part 8: Ireland again
part 8: Ireland again
the Aran Islands: report from Christine
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The bus trip from Galway to the port of Rossaveal was really fine. I didn’t realize it was such a long trip, but we were able to see pretty seaside B&B’s.
The ferry trip to Inis Mor was fairly tranquil. I’m so glad and grateful that Tom had his Relief Band and suffered zero seasickness!
We had a really fond and memorable time in talking for hours with Gabriel Faherty, the operator of a small tour bus on the island.
How charming and kind he was. I just love red hair (and red faces!) and what a wonder as I was able to get my fill of it on the Irish heads. But it was very disheartening to hear Gabriel’s story about the fishing history that ran in his family and how the industry has been so badly severed because of the EU regulations that he had to abandon the family legacy and earn a living from tourism.
I was very impressed with the spirt of the islanders, their proud heritage and love for the Irish language. Gabriel said there are only 800 people living on the whole island!
The roads were so very narrow and could be harrowing in inclement weather. We had tea and some bread at the town cafe, and the pictures on the walls were very intriguing. After all, in the old days how did they bring horses to the island?
I was amazed to hear that although the island is only two miles wide and nine miles long, there are 5,000 miles of man-made rock fences! Look at the picture at the top of this page. Imagine having your land cleared of all those rocks before you can build your dream home on it—or even raise some potatoes!
One thing I loved is that the modern farm houses had lovely lace curtains in their windows.
Gabriel showed us the famous “Man of Aran” house (which was built for use in the movie and is now a popular B&B; it’s in the picture below), and another that a 79-year-old woman is still living in—it’s been in her family for many years. It too has an original thatched roof.
I truly enjoyed visiting the island, but after a day there it was time to get back to Galway. Inis Mor is too remote for me. I’m Italian!
photos not our own: island view with stone fences, Wikimedia Commons, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aran_Islands_Inishmore_Ireland.jpg; Man of Aran cottage, http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotos-g551521-d521368-w2-Man_of_Aran_Cottage-Inishmore_Aran_Islands_County_Galway_Western_Ireland.html#19846585
Thursday, September 24, 2009