Day 5 (Tuesday)

Today we took a rather long bus ride to Galway in order to take the ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. It is the first day we had rain and the boat ride was very rocky - which some of us enjoyed but several looked a pale and seasick. Even Therese, our director, found the trip to be the bumpiest she has ever encountered, and she travels there with many tours a year!

Martin (pronounced Marteen) was our driver on the island - he took us to what is considered the smallest church in Europe (only 8X5 feet), a hostel for lunch, and Dun Aengus. Dun Aengus is the most famous of several prehistoric forts on the Aran Islands and an important archaeological site that also offers a spectacular view. It was built during the Bronze Age and dates from 1,000 B.C. or before.

We were expecting the return ferry at 4 pm, however the 4 pm was canceled! We shopped an extra hour and several of us found great Aran Islands sweaters, so it was worth the delay. The ferry left at 5 pm and was less adventurous than the ride over (although they prepped us for the worst), then a long bus ride back and a late but delicious dinner.