon and other seafood, bathed in a rich and creamy soup base; it was simply delectable! Especially so after the chilly weather at the Cliffs.
5) Our last stop before leaving for home was Galway City. We were given one and a quarter hours to sightsee, so off we went. It was a mad dash with Zi Yan to see all that could possibly be seen in such a short period of time, and in the end we still managed to see lots of stuff! The Spanish Arch, Lynch's Castle, The Latin Quartier, St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, the Canal Docks, to name but a few. We also visited NUI Galway - their premier university, and got a glimpse of a couple taking their wedding photos!
6) Luckily, we remembered our way back to the bus, and that was the last of our pitstops before returning home. It was another four hour journey back, and just in time for dinner too. Had a nice Subway meal, putting a perfect end to a wonderful trip, with some wonderful friends. That has been my blog update, and do scroll all the way down for some breathtaking photos of the scenery we encountered. Thanks so much for tuning in, and I'll see you in the next one. Cheers!
What an awesome day, and what an awesome group!!
The middle (white) bus was ours
With Mr. and Mrs. Obama ^^
The best muffin I've ever had, hands down
Breakfast at the Barack Obama Plaza
Inside the Cliffs of Moher exhibition tour
The weather was so foggy initially...
The O'Brien Tower, which marks the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher.
Trying to tamper with the saturation and brightness...
And then the fog slowly started to clear...
And clear...
And clear some more...
Yeay :D
That's O'Brien's Tower in the distance
As you can see the weather did improve
Cows ^^
That little bit jutting out of the sea is the Branaunmore sea stack...
The tracks were sooooooo muddy today, in part due to the rain...
Looking north towards O'Brien's Tower
I couldn't resist adding another photo... :D
To Burren, Liscannor, and Moher Walk - either way, we didn't have much time remaining
Standing on top of everyone ^^
On the way back to the bus
Where to eat our lunch - we had plenty of tantalising options...
Finally decided to go with Fitzpatrick's Pub
Today's Special - bacon filled bap with seafood chowder
The queue became so long, making us really fortunate to get our food early
A large 99's
That's Ali holding the DSLR, just after taking a picture of me taking a picture of him :p
The amazing view by the Burren
Posing with the Atlantic as the backdrop...
Looking off into the distance
What a lovely afternoon <3
Group photo!!!
PC to the bus driver/ tour guide
Slightly surreal cloud patterns
Dunguaire Castle - a 16th-century tower house on the southeastern shore of Galway Bay in County Galway, Ireland, near Kinvara
Picture expertly taken by yours truly sitting in a moving bus
Lynch's Castle - apparently the term "lynching" or "lynch mob" is derived from here
Lynch's Castle is now AIB Bank at Galway...
Nice mural
St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church
The Latin Quartier
Signs like these were our only source of direction for the 1.25 hours that we were given
Vibrant colours abound
Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery - apparently getting one for yourself is bad luck, while getting one for others would bring them good luck :D
The Latin Quartier
The Jurys Inn Galway (Hotel)
Near the canal docks
The so called Spanish Arch part of two remaining arches on the Ceann an Bhalla ("Front Wall"). The two arches were part of the extension of the city wall from Martin's Tower to the bank of the River Corrib, as a measure to protect the city's quays.
Galway City Museum
Eyre Square Centre - has been described as Ireland's most modern and yet historic shopping centre
Galway Hooker Sculpture (Galway hookers are traditional fishing boats used in Galway Bay off the west coast of Ireland)
The Browne Doorway
Long time favourite Dunnes Stores - in Galway City
Standing in front of the Galway Cathedral :D
The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, commonly known as Galway Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral and one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the city.
Guess where we went to next?
The bridge to academic success?
NUIG is ranked in the top percentile of universities worldwide!
Caed mile failte - to NUI Galway ^^
The NUI campus was lovely
A wedding took place at the main quadrangle of the building :D
Standing in front of my car?
The Quadrangle at NUI Galway, with the happily married couple in the background
We literally gate-crashed their wedding XD
The Quadrangle
The University Trail map
Aula Maxima
Martin Ryan Building at NUI Galway - established by the University in 1992 by means of matching funds from a generous private donation by the late Dr. Tony Ryan, founder of Guinness Peat Aviation and Ryanair, and by the European Union STRIDE Operational Programme for Ireland (Regional Development). The funding enabled the purchase of equipment for marine science and the construction of a neoclassical building.
- 'Equality Emerging' statue by John Behan -
The main purpose of Equal Ireland is the provision of affordable quality education and training to people, who for whatever reason, missed out on earlier education and training opportunities. The ‘Equality Emerging’ statue was Unveiled in November 2001.
Galway Town Hall Theatre :D
Statues of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde
Posing in front of the bus
A vibrant picture of the city life
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