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