The Cliffs of Moher and a Visit to Cnoc Suain

The Cliffs of Moher are the top natural attraction in Ireland with nearly one million visitors a year.

The following is a description of a cultural immersion activity we did.

"Surrounded by ancient blanket bogland, overlooking mountains, river, lake, and sea, Cnoc Suain is an award-winning cultural retreat. In this restored 17th century Connemara hill-village, visitors enjoy creative cultural experiences.

Located in the Gaelic-speaking area of Connemara(Gaeltacht), Cnoc Suain offers a unique window into Irish Gaelic culture, past and present."

Our hostess showed us how soda bread would be made and baked in a fireplace and how people survived the Great Famine by eating wild herbs and grasses.  She also recited a poem in Gaelic and sang a song in the ancient language which is said to have originated  with the Indo-Europeans.  Below is a sign in Gaelic and English.

Our host explained how peat was extracted from the acres and acres of bogland.  Once it was dug up and dried, it was used for heating homes. Peat is still used in about 10% of homes in Ireland although modern technology makes the manufacturing process much easier.

Then we heard "trad" (traditional) music played and sung.  Can you tell it was one of my favorite stops?