Did an excellent tour of Derry/Londonderry with Martin McCrossan who has guided the likes of Susan Boyle, Will Ferrell, the Prime Minister—and now … moi! We walked the 400-year-old walls and he really brought the history to life. We crossed the border into Donegal to explore an ancient, sacred ring fort—An Grianan—on a site established in 2000 B.C. (when I was just a wee lad)!! Local historian & tour guide Dessie McCallion explained the history. The views were awesome. Loved the architecture and stained glass windows at the Guild Hall—and the items from the time capsule then met the Dean of St. Columbs who played Londonderry Aire on the most massive, incredible organ. WOW! Then … a museum on the site of Bloody Sunday and a wandered through the Bogside neighborhood with the incredible political murals. So powerful!!! U2’s song will never be the same to me. It’s sad that when people hear Northern Ireland all they think of is “The Troubles.” I never understood the conflict until this visit. I think it’s inconceivable to Americans—but analogous to the worst of the segregation in the South. Thankfully, that’s now a part of history and the healing is progressing. I felt 100% safe everywhere. What a gorgeous country--and what a day! Next stop: Belfast Nashville Music Festival!!! PS. The silver chalice Im holding is from the 1600s!
Posted on: Wed, 26 Feb 2014 10:44:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015