The Corn Exchange Theatre Company
www.cornexchange.ie/
Dublin, County Dublin
November 2010
On our first day in Dublin, my wife and I were checking out the Project Art Center and the Corn Exchange's production of Happy Days just happened to be performing that evening. Being a huge fan of Samuel Beckett, we purchased tickets and I am so glad we did. It remains in my top ten theatrical experiences ever.
Artistic Director Annie Ryan's company is based in Commedia dell'Arte - the Italian physical comedy style from the Renaissance. Perhaps considered somewhat avant garde today, especially to the typical American, their technique allows them for a level of precision that most modern acting forms do not. It is exactly the kind of theater that I strive to produce.
Most of the time they are producing original works that they have created to suit their style and company. But whatever the title, I cannot recommend this company highly enough. If they are running a show while you are in Dublin, book tickets as soon as you can.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Marsh's Library
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| Photos aren't allowed inside the so this is the best we could do. (2015) |
www.marshlibrary.ie/
Dublin, County Dublin
Admission - 3 Euros
November 2010 & September 2015
We were pointed to Marsh's Library from a trip by a local and it is a gem indeed. By far my favorite stop in Dublin and perhaps the best 3 Euros you'll spend on your trip.
Opened in 1703, it is Ireland's oldest public library. You can sit at desks where James Joyce or Bram Stoker read.
Back in the day, books were so expensive, that readers had to be locked in cages to make sure that they didn't steal them. The iron bars are still there today.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Dungaire Castle
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| (2015) |
www.shannonheritage.com/daytimeattractions/dunguairecastle/
Kinvara, County Galway
Aughnanure Castle
www.heritageireland.ie/en/west/aughnanurecastle/
County Galway
Admission: free to the grounds. Normally you would pay to visit the town, but as of 2015 it was under renovation.
September 2015
My dad and I stopped here on our drive from Galway to Kylemore Abbey in Connemara. It was, perhaps the best castle of the five we stopped at on our trip.
This most fulfilled the romantic idea of a castle that we have developed from our Hollywood movies. As you walk up the path from the carpark, you can see the castle walls peeking out of the trees. It makes you feel like you are one of Robin Hood's men about to steal the gold or rescue Friar Tuck. You enter over an actual drawbridge and you can see the remnants of where the moat was.
When we visited, the tower was not open due to renovations, but the grounds themselves proved more than interesting.
Mallow Castle
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| (2015) |
www.mallow.ie/viewpage.php?memid=30
Mallow, County Cork
Admission: free
September 2015
My Dad and stopped at Mallow castle on our drive from Kilkenny to Dingle. It was not on our plans - we simply saw the sign and decided to stop and boy are we glad we did.
There are actually two building on the grounds of Mallow Castle. There are the ruins of the 16th Century fortified house (seen in picture) and the 18th Century estate house. There is also a herd of white deer that dates back to the herd that was gifted to the residing family by Queen Elizabeth I.
As an American walking around the ground, I could help but think of the Locksley Castle from the beginning of the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
Kilkenny Castle
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| (2015) |
www.kilkennycastle.ie/
Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
Admission: grounds free - interior self guided tour 7 Euro
September 2015
Glendalough
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| Me standing in the ruins of the gatehouse. (2010) |
www.glendalough.ie/
County Wicklow
November 2010 and September 2015
There is a tradition, that if your arms can reach all the way around the high celtic cross and touch your fingers, you will one day return to Glendalough. For me the promise was made in 2010 and renewed in 2015. But it goes beyond an old superstition, to something deeper.
The ground at Glendalough vibrates. There is an energy that permeates the tranquil valley that in unexplainable. It is a special place - a place for pilgrimages. And beyond any religious significance, there is something special about the valley.
There is much to choose from. I have only seen the ruins of the monastic city founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century and the two lakes. The first time I was there as part of the Wicklow tour - the culmination of a very wonderful day. The return trip was made immediately after my arrival flight driving down from Dublin to arrive at Glendalough at first light (probably before the park was technically open) and it was incredible.
If and when I return to Ireland, it would be my hope to spend a whole day at Glendalough. I would want to explore St. Kevin's Bed and the stone fort.
There is lots to know about this site and many, many different ruins to see. Do some research before visiting - the reward will make for a very rich experience.
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