After a restful, and somewhat short weekend, my classmates and I
headed back out into Ireland to explore and discover even more beautiful
sites. We had to be up at 6:35, which was rough; however, we took a day
trip up to Belfast, Northern Ireland and also had the opportunity to
see the Giant’s Causeway. Hope you enjoy all the pictures!!
Giant’s Causeway
The class was in the bus for close to three and a half hours, but the destination was worth the wait. The Giant’s Causeway is a natural (or mythological) site located at the northern most part of the island. There is a myth about giants battling it out and the hexagonal rock formations are a result of those battles. While there is a more scientific reasoning behind the rock formations, I am partial to the folklore.
This area was by far the most breathtaking. Not only could you see Scotland’s shore, way in the distance, but the coast of Northern Ireland offered an unbelievable experience. I may have gone overboard with the pictures, but everywhere I looked, there seemed to be something new that I needed to capture.
Dunluce Castle
Before heading back to Belfast, we took a short detour to view Dunluce Castle. Our tour-bus guide gave us a little bit of history behind the castle, which includes the details of the Spanish Armadas that were destroyed in the bay.
Belfast and the Mural Tour
Throughout Belfast, Northern Ireland, there are hundreds of murals painted on buildings and various walls. Every mural is dedicated to protesting some social injustice, typically because it has ties to the Irish people. For instance, there was a mural dedicated to Global Warming. In 2015, there were protests throughout Ireland, due to the Paris Peace Summit. Furthermore, the recent withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Accord. Because Global Warming is something that effects the Irish people, there is a standing mural dedicated to the issue.
In my opinion, the murals throughout the city serve as reminders. There are murals painted of the American Civil Rights movement, which had a major role in the conflict in Northern Ireland. Since the Civil Rights Movement helped spur change in Northern Ireland, and since it is still an ongoing battle, there is a beautiful mural commemorating those who are dedicated to improving lives.
These amazingly detailed murals also allow the people of Northern Ireland to tell their story. The history of conflict within the state of Northern Ireland is a long and bloody tale. More often than not, the story gets twisted, and one side is made to appear more victimized. These murals let every person tell the history, and as a rule, the murals are never vandalized. This code and honor system allow the murals throughout the city to remain intact and remain impactful.
Through the murals, the citizens are allowed to tell the history of Northern Ireland, openly and freely.
Beyond being a reminder, these murals speak to the values of the Irish culture. Since they are placed throughout Belfast, they could simply focus on the issues of the Irish people, however, these murals show the solidarity that these people feel with the entire world. I was touched by the various murals that highlight global issues. Instead of trying to make everything about the Northern Irish conflict, the artists of the murals are devoted to raising awareness about all social issues.
The presence of various global issues highlights the idea that the artists are connected beyond their own lives. Art in this culture serves as a means of communication, not simply as a means of conveying beauty. The mural artists of Belfast are using their city-wide art to take a stand, have a voice, and support those world-wide. I have a hard time wrapping my head around it, because in the United States we do not generally make bold gestures like these artists do.
Out of all the murals that I saw today, I can honestly say that the following was the most stunning. While it is not particularly stunning or overtly beautiful, it spoke to me because it reached out beyond the Irish issue. As I was saying before, the obvious compassion and connection that these artists feel towards others, throughout the world, is outstanding. The fact that they tell the story and the struggle of others highlights the ideals of the society established. While Northern Ireland has been, and still is, wrought with conflict, there are people who are expression concern and connection to those around them. This is very telling of the culture and of the people of the Irish culture.
It was an absolute pleasure to see these murals. It was even more amazing to be given the opportunity to join in on the art. Our tour guide gave us markers, and we left our mark on the Peace Wall of Belfast.
Tomorrow we are staying put in Dublin, but our focus is Irish Literature, so I might enjoy the class a little more than my classmates! Bonus, we are headed out on a literary walk, to the various pubs that authors visited while in Dublin! More details to come.
--
Read along with Shannon at https://shannonsdublintrip.wordpress.com/
Learn more about the U of A Faculty-Led: Education Abroad: Ireland at https://studyabroad.uark.edu/eduireland
Giant’s Causeway
The class was in the bus for close to three and a half hours, but the destination was worth the wait. The Giant’s Causeway is a natural (or mythological) site located at the northern most part of the island. There is a myth about giants battling it out and the hexagonal rock formations are a result of those battles. While there is a more scientific reasoning behind the rock formations, I am partial to the folklore.
This area was by far the most breathtaking. Not only could you see Scotland’s shore, way in the distance, but the coast of Northern Ireland offered an unbelievable experience. I may have gone overboard with the pictures, but everywhere I looked, there seemed to be something new that I needed to capture.
Dunluce Castle
Before heading back to Belfast, we took a short detour to view Dunluce Castle. Our tour-bus guide gave us a little bit of history behind the castle, which includes the details of the Spanish Armadas that were destroyed in the bay.
Belfast and the Mural Tour
Throughout Belfast, Northern Ireland, there are hundreds of murals painted on buildings and various walls. Every mural is dedicated to protesting some social injustice, typically because it has ties to the Irish people. For instance, there was a mural dedicated to Global Warming. In 2015, there were protests throughout Ireland, due to the Paris Peace Summit. Furthermore, the recent withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Accord. Because Global Warming is something that effects the Irish people, there is a standing mural dedicated to the issue.
In my opinion, the murals throughout the city serve as reminders. There are murals painted of the American Civil Rights movement, which had a major role in the conflict in Northern Ireland. Since the Civil Rights Movement helped spur change in Northern Ireland, and since it is still an ongoing battle, there is a beautiful mural commemorating those who are dedicated to improving lives.
These amazingly detailed murals also allow the people of Northern Ireland to tell their story. The history of conflict within the state of Northern Ireland is a long and bloody tale. More often than not, the story gets twisted, and one side is made to appear more victimized. These murals let every person tell the history, and as a rule, the murals are never vandalized. This code and honor system allow the murals throughout the city to remain intact and remain impactful.
Through the murals, the citizens are allowed to tell the history of Northern Ireland, openly and freely.
Beyond being a reminder, these murals speak to the values of the Irish culture. Since they are placed throughout Belfast, they could simply focus on the issues of the Irish people, however, these murals show the solidarity that these people feel with the entire world. I was touched by the various murals that highlight global issues. Instead of trying to make everything about the Northern Irish conflict, the artists of the murals are devoted to raising awareness about all social issues.
The presence of various global issues highlights the idea that the artists are connected beyond their own lives. Art in this culture serves as a means of communication, not simply as a means of conveying beauty. The mural artists of Belfast are using their city-wide art to take a stand, have a voice, and support those world-wide. I have a hard time wrapping my head around it, because in the United States we do not generally make bold gestures like these artists do.
Out of all the murals that I saw today, I can honestly say that the following was the most stunning. While it is not particularly stunning or overtly beautiful, it spoke to me because it reached out beyond the Irish issue. As I was saying before, the obvious compassion and connection that these artists feel towards others, throughout the world, is outstanding. The fact that they tell the story and the struggle of others highlights the ideals of the society established. While Northern Ireland has been, and still is, wrought with conflict, there are people who are expression concern and connection to those around them. This is very telling of the culture and of the people of the Irish culture.
It was an absolute pleasure to see these murals. It was even more amazing to be given the opportunity to join in on the art. Our tour guide gave us markers, and we left our mark on the Peace Wall of Belfast.
Tomorrow we are staying put in Dublin, but our focus is Irish Literature, so I might enjoy the class a little more than my classmates! Bonus, we are headed out on a literary walk, to the various pubs that authors visited while in Dublin! More details to come.
--
Read along with Shannon at https://shannonsdublintrip.wordpress.com/
Learn more about the U of A Faculty-Led: Education Abroad: Ireland at https://studyabroad.uark.edu/eduireland
