The Claddagh Ring!

If there are two souvenirs I wanted while in Ireland, it was an Irish flag and a Claddagh ring.  The Claddagh ring was something I was completely unfamiliar with before studying abroad.  The ring is quite unique and symbolizes friendship, loyalty, and love.  Many people wear these as wedding rings in Ireland.  I was gifted my ring a few days ago as a 21st birthday/Easter present. The slip of paper that came with my ring explains the story behind the ring better than I could:

"The hands of friendship, crown of loyalty and the heart symbolising love.  The tradition dates back to the 16th century when a native of Galway City, Richard Joyce was captured by Algerian Corsairs on his way to the West Indies. When he eventually returned he settled in the small village of Claddagh just outside the city of Galway where he crafted the first Claddagh ring."

The interesting part is how the ring is worn...

My Claddagh ring!

Worn on left ring finger with the crown pointing towards your fingertips indicates you are spoken for, or married.

Worn on right ring finger with the crown pointing towards your fingertips suggests you are in a relationship, or that love is being considered. 

Worn on the right ring finger with the crown pointing towards your wrist, however, means that you are single, or that your heart is not spoken for. 

You can find these rings in many gift shops and at almost any jeweler. However, I was told that I should get the ring from Galway where it originated (more authentic). There are a number of different styles one can choose from-some are very simple and some can get quite extravagant with engravings and different coloured gems inside the heart and around the band.  Most all are sterling silver. 

Galway for Paddy's Weekend

Patty's Day Parade

I know many of you have been curious as to what exactly went down on Paddy's Day in Ireland. I apologize for the extreme delay in this post.  As one may assume many tourists flock to Dublin for this great Irish holiday.  I heard from a couple of people, however, that it gets a bit congested in the capital city and that it might be better to go to a smaller town to get a more authentic experience.  My friends and I therefore planned a trip to Galway, located on the west coast of Ireland.  Being the penny pinching college students we are, we booked a 3 person hotel room at the Travelodge and tried to cram 6 of us in there.  It was a very clean hotel and I would recommend it to anyone.  Just note, on Paddy's weekend they keep a security guard at the entrance tallying the amount of people going up to each room.  Let's just say we had to purchase a second room for the following night... 

As for the city of Galway, it's absolutely fabulous.  I've been here twice now, once for Paddy's weekend and once with my parents when they came to visit. I plan on making a third trip later this week (its UL's Easter break). Of all the places I have been so far, this is my favorite. Cobblestone streets blocked off to cars with cute little shops, pubs, and cafes lining either side.  A number of street performers singing and playing musical instruments add to the lively atmosphere. There is also a wonderful pathway next to the ocean great for walking, and a beautiful Catholic cathedral in the city centre. We quite enjoyed the Paddy's Day parade; it was cute watching the primary school kids march playing their penny whistles.  Below is a clip of the Amazing Apples band we saw over Paddy's weekend at the Roisin Dubh in Galway.  I absolutely love the authentic Irish music.  You will figure this out as you watch the clip, I get excited and start hooting and hollering in the end; I apologize in advance.            

Oscar Wilde statue

Y'all know how much I love scones

And last but not least, THE DOUGHNUT MAN. Serving heavenly goodness in every bite. He also hums whilst cooking them up.

Day Trip: Killarney

A couple of weeks ago my friends and I made a day trip down to the city of Killarney & Killarney National Park. To the left you will find the best photo bomb ever taken.  Overall, it was a really fun day, apart from me falling off of a tree at the park. Not the wisest decision I've ever made I must say. 

Highlights of the trip included:

*Lake cruise on Lough Leane, the largest of       Killarney's three lakes

*Torc Waterfall (my personal favorite) where we did a bit of hiking 

*Horse carriage ride throughout the city of Killarney   

Torc Waterfall

Ross Castle situated on Lough Leane