Second Thursday

The students have decided to call this the second Thursday of the trip and not "the last day". This morning we had a chance to sleep in and shop at our leisure. In the afternoon we went to the Guinness Storehouse. The Storehouse provides a journey deep into the heart of the world famous GUINNESS® brand and company. This historical building is central to Dublin's and Ireland's heritage, and has been continually updated to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition with a contemporary edge. The seven floors bring to life the rich heritage of GUINNESS®, telling the story from its origins here at St. James's Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand, known all around the world. We now have three individuals certified to pour the perfect pint of Guinness.

Later we had our farewell dinner at Gallagher’s Boxty House which is a traditional Irish pub style restaurant located in the heart of Temple Bar. The restaurant offers unique Irish food presented in a contemporary, European context. They specialize in light Boxty pancakes cooked on a hot griddle and served with a range of fillings (which many of us enjoyed), each soaked in one of the restaurants own unique sauces. This gave us the chance to thank our guides Dan, Kelly and Marius.

Flight out tomorrow looks good. we leave Dublin at 2:10 pm and should arrive into Boston at 4:10 pm. Thanks to all the followers of the blog and thank you for allowing Springfield College to host this trip for the Department of Exercise Science and Sports Studies students.

Cheers for now!

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Sorry for the late posting. Internet is difficult to obtain at night and it was difficult for the writer to stay awake. The author is getting tired, but the students’ energy is alive and well.

Today we walked down to the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library. The Irish archaeological collection is the primary repository of ancient Irish artifacts and an indispensable source for researchers into the development of Irish civilization from prehistoric times until the end of the Middle Ages and beyond. The period covered by the exhibitions extends from the Mesolithic through to the end of the medieval period, and includes internationally known treasures such as the Ardagh Chalice, 'Tara' Brooch and Derrynaflan Hoard.

In the afternoon we went to Croke Park Stadium Tour and GAA Museum. Croke Park has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over a hundred years. Boasting a capacity for 82,300 people, the stadium is the home of Gaelic Games and the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Prior to the Association's purchase of the stadium in 1913, the grounds were in private ownership. Croke Park is also the location of “Bloody Sunday”, a day in history that the Irish will never forget. Regardless of the Queen’s most recent visit to the Park, some of the Irish will never forgive.

We ended the day with a visit to listen to World Famous Traditional Live Irish Music and view the Irish Dancing Show (Celtic Rhythm Dancers) at O’Connell Bridge. One lucky Springfield College student had an opportunity to dance with the stars of the show.

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

Today we were hosted by the faculty and graduate students from the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University. Our agenda included a welcome from the department head, who gave us an overview of the programs in the department. Current postgraduate students provided us with an overview of the current research they were conducting. The students were also allowed to work with patients in two different programs, Heart Smart and Breathe Smart, which focused on cadiovascular, strengthening and improved respiratory function of pathological patients. The students had an opportunity to talk with the patients as they assisted with and joined into the exercise program. As always the students from Springfield College were professional, compassionate and enthusiastic. After breaking for lunch we enjoyed leactures on the Biomechanics of Foot Abnormalities, Patient History Taking, and Core Stability and Strengthening. It was a long day of lectures so the students had the night off to enjoy the city. I am so very proud of the way the students have engaged in each part of the program. Springfield College could not have asked for a better delegation to represent. Tomorrow the museum, Croke Park and a possiblity of Irish Dance.

Monday May 23, 2011

Tour interrupted… we went on a walking tour of Dublin and started early to avoid conflict with the Obama security issues. Several roads, bridges, museums, libraries and bars (not really on the bars) were closed today in anticipation of Obama’s talk. So, we started the morning heading out to Trinity College to see the campus and view the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells contains lavishly decorated copy, in Latin, of the four gospels. It has long been associated with St. Colum Cille who founded his principal monastery on the island of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, in about 561. The Book of Kells was probably produced early in the 9th century by the monks of Iona, working wholly or partially at Iona itself or at Kells, county Meath, where they moved after 806 AD. Trinity College Library Dublin is one of the world’s great research libraries, holding the largest collection of manuscripts and printed books in Ireland. We also visited the Long Room. The main chambers of the Old Library is nearly 65 meters in length, and houses around 200,000 of the Library’s oldest books.
After leaving Trinity College we made our way to St. Stephen’s Green (1663), St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral and the Temple Bar District. We wanted to cross the Liffey River, which separated the North from South side of Dublin, and we noted that the road was blocked and Garda (Police) were lined up and down the road. We asked when we would be able to cross the street to which they responded with, “once the president of the United States comes through we will open the road and bridges back up.” Much to our surprise the Presidential motorcade crossed 8 feet in front of us with President Obama waving out the window. The excitement overtook the students and the distraction made it impossible to continue the Dublin tour. We decided to go listen to Mr. Obama’s address. Much to our surprise (not really) the wait was only about 3-4 HOURS in line to get cleared by security. Much personal space being invaded during this time. I will say on a personal note, the overwhelming positive enthusiasm for an American President made me proud, the crowd was chanting “OBAMA, OBAMA” and waving American flags… wow, tears came to my eyes.

Sunday May 22nd, 2011

Early moring breakfast and off to Dublin. We had about a 4 hour bus ride so we watched the movie "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" which takes place in Ireland, 1920. The movie is a sympathetic look at Republicans in early 20th century Ireland, and two brothers who are torn apart by anti-Brit rebellion. The two brothers fight side by side until a truce is signed. But peace is short-lived and when one faction of the freedom-fighters accepts a treaty with the British that is regarded as unfair by the other faction, a civil war ensues, pitting Irishmen against Irishmen, brothers against brothers.
Once we arrived into Dublin, we went to visit Kilmainham Goal. Built in 1792, it is Ireland's most famous disused prison. It held throughout the years many famous Nationalists and Republicans in members of the Society of United Irishmen (1798), Young Irelanders (c1840s), Fenians and Land agitators, Parnell, Davitt. The leaders of the 1916 Ester Rising were executed here. The prison was closed in 1924. This building gives a good insight into the history of Irish Republicanism. I don't know if anyone expected the movie to "come to life" quite like it did inside the prison doors.
After checking into the townhouses of Dublin we walked down to Wagamama for authentic Irish Japanese noodles. Dinner was a blast and everyone agreed we need a Wagamama in the States! Tomorrow we take a walking tour of Dublin and we have a very agressive schedule, ending with going to Croke Park to where US President Barack Obama will address the Republic.

Saturday May 21st, 2011

To kiss the Blarney Stone or not to kiss the Blarney Stone...that was the question of the day. It took us about 1.5 hours to get over to the Blarney Castle from Killarney. The Castle entrance is along the banks of the River Martin. The world famous Blarney Stone is at the top of the tower. We climbed 100 narrow circular steps to reach our destination. The legend goes, if you kiss the stone, you will have the gift of eloquence bestowed upon you. Most everyone kissed the Blarney Stone which entailed laying on your back, bending backward, upside down and reaching your lips to the stone and giving it a smack. As allied health professionals a natural discussion about germs and transmission arose. The Castle also had a mystical Rock Close and water garden. Hidden behind the Castle battlements, we found the Poison Garden. This educational collection of poisonous plants contained interesting plants from around the world including ones from Harry Potter like the Wolfsbane and the Mandrake. The castle also boasted many dungeons and caves. Some students braved the darkness.
On our travels back we watched a documentary that our tour guide Dan Casey wrote, called, "The Green Square Mile". The documentary described the immigration of the Irish into the Charlestown area. Charlestown is one of Boston's oldest ethnic communities and the Irish presence in Charlestown spans nearly three centuries and reflects the dreams and aspirations of a resilient immigrant population and their descendants, who endured incredible hardship to survive as a distinct subculture in 21st century America. The history of Charlestown's Irish community has never been documented or recorded.
Once back into Killarney we watched our first ever Gaelic Football game. It was a battle of the beaten with the home team Fossa (0-3) taking on the (0-4) Brosna team. We must have been good luck seeing the home team won 14-8. After the game, the coach came out to great us and to thank us for coming. Seeing we doubled their normal attendance, we created quite a scene! Off to Dublin tomorrow. The local newspaper photographer took a picture of us for the paper. We are hoping to get some copies. On to Dublin tomorrow.

Side Note and Side Trips

A few things have been added to the trip and you will have to follow the blog to find out. Also, I will no longer be blogging without my glasses. I really need to get bifocal contact lenses! Sorry for the typo's... I'll blame it on jet lag!

Friday May 20th, 2011

We needed a hardy breakfast this morning for the "Tour de Killarney", our bike ride though Killarney National Park. To the south and west of the town of Killarney, are the world famous Lakes of Killarney. Killarney National Park, 10,289 hectares (we think we've converted correctly so that would be about 25,300 acres), comprises the mountains and woodlands which surround these Lakes as well as the Lough Leane, Muchross Lake and Upper Lake. The Park includes the peaks of Mangerton, Torc, Shehy and the Purple mountains while just to the west of the Park rise MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. During our ride we visited Ross Castle, Muchross Abbey, and the beautiful Toric Waterfall. Ross Castle, built in the 15th century, is considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. Muckross Abbey, a Franciscan Friary, was founded in 1448. The ruins of the Abby are well preserved and served as the burial place of local Chieftains. During our ride we experienced an extensive area of natural woodlands. The mild oceanic climate permits a luxuriant growth of mosses and filmy ferns. We followed pastures and woodland along the shores of Lough Leane and the Mountains beyond. We saw quite a number of plant species and a large herd of Red Deer. The bike ride was quite an adventure for all!

Thursday May 19th, 2011

Today we had the morning to explore Dingle on our own after a traditional Irish breakfast of eggs, tomatoes, toast, sausage and blood pudding (not everyone ate the pudding). Most students popped in and out of the shops, while others sampled treats in the local bakery or admired the fishing fleet in the harbor. We left Dingle for Killarney in the afternoon. On the drive over to Killarney students asked questions about the politics of Ireland and the historical tension between the North and South. The students asked Dan for the 3 credit response (inside joke). Dan and the students had a 1.5 hour discussion that touched on religion, immigration, politics, socio-economics, class systems and history. Talk about a multicultural discussion! We stopped at the Gap of Dunloe for a quick stretch of the legs and to enjoy the view. Once in Killarney we visited the Muckross Estate, which sits at the core of Killarney National Park. We toured the Muckross House which is a 19th century mansion, restored to its former glory and packed with contemporaneous fittings- quite a contrast to the famine villages we saw in Dingle. We then went into town for dinner and on to "The Danny Mann Pub and Restaurant." Live music tonight featured the Molly Maguires. Cheers for now!

Wednesday, May 18th 2011

After breakfast at the cottages we headed out for Dingle. We stopped several times in small villages to walk about. Once in Dingle we checked into our guest house. We then traveled the Dingle Coast and explored Gaeltacht, the fishing fleet and Slea Head. The views of the ocean were amazing. We learned about the famine where over 1.5 million people died unnecessarily due to starvation. We saw villages which were abandoned by Irish immigration during that same time. This gave us an opportunity to reflect upon how the Irish immigration changed the fabric of the American culture. We returned from our travels to have a delicious meal. Hot item on the meau tonight was fresh caught salmon. Going out to listen to live music ends our night! Tomorrow on to Killarney!

Tuesday, May 17th 2011

Today we started the morning with a warm breakfast in our cottage. The focus of the trip to day is to explore University of Limerick. We were hosted by our dear friend and Springfield College Alumnus, PJ Smyths. PJ is a professor and head of the Physical Education and Sports Sciences at University of Limerick. We had lunch in one of the many restaurants on campus, traditional fish and chips was a favorite. The group then had a short meeting with the Dean of the School. We then went on to meet with several graduate fellows who shared their research with us. The graduates have some very exciting research and tools to collect data with that we would enjoy. For example, they had two Dexa’s on campus that measured segmental body composition and bone density. Aaron was a subject for a Dexa scan and we decided we needed to feed him more fish and chips. They also did research utilizing an environmental cooling chamber that could cool the body to -100 degrees Celsius. The research consisted of evaluating cold water immersion to chamber cooling on muscle soreness. While at the University we visited the training center. The center is beautiful and the design is outstanding. Several members of the National Rugby Club were working out in the team weight room and we observed some of the workout. In the center is the Hartman International Sports Injury Clinic where world class and Olympic athletes are treated. During our walk across campus we came across an interesting tree that the group was fascinated by called a monkey puzzle tree, which is a type of pine. We returned to Bunratty and had dinner a pub and reflected on the day. The experience at University of Limerick has had an impact on the student’s research, academic and career options.

Monday May 16, 2011

6:30 am departure for the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher. We drove over to Doolin to catch the first ferry out to biggest island about 90 minutes out. The ferry ride out to the island was a big adventure. The waves across the bay averaged 12-15 feet and the small boat sway was consistent at 45 degrees side to side and front to back. Some students and other passengers experienced their first ever case of sea sickness. It was a sight to behold! Once we touched land, kissed it and regained our equilibrium we had a grand day. The island was beautiful and has a population of about 800. We took a historical tour around the island which is 9 miles long. The island is primarily self sufficient with the major sources of economics coming from fishing and tourism. The average fisherman works 12 days on, two days off with two weeks off in the summer. The ground was primarily rock before it was settled. The settlers of the island had to move sand from the beaches to cover the land with 4-6 inches of soft earth and cover it with seaweed to produce land that was fetal for planting and grazing. Land is divided by rock walls. It is estimated that 3,000 miles of wall exist on the island. We went to the highest point of the island to the fort that was utilized as a defense system for the island. Cliff drops of 300 feet was closely observed by the students... to close for my comfort! Pictures to follow. The return trip on the ferry was a little better and we all make it back to the mainland without incident. We then travel out to the Cliffs of Moher were I was thankful for the new fence put in for tourist safety! We returned back to Bunrattey for a quick change and heading over to Bunratty for a Medieval Feast! Nick and Jen were the honored King and Queen for the night. The dinner and show were great fun!

Sunday May 15, 2011

We arrived into Shannon Airport at 6:00 am. After transferring to the cottages in Bunratty we set off for a full day tour of Galway city. Galway is a beautiful city with great history. We toured Galway University and the main shops. The students were guided by long time academic Dan Kelly, who is an expert academic in Irish history and literature. Seeing sleep was needed we called it the night around 7:00 pm. We have a very full day tomorrow!

Departure

Saturday May 14, 2011
Today 11 students from the ESSS Department will depart for Ireland for a 14 day adventure. Please join us as we post daily to the blog to keep everyone back home up to date on our adventures.