Images of Ireland
Photos by Christine Williams Text and Design by Kyra Gemberling
Introduction
O
n 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. - Kyra Gemberling
Cliffs of Moher; Co. Clare, Ireland Front Cover: Kylemore Abbey; Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland
Rathbaun Farm; Ardrahan, Co. Galway, Ireland
Galway Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland
As 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 Cathedral; Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland
Rathbaun Farm; Ardrahan, Co. Galway, Ireland
Aran Islands, Co. Galway, Ireland
Rathbaun Farm; Ardrahan, Co. Galway, Ireland
Dun Aonghasa; Aran Islands, Co. Galway, Ireland
Free Derry Corner; Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, Northern Ireland
Political Mural; Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, Northern Ireland
Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, N. Ireland
Hands Across the Divide; Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Royal Portrush Golf Club; Portrush, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Though Northern Ireland is its own country and is considered part of the United Kingdom, the Irish spirit 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 people reflect a sincere desire to live in peace and harmony.
Dunluce Castle; Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Newgrange Passage Tomb; Newgrange, Co. Meath, Ireland
Belfast Titanic Memorial; Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway; Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Peace Bridge; Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, N. Ireland
Abbey Theatre; Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin
A 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-yearold Aviva Stadium, where an average of 50,000 spectators per game cheer for the Irish soccer and rugby teams. Culture abounds in Dublin, and it’s surely not to be missed.
Glendalough; Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Aviva Stadium; Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
The Old Library at Trinity College; Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Co. Dublin, 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
Dun Aonghasa; Aran Islands, Co. Galway, Ireland Back Cover: Free Derry Corner; Derry/Londonderry, Co. Limerick, Ireland