Images of Ireland
Photos by Christine WilliamsText and Design by Kyra Gemberling
Cliffs of Moher; Co. Clare, IrelandFront Cover: Kylemore Abbey; Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland
On Jan. 3, 2013, I traveled to the beautiful country of Ireland for a three-week study abroad trip — my first time ever leaving the country. I soon learned Ireland’s landscape is as diverse as
its people, ranging from rustic countryside to bustling cities. The pages of this book contain snapshots of the incredible scenery and culture I was lucky enough to see for myself. I have grouped the contents of this book according to the main regions I traveled to: the city of Galway, the country of Northern Ireland (including the cities of Derry and Belfast) and the city of Dublin. Whether you’re an established world traveller or an aspiring global citizen like myself, I hope everyone can take the time to enjoy Images of Ireland here and, hopefully, in person as well.
Introduction
- Kyra Gemberling
GalwayAs the fourth most populous city in Ireland, Galway is
certainly a busy place. But here, commercialization does not outweigh cultural tradition. Walk into any pub on a Friday night and prepare to be greeted with the sounds of laughter and the music of a lively band. Wander along the banks of the River Corrib and feel at peace with the world around you. In Galway, it’s easy to feel like you belong.
Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland
Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland
Rathbaun Farm; Ardrahan, Co. Galway, Ireland
Galway Cathedral; Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland
Rathbaun Farm; Ardrahan, Co. Galway, Ireland
Rathbaun Farm; Ardrahan, Co. Galway, Ireland Dun Aonghasa; Aran Islands, Co. Galway, IrelandAran Islands, Co. Galway, Ireland
Dun Aonghasa; Aran Islands, Co. Galway, Ireland
Northern
Free Derry Corner; Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, Northern Ireland Political Mural; Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, Northern Ireland
Royal Portrush Golf Club; Portrush, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, N. Ireland
Though Northern Ireland is its own country and is considered part of the United Kingdom, the Irish spir-it remains unchanged as you cross the border. Remnants of political and cultural turbulence are apparent through striking murals and memorials, but Northern Ireland is not defined by past strife. Rather, the beautiful cities and peo-ple reflect a sincere desire to live in peace and harmony.Ireland
Hands Across the Divide; Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, Northern Ireland
Dunluce Castle; Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Dunluce Castle; Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Peace Bridge; Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, N. Ireland
Belfast Titanic Memorial; Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway; Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Newgrange Passage Tomb; Newgrange, Co. Meath, Ireland
St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Dublin, Co. Dublin, IrelandDublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Abbey Theatre; Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
DublinA visit to Ireland isn’t complete without a visit to Dublin,
the capital and most populous city of Ireland. History and modernization meet in this lively place. 800-year-old St. Patrick’s Cathedral is roughly three miles from three-year-old Aviva Stadium, where an average of 50,000 spectators per game cheer for the Irish soccer and rugby teams. Cul-ture abounds in Dublin, and it’s surely not to be missed.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Aviva Stadium; Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
The Old Library at Trinity College; Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Glendalough; Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Dun Aonghasa; Aran Islands, Co. Galway, IrelandBack Cover: Free Derry Corner; Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Last Word
“One wonders in this place, why anyone is left in Dublin, or London, or Paris where it would be better, one would think to live in a tent or hut, with this magnificent sea and sky, and to
breathe this wonderful air which is like wine in one’s teeth.”
- J.M. Synge, Irish playwright and poet