DAY 4:
On our drive to our cottage in County Clare, we stopped to learn and explore in two places - a castle ruin and a tour of a workhouse.
The Rock of Dunamase was FREE to visit. It was a Norman fortress in the 12th century and many of the remaining walls and structures were still standing for us to wander around, climb on, and explore freely. We mostly had it to ourselves, though we also coincidentally met a family from 15 miles south of us here at home. That was sort of funny.
 |
| Our first glimpse of Dunamase as we approached through a little neighborhood |
The tour of the Portumna Workhouse was sad, but educational. Ever since I saw the name of one of my ancestors listed as a resident of a workhouse in England, I have wondered what the purpose and conditions of these places were. We learned that they were built to provide an option for the poor, but it was an intentionally unpleasant option so that people wouldn't choose it over the life they already had. You really had to say, "I've got nothing left I can do for my family and it is either check us in here or die." Once the families arrived at the work houses, they were all separated by gender and age and lived uncomfortably for as long as they were there. They rarely saw each other and most never had an option to leave. It made me grateful for my living conditions and that this was not a decision I ever had to make for myself and my family.
We also stopped briefly to look at Portumna Castle on our way through town.
DAY 5:
Despite the storms that brought rain and wind every few minutes, we went forward with our plans to hike all along the Cliffs of Moher (aka "The Cliffs of Insanity" from the Princess Bride). We were the only people on the shuttle that took us to our starting point, and we were alone for most of the first half of the day. It was my favorite day of our vacation. Even though we were cold and wet, there was lots of laughing and it was a grand adventure with amazing vistas.
 |
| Waiting for the shuttle in Doolin |
 |
| The waterfall blowing upward should give you an idea of how strong the winds were |
 |
| We tried to capture how high the waves were crashing on the cliffs. This is the view from the ferry landing in Doolin. |
The tour of the Portumna Workhouse was sad, but educational. Ever since I saw the name of one of my ancestors listed as a resident of a workhouse in England, I have wondered what the purpose and conditions of these places were. We learned that they were built to provide an option for the poor, but it was an intentionally unpleasant option so that people wouldn't choose it over the life they already had. You really had to say, "I've got nothing left I can do for my family and it is either check us in here or die." Once the families arrived at the work houses, they were all separated by gender and age and lived uncomfortably for as long as they were there. They rarely saw each other and most never had an option to leave. It made me grateful for my living conditions and that this was not a decision I ever had to make for myself and my family.
We also stopped briefly to look at Portumna Castle on our way through town.
DAY 5:
What beautiful adventures!!
ReplyDelete