As I mounted my bike and set off on my adventure through County Kildare, Ireland, I could feel the cool, gentle breeze brushing against my face, carrying with it the fresh scent of spring flora. The countryside was alive with vibrant colors. I rode by country homes adorned in seasonal blooms, adding splashes of color to the lush green landscapes.
Pedaling along, I found myself surrounded by a tapestry of various shades of green. Marshmallow clouds drifted lazily across the sky. Ireland truly is glorious, where rolling pastoral meadows meet serene lakes, creating a picturesque scene that seems almost surreal.
One of the most remarkable aspects of cycling through County Kildare is the sense of solitude and tranquility. With nary a car or truck in sight, it felt as though I had the entire road to myself, free to be fully immersed in the natural beauty that surrounded me.
The magic of the Emerald Isle filled me with a sense of exhilaration and joy. There’s something invigorating about exploring Ireland by bicycle, where every twist and turn of the road reveals a new and breathtaking vista.
On this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I’m pining to return to the enchanting green hills, meadows, and fields of Ireland. And what better way to soak up the Irish vibe than with a jaunting car ride in one of those classic horse-drawn carriages? Picture it: clip-clopping through Killarney National Park, surrounded by the most breathtaking landscapes Ireland has to offer.
Let’s talk about these jaunting car drivers. They’re not your average chauffeurs. These folks are a whole show in themselves, weaving tales and cracking jokes as they navigate the winding roads. And here’s a fun fact: many of them have deep roots in the trade, passing down the reins from generation to generation. It’s a family affair, you see.
But what really sets them apart is their bond with the horses. It’s like they can communicate without saying a word, guiding their trusty partners through the park with grace and ease. And let me tell you, these horses aren’t just for show—they’re the real MVPs, helping these drivers earn their bread and butter.
As for the cost, well, I can’t quite recall the exact amount I paid, but rest assured, it’s a reasonable fee for the unforgettable experience you’ll have. So, if you ever find yourself in Killarney, do yourself a favor and hop aboard one of these jaunting cars. It’s not just a journey through the park—it’s a trip back in time, filled with laughter, stories, and a whole lot of Irish charm.
Killarney National Park Photos
Story & Video by Steve Geiger, Photos by Susan Geiger
Belfast’s Titanic Museum is an impressive tribute to the city’s shipbuilding legacy and the iconic ocean liner that was built there over a century ago. The museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in the history of the Titanic and the people of Belfast who built it.
Shipyard Window Wide View (Photo By Susan Geiger)Shipyard Window Close Up (Photo By Susan Geiger)
As soon as visitors arrive at the museum, they are struck by the dramatic exterior architecture that resembles the hull of a ship. The entrance is flanked by two massive columns that look like the Titanic’s iconic smokestacks, and a glass atrium offers a tantalizing glimpse of what lies inside.
Once inside the museum, visitors are immediately transported back in time to the early 1900s, when Belfast was a bustling center of shipbuilding and the Titanic was the pride of the White Star Line. The museum is divided into nine galleries that span six levels, each with a different theme that tells the story of the Titanic’s construction, launch, and tragic sinking.
Titanic Museum Atrium (Photo By Steve Geiger)
The first level of the museum is dedicated to the construction of the Titanic, and visitors can explore exhibits that detail the shipyard’s history and the workers who built the massive ocean liner. Visitors can also see a replica of the Titanic’s massive anchor and explore the workshops where the ship’s engines and other machinery were built.
As visitors move up through the museum, they learn about the design and engineering of the Titanic, including the ship’s state-of-the-art safety features, luxurious amenities, and intricate interior details. One of the most popular exhibits is a recreation of one of the ship’s cabins, complete with authentic furnishings and decor.
Shipyard Sign (Photo By Steve Geiger)
The museum also includes exhibits that detail the Titanic’s maiden voyage, the passengers who sailed on the ship, and the tragic events of the ship’s sinking. Visitors can explore a replica of the ship’s grand staircase, see artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Titanic, and learn about the rescue efforts that followed the disaster.
One of the museum’s most innovative features is the Ocean Exploration Center, which includes interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the depths of the ocean and learn about the technology used to locate and study shipwrecks like the Titanic. Visitors can touch a real iceberg, see footage of deep-sea exploration, and learn about the ongoing efforts to preserve the Titanic’s legacy.
Titanic Model (Photo By Susan Geiger)
The layout of the museum is designed to be immersive and engaging, with multimedia displays, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities that bring the history of the Titanic to life. The museum’s innovative design and engaging exhibits make it a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of the Titanic and the city of Belfast.
The Rock of Cashel is an imposing sight, sitting high on a towering hilltop, overlooking the Cashel community in County Tipperary. It’s one of Ireland’s most visited historical and dramatic sites. The medieval fortress dates back to the 4th century. History has redefined the Rock over the centuries as the Cashel of Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock.
Hundreds of years before the Norman invasion, the Rock of Cashel was the centerpiece of power for the Kings of Munster. It’s where they ruled high over the region behind the protection of fortress walls. Supposedly, according to Irish legend, in the 5th century, St. Patrick converted Aenghus the King of Munster to Christianity at this site. Yet the Catholic Church has no historical evidence that this ever occurred.
Much blood was shed over the 2,000 year history of the Rock. Various invasions, warring clans, and the Irish Confederate Wars have left the fortress battered and scarred. The Rock of Cashel at one period was owned by the Catholic Church. A great cathedral was built and the exterior grounds became an extensive graveyard. The Confederate Wars saw great clashes between native Irish Catholics and English-Scottish Protestants, and English military forces. The Rock of Cashel was the epicenter of those battles and eventually fell into ruin and was abandoned.
ROCK OF CASHEL GRAVEYARD
Then in the 19th century restoration work began to preserve this incredible site of Irish history, medieval architecture, and culture. The grounds are massive with sweeping high views of lush green meadows, and rooftops and street landscapes below. The pristine beauty gives no hint of its past bloody uprisings and battles.
If you visit, wear a good pair of walking shoes. It’s quite a steep hike from street level up to the top. There are no restrooms at Rock of Cashel, only below near the car park and a small gift and snack shop. It is a self-guided tour. Admission price and other information can be found at the Rock of Cashel official website.
