What an Experience!

What a wonderful day we had on Sunday!


We started off with a nice breakfast, then made our way through the Ring of Kerry, which was absolutely beautiful. It was a 100-mile scenic route! During this tour, we crossed a bridge to Valencia Island to visit the Skellig Experience. The history behind this is astonishing. I learned a lot about the Skellig Experience on this island. It was a way of life for early Christian monks, who built their monastery on one of these offshore islands so they could be closer to God. If I remember correctly, they built more than 1,000 steps to the top!

Not too many boats go over to the island due to the rough seas, so I didn't have the chance to see the actual island where they lived. Maybe next time! So many different birds nestle in the Skelligs as well... It gives me something to look forward to on a future Alumni Travel Program trip. 

The Vista Bar & Seafood Restaurant, where we ate lunch.

After the Experience, Connor, our tour guide, took us to a special place for lunch - the Vista Bar & Seafood Restaurant, which has some of the best views of Ireland. After lunch, we headed back to Killarney and stopped at this adorable village called Sneem, passing more spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney. We were able to stop and take pictures from a spot called the "Ladies View."

Ireland's best known view, according to the Vista

We arrived back at the hotel around 5 p.m., with just enough time to freshen up for dinner. 


Today, Monday, September 20, has been beautiful thus far - a gorgeous 65 degrees!

Monday began with a horse jaunting car.

It was the first day we had some free time, too. The day started with an old-fashioned horse jaunting car, which took us through Killarney National Park and on to our tour of Muckross House. This manor is from the 19th century and sits beside the tranquil Muckross Lakes. We all enjoyed seeing the beautiful furnishings in the manor and the well-kept gardens. Ireland now owns and maintains this wonderful piece of history.

The gardens at Muckross House.

Well, we are off to tonight's dinner soon! It's 5:30 p.m. as I write this, and I am already looking forward to tomorrow's early start to Blarney Castle and on to Dublin. I can't wait to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence" - and when I do, that means you'll be hearing even more from me!

To the Cliffs and beyond

Three days of touring Ireland has been fascinating.

Centenary alumni and friends at the Cliffs of Moher.

On Saturday morning, we departed Galway early to make our way across the beautiful countryside of Ireland to see the Cliffs of Moher. I have never seen so many cows and so much green - Ireland is so much more beautiful than I ever expected! Despite the rain and wind, the Cliffs of Moher were absolutely beautiful. Watching the waves hit the walls of the Cliffs was quite amazing.

The Cliffs of Moher.

After this sight, we crossed the River Shannon on a ferry - bus and all - to make our way across the countryside to Kerry. We then made our way to Killarney. We all arrived at the Killarney Plaza Hotel, had a wonderful dinner, then walked around this charming area.

The highlight was going to a piano bar to listen to music!

Our tour guide, Connor, was quite a hit. So was the piano bar in Killarney!

Besides all the wonderful sights, I have the pleasure of getting to know some wonderful Centenary College alumni and friends. In addition, our tour guide, Connor, has been a big hit - we are lucky to have him be a part of our trip.


Our next sights are the Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Experience. Stay tuned!