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Ep. 37 – The Gobbins Path

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The Gobbins Path - The Eye

The Gobbins is a cliff-face path on IslandMagee, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, northeast of Belfast. Unlike many other costal paths that just follow close along the top of an ocean-side cliff, the Gobbins first descends down to sea level, then winds along he base of the cliff, up and down steep cut stone stairs, across bridges from sea-stack to cliff face and island to island, past caves and through a narrow tunnel. Though it was long inaccessible to the public because it fell into disrepair after World War II, it has been rebuilt within the last several years and re-opened to the public as of Summer 2015.

Start out at the beautiful visitor’s center for a walk through the interpretive display to learn about the history of the path, the wildlife that abounds in the surrounding area, and the astounding effort that it took to reconstruct the path in its current incarnation.

 

The Gobbins Visitor's Center

 

If you’d like to check out some parts of the Gobbins path from the comfort of your own home, take a look at the 360 degree pictures of the Gobbins on VirtualVisitTours.com:

 

http://www.virtualvisittours.com/gobbins-cliff-path/

 

 

The Gobbins - Tubular Bridge

 

Walking the Gobbins path is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience…though we’re already looking forward to the next time we get to walk the Gobbins! We highly recommend a visit!

 

The Gobbins - Bridges

 

Check out the official Gobbins Path website at:

 

http://www.thegobbinscliffpath.com/

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Ep. 36 – In The Footsteps of Patrick – Continued

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Mamean - Photo by Espresso Addict

In this episode, we bring you more sites associated with the Patron Saint of Ireland. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Balintubber Abbey Website: www.ballintubberabbey.ie/

Tochar Phadraig Website: www.heritagecouncil.ie/landscape/initiatives/the-pilgrim-paths/tochar-phadraig/

The Western Way: www.irishtrails.ie/trail/western-way–gal-/37/

Christopher Sommervile Walk of the Week: www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/walk-of-the-week-mamean-connemara-co-galway-26574913.html

Altadaven Wood: www.voicesfromthedawn.com/st-patricks-chair-and-well/

The Rock of Cashel: www.cashel.ie

Saint Patrick’s Well: pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/2014/04/12/st-patricks-holy-well-at-marlfield-clonmel

 

The closing song, sung by Kate, is “Old Irish Blessing,” written by Denes Agay.

 

 

 

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Ep. 35 – Contemporary Irish Halloween Traditions

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Barmbrack

During this, the last of our special Halloween-week episodes, we are taking a look at some contemporary ways to observe Samhain/Halloween.

We thought some of you might be interested in trying your hand at making colcannon and/or barmbrack, which is also known as barnbrack (bairín breac), so we’re including a recipe for each here. Enjoy!

 

Barmbrack Recipe

This bread is the perfect companion to a nice cup of tea. We don’t make it with cherries or dates, but we know people who make theirs this way. If you prefer, you can also add the zest of a lemon or 1⁄4 cup marmalade.

Makes 1 loaf (or round)

  • 1 Cup (125 g) Raisins
  • 3⁄4 Cup (100 g) Sultanas
  • 3⁄4 Cup (100 g) Currants
  • 1 Cup (250ml) Hot black tea
  • 1 Large egg, lightly whisked
  • 1 3⁄4 cups (225 g) Self-raising flour
  • 1 1⁄2 cup (200 g) Brown sugar (light, not dark)
  • 1 tsp Mixed spice*

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 1 lb (450g) loaf tin with parchment paper or grease pan with butter. (Some people make round barmbrack, and that’s fine, too.)

Place the raisins, sultanas, currants, (and, if you’re including them) cherries and/or dates in a bowl, then pour in enough hot tea to cover the fruit. Put a cover on the bowl and soak overnight (or at least an hour, if you’re in a big hurry).

Add the beaten egg, flour, sugar, and mixed spice to the fruit and tea mixture. Stir well until everything is just combined. If you’re planning to put charms in the loaf (a ring, coin, piece of cloth, etc.), wrap them in a piece of parchment paper and insert them in the batter, in such a way that there will be no more than one charm in any slice.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Bake for about 90 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve slices with butter. If you have an airtight tin to store in, that is the perfect place for it.

*For those who live an area where it is not readily available, you can make your own mixed spice using the following recipe:

  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • About 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/2 tsp allspice powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Makes about 4 teaspoons worth of mixed spice.

 

Colcannon Recipe

As with most recipes, colcannon recipes vary from family to family. This recipe is a general starting point. A popular addition to this recipe is bacon (either the ‘streaky’ bacon bits common in the US or traditional Irish bacon pieces).

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Potatoes, cut into large chunks
  • 3/4 cup Milk or Half ‘n’ half
  • 3/4 tsp Salt
  • 6 T Butter
  • 1 cup Chopped onion
  • 6 cups Shredded green cabbage (or kale)
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

(Optional: 4 oz or ~1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese – We prefer sharp cheddar)

 

Directions:

Boil potatoes for about 20 minutes or until very tender. Drain well and mash with skins on, adding milk and salt.

While potatoes are cooking, melt butter in a large skillet. Add onion and cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally (or until very soft). Add shredded cabbage. Cook and stir for 5 minutes more or until very soft.

Stir cabbage mixture and cheese into hot potatoes and season with pepper. Mound onto serving plates and make a well in the center of each. Pour a little melted butter into each well, if desired.

(We know it’s a bit “English,” but we like to add leeks to our colcannon recipe. Another option we’ve tried is adding one bunch of green onions instead of the leeks.)

Makes 8 servings.

We hope you’ll try out these recipes for yourselves. Let us know how they turned our or what your family recipes are!

 

Oíche Shamhna Shona Daoibh!

(Pronounced: EE-hyeh HOW-nuh HUN-uh DEE-iv)

Pronounciation guide from Bitesize Irish Gaelic: http://www.bitesizeirishgaelic.com/blog/oiche-shamhna-halloween-2/

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Ep. 33 – The Legend of Stingy Jack

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In a previous episode earlier this week, we mentioned the tradition of carving turnips to carry home an ember from the communal Samhain bonfire.  But where do we get the name Jack O’ Lantern? In this episode, we tell the tale of Stingy Jack.

 

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Ep. 32 – Finn Mac Cumhal and the Captaincy of the Fianna

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Illustration by Stephen Reid

It is said that Finn Mac Cumhal fought a goblin of the fairy folk on Samhain-eve on the hill of Tara. In this special Halloween-week episode, we tell the story of Finn and how he became the captain of the Fianna of Erinn.

This story is from “The High Deeds of Finn and Other Bardic Romances of Ancient Ireland”, By T.W. Rolleston, Illustrated by Stephen Reid, which can be found on Project Gutenberg at www.gutenberg.org

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MiniCast – The State of the Podcast 2014

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We’re back! Sorry to have been gone for so long!

In this small episode, we talk about what we’ve been up to and what our plans for new episodes.

We also mention the Thin Places tours led by our friend Mindie Burgoyne. You can check out her website at http://www.thinplacestour.com/

Please follow us on FaceBook!

Comment below to let us know what you want us to talk about in upcoming episodes. What have you always wanted to know about Ireland or Irish travel? Been to Ireland and seen something amazing! Let us know about your experiences so we can share it with others that love Ireland too!

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Ep. 30 – Our Irish Firsts

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In this episode, we talk about a request we got from the folks over at Infinite Ireland (http://www.infiniteireland.com/), which prompted us to reminisce about all of the Irish “firsts” we experienced during our first trip to Ireland. We hope that you enjoy reliving the joys of our first days in Ireland with us!

Here are some of the places we remembered from that first trip:

Fairymount Farm – http://www.fairymountfarm.com/

The Rock of Cashel – http://www.cashel.ie/

Clonmacnoise – http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/clonmacnoise/

The Clonfinlough Stone – http://www.megalithicireland.com/Clonfinlough%20Stone.html

Bunratty Folk Park – http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleandFolkPark/

Ailwee Cave – http://www.aillweecave.ie/aillweecave.html

Birr Castle – http://www.birrcastle.com/

Poulnabrone – http://www.megalithicireland.com/Poulnabrone.htm

Craggaunowen – http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/CraggaunowenTheLivingPastExperience/

The Cliffs of Moher – http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/

 

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Ep. 29 – In the Footsteps of Patrick

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Hill of Slane

In this episode, we follow in the footsteps of Saint Patrick, paying a visit to a few of the key sights connected with Ireland’s patron saint. Below you will find links to a variety of resources providing information about the sites included in this show.

 

Info about Slemish Mountain from Discover Northern Ireland:

www.discovernorthernireland.com/Slemish-Mountain-Blaaymena-P1727

 

To get to Slemish: take the A42 Carnlaugh road from Ballymena towards Carnlaugh/Glenarm on the Antrim Coast (or vice versa). About 7 miles outside Ballymena and to the right of the road is the little village of Buckna. Just outside it is Carnstroan Lane which will take you to the car park at the foot of Mountain.

 

Saints and Stones: Saul Church, County Down

http://www.saintsandstones.net/saints-saulchurch-journey.htm

 

To get to Saul Church: From Downpatrick, follow the A25 to Strangford. Turn right onto Mearne Road. At the crossroads, turn right following the signpost for the church.

 

Hill of Slane:

http://www.meath.ie/Tourism/Heritage/HeritageSites/HillofSlane/

 

Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croagh_Patrick

 

Visitor’s Centre for Croagh Patrick

http://www.croagh-patrick.com/

Croagh Patrick is situated five miles from Westport on the R335 road. The Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre, Teach na Miasa, is situated in Murrisk on the Pilgrim’s path at the base of Croagh Patrick mountain and opposite the National Famine Monument.

 

Croagh Patrick is situated near the town of Westport in County Mayo, Ireland. It is approximately 92 km from Galway City and 230 km from Dublin City. The main pilgrimage route originates in the village of Murrisk, 8km outside Westport. Westport is served by both bus and train from Dublin and Galway. The Croagh Patrick Information Centre is a further 8 km west of the town of Westport.

 

Normally, it takes about two hours for the average person to reach the summit, and one and a half hours to descend. What equipment is necessary for the climb? It is advisable to take sturdy footwear, rainwear and some drinking water. Climbing sticks are for sale at the Centre.

 

The Centre provides the following facilities: restaurant, information services, guided tours of the mountain, packed lunches, secure lockers, craft shop, shower facilities (for a nominal fee).

What are the Centre’s business hours? Spring Season (April and May) 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. High Season (June through August) 10.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. Shoulder Season (September and October) 11.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Low Season (November through March) Limited opening hours. Please e-mail info@croagh-patrick.com for details. If you’re interested in possibly joining a group pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick, call on this number for more information: +353 (0) 98 28871.

 

Discover Ireland website:

http://www.discoverireland.com/us/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/listings/product/?fid=fi_1660

Directions: Croagh Patrick is situated five miles from Westport on the R335 road. The Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre, Teach na Miasa, is situated in Murrisk on the Pilgrim’s path at the base of Croagh Patrick mountain and opposite the National Famine Monument.

Note: Croagh Patrick is a high mountain and is a difficult climb, so those climbing it should be prepared. It is advisable to wear solid footwear and bring good clothing, a stick and mobile phone. It can get very cold on top of the mountain and weather conditions can change during the course of the climb.

Pilgrimages: For group pilgrimage enquiries call: +353 (0) 98 28871

Opening Details: Opening Details Public access to the mountain. Visitor Centre open daily from St Patrick’s Day through to October.

 

Jim Burns’ account of his amazing, but harrowing climb on Croagh Patrick.

http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/Mayo/Towns/WestPort/burns.htm

 

 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, County Armagh info came from here:

http://www.stpatricks-cathedral.org/visitor-guide/

 

April – October: 9.00am – 5.00pm

November – March: 9.00am – 4.00pm

Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward.

 

As the Cathedral receives no state funding visitors are invited to make a small donation to assist with the preservation of this historic building. The suggested amount is £3 for adults or £2 concession.

 

Sunday Services

10.00am Holy Communion – (Said – No sermon or hymns) Traditional Form except 2nd Sunday

11.00am Sung Eucharist – Choral Matins 2nd Sunday, Contemporary Form

3.15pm Choral Evensong – Sung Eucharist 2nd Sunday, Traditional Form

 

Weekday Services (Monday – Saturday)

9.30am Said Matins

12.30pm Celtic Eucharist – 1st Wednesday of each month

 

St. Tassach’s Church, Raholp, Co. Down

http://www.saintsandstones.net/saints-tassach-journey.htm

 

Down Cathedral

http://www.downcathedral.org/ 

 

+44 (0) 28 4461 4922
+44 (0) 28 4461 4456
info@downcathedral.org
www.downcathedral.org

 

Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_Cathedral

 

From Visit Downpatrick website”

http://www.visitdownpatrick.com/

 

Opening Hours:-
Monday – Saturday – 9.30am to 4.30pm
Sunday – 2.pm to 5.00pm

 

 

Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick

http://www.saintpatrickcentre.com/

+44 (0)28 4461 9000

+44 (0)28 4461 9111

 

Opening Hours:

January – December

Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday Closed
St. Patrick’s Day 9am – 7pm

July – August

Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 5pm

The Centre is located on the Market Street, in Downpatrick’s town centre.

Travel by Bus and Rail from Belfast:

The local Ulsterbus service regularly goes twice an hour from Belfast to Downpatrick. The Europa Bus Centre is located in Glengal Street beside the Opera House and behind the Europa Hotel. The journey takes just over an hour and the Centre is a 2 minute walk from Downpatrick Bus Station. See the Ulsterbus timetable for more details about your specific journey.

Travel by Bus and Rail from Dublin to Downpatrick:

Regular services run from Dublin Connolly Station the Dublin Busaras bus station and Dublin Airport. A connection can be made in Newry or a rail and bus connection through Belfast. The Centre is a 2 minute walk from Downpatrick Bus Station.

 

Travelling by Road from Dublin:

Take the M1 North to Dundalk, the N1 to Newry, enter the town and take the A25 to Downpatrick through Hilltown and Castlewellan.

Travelling by Road from Belfast:

Take the A24 out of Belfast heading for Newcastle and the A7 to Downpatrick through Carryduff, Saintfield and Crossgar.

 

Adults £ 4.95

Children £ 2.55

Concession £ 3.35

Family £11.75
(2 Adults & 2 Children)

Adult Groups £ 3.30
(25 or more)

Children’s Groups £ 2.25
(25 or more)

Senior Citizen Groups £ 2.70

Education Group £ 3.50

Auditorium Only £ 2.15

 

 

Assorted links to information about Saint Patrick:

Jump into Ireland Blog about St. Patrick’s Trail

http://blog.discoverireland.com/2011/02/st-patricks-trail-ireland/

 

The Catholic Church’s information about St. Patrick

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=89

 

St Patrick’s Cathedral – Armagh and its link to Patrick

http://www.stpatricks-cathedral.org/cathedral-history/

 

 

A recreation of Saint Patrick’s legendary journey

From Pocket Britain

http://www.pocketbritain.com/StPatricksTrail.html

 

The Real St. Patrick, Bishop of Ireland

by Fr. Kristopher and Matushka Elizabeth Dowling

http://celticchristianity.org/library/patrick.html

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