DÚN LAOGHAIRE to DÚN AONGHUSA

On Saturday 23rd February 2008, as part of the Club's TSP Programme, members of the "B" Squad visited the ancient fort of Dún Aonghusa on Inis Mór in the Aran Islands. This was certainly the highlight of the weekend trip which took in the sights of Galway City and the Aran Islands as an introduction to Irish culture, heritage and history. Accompanied by the Co-Founders of the Club, Abrahim Abdul-Wahid and Ian M. Kane, the party travelled by private coach from Dún Laoghaire on Friday 22nd February for Galway picking up three more of the "B" Squad in Dublin City on the way. Arriving in Galway City at 17.30hrs, after a brief stop in Moate for a late lunch, the lads soon settled into their accommodation at the Galway City Hostel before exploring the City itself. Traditional music venues were high on their agendas and most got a taste of the real "ceol agus craic" in and around Shop Street and Quay Street which included a bit of "sean nós" dancing. Next day it was off to the Aran Islands firstly by bus transfer to Ros a Mhíl and then by ferry to Cill Rónáin on Inis Mór. The 40 minute ferry ride over was described as "choppy" but most, though, naturally not all, were exhilarated by the experience of the high seas. On arrival we made our way for some light refreshments as the tour of the island was arranged. Our driver/guide, Noel MacMahon, then brought the group through the various sights of interest including, the Seven Churches, Seal Sanctuary, homes of famous islanders etc en route to Dún Aonghusa. As we arrived at the small hamlet at the base of the national monument heavy drizzle descended soaking us all as we climbed the meandering limestone pathway to the monument. Then, as if the old Celtic gods were pleased at our arrival, the sun broke through the clouds to reveal the true purpose for which our ancestors laboured to construct this monument. Standing in the centre of the "dún" and looking over the stone playform as the rays of the sun reached down to the surface of the Atlantic below, nobody was in any doubt of its ancient religious significance and all were in awe at the shear beauty of this magical place. Each of the lads seemed to seek out and capture their own private moment amidst the traquility and yet, the wild remoteness of this place. Hundreds of digital photographs taken we commenced our descent to the base only to pause outside the walls, alone and sometimes in small groups, attempting to capture and retain the moment. At the base more refreshments before heading back to Cill Rónáin for a few pints (and soft drinks) in a local to catch up on match results and to relax. Each of the group leaders practised their command of An Ghaeilge (Irish language) whilst ordering the much needed stimulant to face the expected bumpy ferry ride to the mainland. At 17.00hrs we departed Inis Mór and to our great surprise the journey back was quite smooth and very enjoyable. Landing once again in Ros a' Mhíl we boarded our coach to Galway City centre for another night of "ceol agus craic" and this time at An Púcán on Forster Street. On Sunday morning after breakfast we all tried to take in the last of the City sights before boarding the private coach at 15.00hrs for Dublin. With a brief stop at Athlone for a late lunch at Rayner's we arrived back in Dublin City at 19.36hrs - just as predicted by our coach driver Ian. Most of the party left the coach at O'Connell Bridge with the remainder dropped off in Dún Laoghaire around 20.05hrs. (pictured above, part of the group pose with the Dún Laoghaire flag overlooking the Atlantic in Dún Aonghusa on Inis Mór whilst the rest explored the monument)