Up and off to the Aran Island of Inis Mor after spending the night at the Galway Bay town of Spiddel. Fun place that is all about teaching Irish kids about their Gaelic roots (kind of like when I send Christopher and Diane to Bidmidji, Minn for their total immersion Swedish language summers). 45 minute ferry ride over Galway Bay to arrive in another world.
A slow-paced fishing town (with it's main emphasis now being tourism) on an 11x2 mile island with HUNDREDS of miles of stone fences. Big news yesterday when one of the remaining 4 homes with thatched roofs caught on fire. The volunteer fire dept responded. It was still smoldering today. 5 years ago, there were three elementary schools; today none. There are only 2 children on the island, and a nursing home for the elderly has finally been opened. It's filled to near capacity. The folks who live here, die here and there are no young children to take their place on the island. There are approx 800 people, three Catholic churches, six pubs. A worthwhile and interesting day spent in a very unique place in Ireland.
35 Days(May 28-July 2)- Ireland, Sweden, New York!
35 Days(May 28-July 2)- Ireland, Sweden, New York!
volunteer fire dept?!? & i thought riccy bobby's dad wuz jus lying about that so he could smoke indoors....
ReplyDeleteno elementary schools? maybe california can use some of their education budget....
800 ppl, six pubs??? hardly enough