Rock of Cashells

The Rock of Cashel is a historic sight that goes back to the 4th century. Here's an abridged snippet of the history I learned at the spot.

Latin high crosses are first found here. The word Cashel comes from "castle" in Latin. The fort itself was built from the ecclesiastical side in the 4th century and then taken over by royalty. They were Clannacht, and they were an Irish clan of high kings. O'neals then came in after them and took over. Bryan Brew took kingship 1002. The chapel was consecrated in 1134. King Cormack McCarty built the chapel. there's also winding staircases. The holes in building were used for scaffolding. The church inside built in 13th century, and stoop until Cromwell arrived in 1650 and butchered everyone in the church as the massacre of Cashel.

From the outside.

The dilapidated cathedral.

This also was the area of one of the first credit cards, where the people serving the archbishop had their food paid for in the village below. Guards on duty in the round tower easily could see over the dense forest that surrounded the St. Patrick's Rock. and of course, in the choir loft, there were leper's squints, so that diseased individuals could still inadvertently participate in the church services.

So after having sung and performed in both a medieval castle, three old churches of over 800 years old, and singing in a thousand year old stronghold, i felt very satisfied. But yet, nothing was quite as fantastic as having the opportunity to try sheep's milk and goat cheese for the first time. Though I still prefer cow's milk and cheese to the aforementioned, and I prefer the vegan alternative to both of them, it had a very unique and creamy consistency. It is definitely worth the try, whether it be ice cream like my mates did or a latte like I had. Only at the Rock of Cashel. Come by and visit today!

Overseas Ambassadors

On the fourth day, the culmination of our rehearsal experiences lead to the penultimate project for both participating international choirs.

For our performance, we worked relentlessly with Dr Jeffrey Redding (as mentioned in my earlier post), and we paid it in full by earning a standing ovation and glad praise from all of the patrons.

The keynote address for the concert was delivered by Eric Whitacre, grammy-winning composer and role model of choral music for myself and many others. He then conducted the Limerick Youth Choir for three of his pieces. For the encore, the sheet music for his song "Sleep" was brought up on the screen, and he conducted the audience to perform along with the choir. Our diminuendo was so low and intense, that he busted out giggling to end our unexpected performance. I would have honestly done the same thing. You can hear his virtual choir's rendition of the song on YouTube.

In an unexpected turn of events, while walking to the pub for the after-party, I ran into Eric himself. Since I view celebrities and famous musicians as regular human beings who are fortunate enough to be their complete selves at work, Is struck up a conversation with him. We took a picture together, shook hands, and proceeded to talk about our influences for the music we both love and write. As we reached the bar, the I told the rockstar-turned-choir-buff that I watched the debut of his choral rendition of Trent Reznor's "Hurt", and that I couldn't wait for his publishers to release it to the public so that I can have my choir sing it. Humbled, he smiled and thanked me, and we went to order drinks at the bar. (If you’re reading this, Eric, my friend still owes us the money from his bet that I wouldn’t get a photo with you.)

At the end of the night at said bar, we ended up Singing in impromptu singsong with locals at bar with Cor Cois Abhann, an Irish adult’s choir. We sang some traditional Irish folk songs after we'd finished singing songs that our choir had sung, and then they had joined us with the Americans songs that they know. for about half of the evening, the Norwegian choir was there to enjoy the spontaneous concert with us.

There is something so alluring to getting together for a good song with your friends both new and old at the bar. Whilst ordering a few rounds at the bar, I talked to different individuals who are part of the Choir, and we all agreed that America has a long way to come with loneliness and social interaction. After all, and promise you sing along at the bar would surely get kicked out in my home country. Here, it is almost expected.

As an overseas ambassador of the USA, I couldn't wait to return to the beautiful spot we sang at and enjoy the Irish environment once more. Here's to those happenings invited in by future days.

Irish Marketeering

Our last full day in Limerick dictated a full day of marketing. Similar to marketing in the states, there is a culture around it, where locals meet and greet one another gladly with joy each weekend.

At first, I thought I wouldnt be impressed. however, this quickly changed. I realized that all of the people serving products were experts on their product, and a wealth of information, and very easy to talk to about literally anything. Several people asked where I was from, two people gave me discounts because I couldn't fiddle through my euro coins fast enough. I also got tea from a Polish lady (Whom I taught Icelandic as she taught me Polish), and bought Turkish Delight from a stall operator who taught me how to make it. (include recipe link)

Halfway through, after buying a pasty from Peter the Pie Man and coffee fom Enjoi, I talked to a botanist (who was growing opium poppy for wedding decorations and was jokingly called "the drug dealer" by the neighbors) about people getting ricin/digitalis/myconium poisoning. I then went and chatted up some locals whilst listening to a 10 year old classical guitar busker. quite an interesting morning.

ironically enough, walking down the streets of Limerick reminded me of walking down the streets of Florence. the streets where shallower and the buildings weren't as tall, but the layout was pretty much identical. They are always open for fresh produce for cheap prices every weekend.

All in all, Irish marketeering is a similar concept to American marketeering, but yet, quite different. Explore it for yourself!

Just look at all of those stands!

Cliffs of Moher

Surfing is huge here at the cliffs of Moher. Tourism is growing as well. Alongside the Giant's Causeway, it is the biggest tourist area in South Ireland. similar eroded areas are slieve league, glendalough, and benbulben. The tallest part of the cliff face, Knockardakin, is about 214 meters (702 feet) above sea level.

The closest singles festival every summer takes place in Lisdoonvarna, another proximal city. This area and many others are covered in stone walls and shelter many tourists as well.

Also visible from the shores of Liscannor are the Aran islands and the Twelve Pins. The cliffs are also close to Doolin and Lahinch, two neighboring towns.

This eco-friendly and well preserved area in Co. Clare was formed about 360 million years ago in the Upper Carboniferous period. Ireland used to be much more volcanic and it was bigger, but the warmer waters in this area directly contributed to erosion, as mud and sand flowed through the warmer ocean to tributaries and rivers nearby, which formed the rock layers that are visible today.

The environment is fairly acidic around the cliffs, so a lot of farmers needed outside jobs to supplementary income. A lot of the flag stands can be broken into smaller items and sold, there's plenty fishing to also be done. They're were huge quarries here. A lot of fish worked, 18ft vessels called currachs went out to do fishing.

Birding was always very popular even in spite of the dangers. Lots of different birds can be seen here, such as puffin, razorbills, and ravens. as it is a Special Protected Area, 9 species of breeding seabirds dwell here. Needless to say, it is a sight to see.

So, visit the Cliffs of Moher today, one of the most visited spots in this part of Ireland behind the Guinness Factory.