First Few Days and First Impressions

Traveling and settling into living in Ireland has been a whirlwind. The first day I was so tired from flying to Dublin and riding the bus for three hours to Waterford that I could barely comprehend I was actually halfway across the world. However, after getting a full night's sleep and being able to see straight, I couldn't believe my eyes. I knew that Ireland is a beautiful country, but nothing compares to actually experiencing it. On June 22, we were led on a tour of downtown Waterford and I sighed and smiled at the beauty of the buildings alone. Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland, and the Irish people do not erase the evidence like some people would in America. In one shopping mall I visited, there was a section of the historic Waterford City Wall that cut through the store. They built the store around it. That's how important it is to them, and I am so thankful. Their complex history makes them who they are.

 

It is hard to decide which sights I liked best, because I honestly loved everything I saw. On the tour of Waterford, we explored and admired The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (also known as Christ Church Cathedral) which I thought was really beautiful.

Such a beautiful view.

The ceiling designs were so intricate!

Who doesn't awe at stain glass?

 

It was originally built in the 11th century, but changed a lot over time throughout the many reformations of the church. This current Cathedral was redesigned and built by John Roberts in the 18th century. Inside and outside, I thought that it was an amazing architecture and great representation of the honor that a Holy God deserves. I could see that the people who invested time into this church were devout believers.

Although we visited many other great places on the 22nd, it were the sites on the 23rd of June that really blew me away. Early that morning we boarded the buses and made the trek to New Moss to pick up a wonderful tour guide and Irish History guru, Walter O'Leary. Then we headed to county Kilkenny to grab another wonderful tour guide, Olivia, who walked us through the history of the Woodstock Estate.

 





The decaying ruins of the once grand estate.

A peek into a lovely gazebo in the gardens.

A glimpse of a fountain, also amongst the stretch of the impressive gardens.

 

In 1737, this estate was inherited by Sir William Fownes and belonged to his family for many generations following him (they became known as the Tighe family). He commisioned the house (the first photo) to be built for him and it was completed in 1745. All of the many beautiful gardens were laid out and cultivated over many long years, really starting in 1840. Eventually though, during the Irish Civil War in 1922, the house was captured and burned down. All that remains now are overgrown ruins and the expansive gardens.

At the end of the day, our large group of students and professors took a trip to the coast in County Wexford to see the Hook Lighthouse. I have never experienced so much wind in my hair in one day. Nor so many breath-taking sights.

 

Those pictures don't really compare to the actual experience of seeing the cliffs, waving grains of barley, and the majestic light house looking out to the rough (and unpredictable) waves of the sea. This is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, and currently the oldest operating one in Ireland. It has been standing for almost 800 years... I did not discover who exactly built this structure, but according to my research it is believed that either William Marshall built it in 1245 (although he died many years before that...) or it was constructed by Raymond LeGros in 1172. Either way, it is a beautiful structure that still stands today for many to see and enjoy.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my first few days in Ireland and I am excited to see what is next in store!