Trinity College, Dublin

One of our first tours of cultural sites in Ireland will be to Trinity College to see, among other things, the Book of Kells. This illustrated manuscript from 800 AD draws 500,000 visitors a year. See some beautiful pages from it here.

Irish Food

Cheese, yes, cheese guides to Ireland! Irish food used to be a source of humor, but no longer. There is much to enjoy. Learn more at a history found here. A renown guide to eating in Ireland, and another.

It won't be easy so if you are a vegetarian, you might need this guide to Ireland.

Flickr photo uploaded by Irotzabal on December 9, 2007

Horseback riding in Ireland

The Ireland Tourism Board has hundreds of links to equestrian activities and here are some other resources to check out if you are interested in horseback riding in Ireland.

Blarney Castle

Christopher Warrick, SBCC student, sent this image of Blarney Castle which he took when he visited last summer, while working at a restaurant in Dingle.

The choir will be in Blarney on 9 June. Learn more about the history of the castle by following the link here. How many people will kiss the stone?

Sounds like Gaelic to me!

A rare peek into our choir practice as we practice pronunciation for our songs Molly Na gCuach Ni Chuilleanain and Si Do Mhameo with our Gaelic coach, Theresa, April 8 and 15 2008. Try it yourself!

Recommended Travel Books

Ireland- in a Glass of its Own, Peter Biddlecombe

Secret Map of Ireland, Rosita Boland

Oxford Illustrated Literary Guide to Great Britain and Ireland

Height of Nonsense, Paul Clements

check out the selection at Pacific Traveller's Supply and save 15% when you buy there.

Ireland Photography Exhibit from Brooks Institute

Brooks Institute

See the Emerald Isles’ history, culture and people through as seen through the lens of 12 students from Brooks' Ireland documentary class in this short, colorful documentary photography exhibit.

See an Irish movie

What's your favorite?
Here are a few to consider:

Once (2006)
Strongly recommended and charming, low-budget movie [essentially the story is told with MUSIC!] which won the 2007 Oscar for Best Song, and follows two singer/songwriters in Dublin. The official site includes the trailer here

The Commitments (1991) the trailer for the movie here
My Left Foot (1989)
The Dead (1987)
The Magdalene Sisters (2002)
Michael Collins (1996)
The Quiet Man (1952)