Today we were breakfasted, packed, and loaded onto our coach for a precise departure time of 9 am. This choir is punctual! We drove 2 1/2 hours to the Athenry Dominican Priory (pronounced prio-rye) which is really a ruin—though a very interesting ruin.
The Dominican Priory of Saints Peter and Paul was founded c.1241. It had a refectory, dormitory, and chapter house; benefactors patronized the building of the cloister, the infirmary, the great guest house, a hospital, and also contributed to a number of other works. A house for scholars was also built at the priory. Towards the mid 1600s the priory briefly enjoyed university status until it was sacked and desecrated by Cromwell’s troops c.1652.
Apart from the collapse of the tower in 1845 and the resulting damage, and the disappearance of most buildings, the ruined priory we see today is pretty much what stood after the third phase of construction in the 15th century. It has many medieval grave slabs, with some dating into the mid-20th century; also mausoleums. We took a group photo in front of what was once a beautiful window, after which some stayed to discover more, while others took off the enjoy the area or find a good place for lunch.
Lunch was wonderful, with many of us trying real Irish food. Lots of potatoes, surprisingly enough...not!
Our goal of the day was to get to the Cliffs of Moher in between rainstorms. These cliffs are gorgeous, and are an iconic landscape in Ireland. They are in County Clare, and run about 14 kilometers.
We did get there after driving on some very narrow and windy roads that left some on the ride very unhappy. Our new coach driver is from Romania, as was our first, and is excellent. He said he would not take today's route again ... I figured something was off when I saw a sign that read "Do not trust sat nav." Google would be unhappy.
But we made it, posed for the requisite choir portrait, and wandered a bit until the rains resumed. At that point, the stores looked more fun. And they were!
After another good dinner en route (with roasted and mashed potatoes), we arrived at our new home in Cork for the next six nights. It is a beautiful hotel, and should help the choir get all the rest they need.
Tomorrow begins the Cork International Choral Festival, and there are rehearsals and performances (sometimes several) every day for the next 5 days. Keep a good thought going for the choir!