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!