Last Thursday, we ventured to the historic cities of Ardmore and Lismore.  During our short time there, we were able to explore several ancient landmarks including Mount Melleray Abbey, St. Carthage's Cathedral, the Ardmore Round Tower, St. Declan's Burial Place, St. Declan's burial place, and Lismore castle.  Although we were not able to visit the actual castle because the Duke of Devonshire still resides there, we were able to look around outside.  Looking back at several pictures of the castle, it greatly reminds me of the Gothic architecture style we discussed in class.  The design was very ornate and beautiful, but at the same time it was strange and scary.  Also, knowing we were not able to enter the castle made it connect even more to the "unknown."  Along with feelings of uncertainty about what remained inside, the castle brought about many thoughts of the past in the historic towns.  Similar to the schloss in Joseph Sheridan LeFanu's Carmilla, the castle seemed picturesque at first, but I did have feelings of uncertainty about the unknown ancient castle's past. 

  Along with our excursion to West Waterford, this past weekend was Saint Patrick's day.  Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was captured at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland to work as a slave.  Eventually St. Patrick escaped to his homeland, Wales.  However, he became a Christian bishop and chose to return to Ireland and spread the faith. 

  In order to celebrate Saint Patrick, we engaged in a flag raising ceremony, mass, a parade, and dinner and drinks.  First, we went to the Town Council building to raise the Irish and American flags.  Next, we went to mass, which was spoken in both English and Irish.  Then, we gathered as a group to walk in the Dungarvan parade.  The parade brought a very large crowd.  While walking in the parade, we got to experience true Irish weather, when it poured for about ten minutes.  Nonetheless, it cleared up quickly! Unfortunately, we were pressed for time so we were not able to watch the rest of the parade.  However, we did get to see a boys' hurling club and listen to the bagpipes behind us along with a marching band. After the parade, we went to the Dungarvan sailing club for some food and drinks, thanks to Tom Keith.  Although I am not quite sure if Saint Patrick would have approved of drinking in remembrance of his legacy, we went to a pub to celebrate.  It was a lot of fun, but it got a bit rowdy after a few hours there.  
 Yesterday we got to play one of Ireland's favorite sports, rugby.  Although we did not actually play traditional tackle rugby, we were able to practice how to tackle.  Additionally, we learned how to pass the ball a few different ways and how to defend and score. Although we were not experts, our Irish and Welsh mentors were supportive of our efforts, even though Peter was quick to tease anyone who made a mistake.  Overall, it was a lot of fun and I hopefully we will be able to play again! Also, I hope to try Gaelic football and hurling!