Galway 11: Longship on the River Shannon - Fenn

 

On June 1st, we boarded Viking Mike’s modern longship after visiting Athlone Castle, and we proceeded to make our way down the River Shannon. Shortly after boarding the boat, we found out first-hand the workings of one of Ireland’s “canal locks”. These structures are meant to change the water elevation for boaters in the canal. In our situation, we were coming from a higher part of the canal, to match the water level of the River Shannon, hydraulic arms opened and closed the gates of the lock. When ready, the water is drained and the boat lowers. It was an interesting experience, just like riding a water elevator. I have never experienced a mechanism like this firsthand, although its purpose was explained on our first day in Ireland by Professor McCabe. Being able to witness the method for allowing native boaters to navigate the Shannon was a good insight on part of the day-to-day life of the people of Galway. 

After getting through the canal’s locking system, we proceeded to move down the Shannon on our way to the nearby monastic site, Clonmacnoise. The banks of the Shannon were lush with vegetation, livestock, and a number of bird species. Seeing the Shannon serve as a natural fence for horses and cattle gave the livestock fields a more open and almost “free-range” feeling. Cows would graze all around their pastures up to the river, horses would chase after each other in their open fields. While I’ve seen cows grazing before, I have never seen them doing so with as much freedom as they have along the Shannon. Small electric fences kept several groups of fifteen to twenty-five of the largest cows I have ever seen, and each one that I saw seemed happier than the last. Too content to do anything else besides graze by the riverside. 

The trip down the river also allowed us to see new species of birds in a new habitat. The river provided a perfect environment for Mute Swans (Cygnus olor), Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea), to name a few. One of my favorite things to do in my free time, ever since taking the Biology of Birds class with Professor Constantino in the Spring, is increasing my “life list” by adding new birds that I record on Merlin and eBird. Doing so measures how many different species of birds I have seen in my lifetime using these birding apps. Prior to the trip, I had around 96 different species, and at this point in the trip, I have 129 different species. The River Shannon helped me secure some rare birds to this list, which just made the river voyage all the better. The group was lucky enough to spot a White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and with Constantino’s help identifying this species previously, I was able to determine a European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) from their “cousins” the abundant Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). When it comes to a species like the White-tailed Eagle, they are not native to North America, and even if they are native to this region, they are still uncommon among birders. Being lucky enough to see a magnificent bird of prey like this was very important to me because I do not believe I will see one again. In my experience, a confirmed rare bird species sighting is a special occurrence that I always look forward to. 

While the cruise was taking place, Professor Constantino tasked a select few with data collection on this river cruise. They were to record the species spotted in eBird to later transfer the collected information to the class spreadsheet, which lists the different species, their location, habitat, and the number of individuals in the different species. This assignment makes up our Ireland Bird Survey assignment. So, as I was looking for birds for my personal interest, I also did my best to help my group members with their data collection when asked. I would also let them know some tips and tricks with the birding software and identification techniques, as well as helping them confirm their sightings with my limited knowledge of the species that make up the Irish-native birds that were present. Professor Constantino would do this for me while taking the previously mentioned class, and continues to pull me aside whenever he sees something new. I try to pay these actions forward by helping out my peers.

The Viking Boat continued to its final destination of the monastery of Clonmacnoise. This gave the feeling of belonging to one of the Viking raids and later the Norman invasion of the nation of Ireland. I am an avid history fan, and one of my favorite times in history is that of the Viking/Norman activity in Ireland, Scotland, and England, which took place approximately 793-1066. Seeing the stone buildings and other masonry from the riverside would add to this vision and give me an experience that I will not forget. After we finished the tour on the river, we explored the monastery before returning to Galway with the help of the Viking Tour shuttles. Quite an exciting and worthwhile day indeed. 

Galway 10: Day 5 – Galway Adventures & Conservation at Terryland Forest Park - Will

 

We’re five days into our study abroad trip in Galway, and it’s already been an incredible journey through some of the most beautiful parts of Ireland. Today was especially memorable, as our group joined a local team of volunteers working to enhanc
e the biodiversity of Terryland Forest Park.

The day got off to a bit of a rocky start when what was supposed to be a 25-minute walk turned into an hour-long trek across Galway. Despite the unexpected detour, it ended up being a blessing in disguise, we got to see all corners of Terryland before starting our volunteer work. We walked by a local stadium where soccer or futbol, to the locals, was being played, and got some eyes on other habitats like grasslands with hidden streams running through them. Even though we were only supposed to be in a small part of the park, we got to see its entirety and walked from one side to the other using Merlin to ID birds and iNaturalist to do the same for unique flora species.

We met the volunteers at one of the park entrances, and the leader explained to us the importance of the work that we are doing and gave us some insight into the invasive species that are impacting the park. The volunteer group we worked with focuses on removing an invasive plant species called Heliotrope. This fast-spreading plant is often used as ground cover, but it’s now beginning to overrun native species in the area. Once Heliotrope starts to grow, it can take over a large area, blocking sunlight from reaching the plants underneath and reducing their ability to reproduce.

What surprised me most was learning how Heliotrope spreads underground through its rhizomes, which are plant stems that send out roots and shoots from their nodes. This method of spreading makes it especially difficult to control, as the damage isn’t always visible above the soil. This was unique to us because most of the time, we assume that the damage is always above the ground where we can see it, but that isn't always the case. Because of this, the park relies heavily on volunteers like us to help manage it. 

The solution? A process that involves cutting the plant back, laying down decomposable fabric, and covering it with a thick layer of mulch. This material is similar to the black mulch fabric that we use on our own SMC Farm to help block weeds from growing. This method helps suppress the Heliotrope, but also helps maintain an aesthetically pleasing landscape. I had never seen this method used before, but even students in our group with no prior experience were excited to get their hands dirty and help out.

After a quick overview from the group leader, we grabbed our gloves and tools, spade shovels for digging and flat-head shovels for loading mulch, and headed down the trail to our work site. We lucked out with the weather today; after several rainy days, we finally had warm sunshine to keep us company during our work.

Equipped with wheelbarrows, rakes, and lots of energy, we split into teams. Some students filled the wheelbarrows with mulch, while others raked it evenly over the fabric. After two hours of hard work, we had completely covered the fabric and used up the entire mulch pile. It was satisfying to see how much we’d accomplished, knowing it would help protect the park from invasive species and promote healthier biodiversity.

To wrap up, we gathered in a circle to reflect on what we’d done. The work reminded us of similar conservation efforts we participate in back home in Vermont. In our natural area, we have species such as black locust trees and buckthorn, which can spread quickly and threaten our native species. Invasive species may differ from country to country, but their environmental impact is the same, and so is the importance of addressing the issue.

After our time in Terryland, our group, along with a few volunteers, headed to a local hotel for coffee and lunch. It was a great way to wind down, reflect on the day’s efforts, and chat with some locals who shared tips on places to explore around Galway. I am looking forward to the next 9 days of our trip where will still have fun activities planned such as deep sea fishing and an overnight in Dublin and Inishmore. Stay tuned for more updates on our trip around this amazing country!

Galway 9: Bunratty Castle - Jordan

           We went to the Bunratty Castle. The castle was built in 1425 by the MacNamara family. After
that many families lived there until 1804. Then it lay vacant until 1954, during which time the roof caved in during the 1880s. Viscount Lord Gort bought the castle in 1954 and started to restore it. Since the castle was in ruins for so long most of the original pieces are gone, so when they were restoring it, they had to find pieces that fit the time.

The castle has many defensive features to protect it from invaders. The first mode of defense was the wooden draw bridge that they could pull up at any point to stop people from coming in. If they got past that then there was the murder hole which was right after the Main Guard. To work the murder hole, they would open the door from above and pour something on the invader, which included boiling water, pitch, and other things of the sorts.

If they got past the murder hole, there was a small trap
door. This was right before the stairs and was a trap door that dropped an invader 18-20 feet onto spikes. If that fails, the staircase is circular going around to the right. This was easier to defend because most people were right-handed and the invaders would have to fight with their left hands as they were being pushed down the stairs, and the final step was bigger than the rest.

The final step being bigger made it a trip step, so the invaders would trip over the step and fall. There would be two guards on either side to
hit the invader and stop them. These were all their defensive measures they took to protect their castle. When we entered the castle the first room was the Main Guard. This was the barracks, where the soldiers lived. A line of demarcation in the floor divided where soldiers lived, officers were given the side closest to the fireplace and the rest of the soldiers lived in the other part of the hall.

We went up a spiral staircase and right above the Main Guard is the Great Hall. This is where the earl sat to have the people come pay taxes, have hearings and banquets. One of the features of the Great Hall was the spy hole, where the Earl would make one of his best soldiers listen and watch in the opposite corner of the Earl to make sure that he would know who was plotting against him.

Another feature was a window looking down at the Grand Hall from the Lady’s Chambers. The Sheela na Gig hung in the north-west window of the hall which is a pre–Christian Celtic fertility symbol. High up on the wall were the antlers of the Great Irish Elk, the antlers were up to 12 feet long and are estimated to be around 11,000 years old because they went extinct 10,000 years ago. 

 

The Earl’s Kitchen was at one end of the room. This room was used for the Earl’s private household. To cook for larger banquets, we believe food would’ve been prepared and cooked in the courtyard. After going up a few steps of the next spiral staircase was the Private Chapel which contained several valuable items, one of which included a 15th century Spanish silver-gilt processional cross.

Then going up some more steps was the Earl’s bedroom. The room contained a carved 15th century English double bed, a canopy with scenes from the childhood of Christ, a baby’s cradle from 1657, and a spinning wheel. Walking into the next room was the North Solar, the private apartment of the Earl’s family. This room could overlook the Great Hall. Then we walked up a few stairs to the Earl’s Pantry.

Walking all the way up the spiral staircase got to the Battlements. This looked over the castle grounds and County Clare. After coming down the stairs into the Grand Hall again the Public Chapel was in the back corner. This room was decorated with a 16th century stucco ceiling and several artifacts. The chaplain’s bed chamber was above this room with the robing room across the hall. Walking up the rest of the stairs got to another Battlement which also overlooked castle grounds and County Clare.

After walking down that staircase we went to the back left corner to the last staircase. At the top of those stairs was the South Solar which was restored as a tribute to the Lord and Lady Gort. It is furnished with things from the 16th and 17th centuries. Then we walked all the way down and out of the castle. Behind the castle were the gardens with many beautiful flowers. 

- Jordan Munro  

 

Galway 8: Hostel Life: Definitely Not Hostile - Jacob

It may sound odd, but one of the experiences I was most excited for in Ireland would be staying
at the several hostels. Over the two-week trip, out of everything we saw and did, like Cliffs of Moher and Inishmore, the hostel excited me. Having traveled a lot in the US, I have only stayed in hotels and the occasional Airbnb. I was interested to see the differences and similarities between a traditional hotel and a hostel. Now, having stayed in two hostels over about a week in a half, I am not only pleased with my stay, but I’ve also truly loved the social aspect that you can’t simply find from any hotel.

The main hostel we stayed in was Kinlay Hostel right in Galway, where we spent the majority of our trip. The second was on Inishmore, a small island about 44 miles away from Galway. In both hostels we got similar experiences, like meeting new people from all around the world and cooking a meal with peers. These experiences didn’t feel like a place just for sleeping and resting, but an added experience amongst everything else.

The hostels are fairly simple, not being too big or extravagant. At Kinlay Hostel there was a reception area, including a small but lively common room, and a kitchen right next to it. The hostel on Inishmore was much smaller and simpler with a small kitchen you would find in a common household, as well as a small room next door with a couple of couches. The rooms we are staying in have three bunk beds, but they have varying rooms with a couple of twins. At least the hostels we are staying in don’t have suites of any kind, everyone gets about the same type of experience. A big change with hostels is how much you do the cleaning and daily care for not only your room but the kitchen. While Kinlay Hostel is more of a well-known and popular hostel with hired service, they still want you to clean as much as you can and don’t have room service like in the states.

The kitchen and dining are one of the biggest aspects to a hostel that makes it feel more like a home than a hotel. The main dining area is lined with
fridges and freezers for people to store food or groceries, and as of writing this I have yet to find a completely empty fridge or freezer. Every afternoon and evening the kitchen has people from all around the world cooking a meal from where they call home. My favorite night at the hostel so far was when we decided to cook pasta with bolognese, garlic bread, and sausages for all 14 of us. By the end of our hard work we realized we had so much leftovers that we had enough to feed some of the other guests. This led to conversations with a few of them and we got to learn where they came from and what brought them to Galway. People commonly talk about how food can connect people, and nothing is more true than dining at a hostel.

The common area is a nice small room with a billiards table, piano, and many seats for those trying to eat, get work done, or just socialize. Some nights I like to come down to the common room and read and do work, during these times I have seen people come together over a game of pool or cards. While at first the people here seemed to be strangers, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Everyone that stays here, the majority at least, are from other countries. We are all outsiders and foreigners but one conversation with someone shares commonalities and new perspectives not just on what you know, but on topics you never even knew; every new conversation is a new chance to learn something. I have met multiple people during my time at the hostel spanning from all around the world, some from California, Scotland, France, and even Singapore.

My time in Ireland has taught me many things and has been an experience I will never forget. My peers and I have had the opportunity to learn about a new culture, see new wonders, and most importantly to connect with others and broaden our limited knowledge of the world. It is funny to think that where you are staying during your trips could impact you so much. To talking with my fellow peers at night, or the random families from around the world, it is about the experiences you make during your time. Doing a study abroad trip is truly a time to study the world around you in more aspects than in a classroom setting. We are constantly learning whether it is traveling to old historic sights, learning how an entire island can function independently, or even identifying the biological aspects to the world we live in. 

- Jacob Gaudet