Muckross House

         What is the Muckross House about? Who? When? 

          The Muckross House was built in 1843 for the Herbert Family. The Herberts fell into financial difficulty in 1899 and sold the house to Lord Ardilaun. In 1911, the house was sold to Mr. William Bowers Bourn, a wealthy American. He bought the house for his daughter, Maud, and her Irish husband as a wedding gift. The estate was approximately 40,000 acres. Following Maud’s death in 1929, the family decided to present the estate to the Irish people. In 1933, the Muckross House and the surrounding acreage became Ireland’s first National Park. The house was opened to the public in 1964.

(A view of Muckross House from a distance. Credit: Kelly)

           What does it look like? 

The house exemplifies the elegant lifestyle of the 19^th century land-owning class. There are sixty-five rooms in the house. Several hunting trophies hang upon the walls from the house’s days as a hunting lodge in the years before it came to Maud. They even had recovered the skull and antlers of a prehistoric giant Irish deer, which is now extinct. In 1861, renovations began for Queen Victoria’s stay. The renovations took three years, yet Victoria only stayed for two nights. Her private suite was a combination of three rooms on the ground floor. They even built a fire escape outside the queen’s window because she was afraid of fire. The house contains luxuries such as a giant, hand-carved walnut counter surface with the Queen’s crest. There are several crystal chandeliers, two of which are Waterford crystal. In the separate billiards room, they recovered the remains of the old Chinese silk wallpaper. The pool table weighs two tons.

We eventually made our way below the first floor to explore the servant’s workspace. Our group was amazed by the system of thirty-two bells used to summon the servants. Each bell was connected to a different room and had a unique pitch, which was impeccable technology for the time. Near the bells was the wine cellar. The only person the owner of Muckross House trusted with the key to the wine cellar was his butler. The next incredible technology involves the kitchen, which secluded from the main part of the house to prevent potential fires from reaching the main house as well as dampening the noise of the kitchen. Since the kitchen was so far away, a special platter was filled with boiling water to keep the food warm during the journey from the kitchen, up the stairs, through the house, to the dining room.

(Frontal view of the Muckross House. Credit: Kelly) 

What does the Muckross House mean to Ireland in the past and today? 

The house is a fantastic example of the changing style of homes through history. We are able to see what life was like back then and the technologies that they used. The luxuries of the house show us the drastic difference between social classes in Ireland at the time. Soon after the house was built, the Irish Potato Famine started; the extravagance of the wealthy stood out amidst the backdrop of the famine. The owners of the estate enjoyed ice imported from Norway as luxury while some struggled for food. The house shows us the value of being connected to the land, especially in Ireland.

(A view of the Muckross House with some surrounding hills. Credit: Kelly)

What did our group think? 

Our group was struck by how modern the technologies were at the time and how concerned the homeowners were with even the smallest luxuries. One aspect in particular was the use of Asian fire shields, a wooden fan that would prevent the women’s wax make-up from melting as they sat by the fire. Outside of the house, the beauty of the surrounding wilderness, grassy fields, open waters, and the roaring waterfall blew us away. The Torc waterfall was a picturesque natural beauty tucked away in the woods. We’ve already discussed pooling our money to purchase the estate.  

(The beautiful Torc Falls that took everyone's breath away. Credit: Kelly)

Book of Kells

What is the Book of Kells about? 
          We recently visited the Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin. The book contains the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It was written in the early 9th century, came to Dublin in 1653, and ended up at Trinity in 1661. It is sometimes called the Book of Columb for Saint Columba, who is also called Saint Columcille. He founded monasteries in Kells, Derry, Swords, and most importantly Iona. There are 5 theories of origin for the Book of Kells:

          1) The book was created at Iona and then brought to Kells where the   illuminations (also known as illustrations) were added.

          2) The work was produced entirely at Iona.

          3) The book was produced entirely in Kells.

          4) The fourth is that it was produced in Northern England, brought to Iona, and             eventually ended up in Kells.

          5) The book was produced at an unknown monastery in Pictish, Scotland; however, there is no evidence for this theory.

          Regardless of the theories, the book eventually came to Kells before it eventually relocated to its current location in Dublin. Since 1953, it has been bound into four volumes, two of which are on display for public viewing.

(This sign is outside of the Trinity College bookstore courtesy of Kelly. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures inside.) 

Who? When? What does it look like? 

          As stated above, the Book of Kells contains the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in 680 pages. The text is based on the Vulgate, which is a late fourth-century Latin translation of the Bible. The Book of Kells is a beautiful work of art produced on vellum, which comes from calfskin. Four scribes wrote the book in majuscule, which is a fancy way of saying “all capital letters.” A goldsmith, an illustrator, and a portrait painter worked together to create the illustrations in the book. The illustrations include humans, animals, mystical beasts, Celtic knots, and interlacing patterns. Some specific examples include the peacock, which symbolizes incorruptibility of Christ and rebirth; and the ichthus fish to represent conversion. In between the lines of text, the scribes drew pictures to make the text double-spaced. Some words may have been repeated, but the designs are never repeated. The designers even used crystals as magnifying glasses to capture details. There are many ways to worship the Lord, and these monks worshipped God with their intellect and creativity. People today continue to use their artistic gifts and talents to worship God, and all people can appreciate the Book of Kells and the work it must have taken to create it.

(This picture shows the majuscule text and the details of the illustrations in the book.) 

What does the Book of Kells mean to Ireland in the past and present? 
          The Book of Kells is one of the greatest examples of the treasured works that we have left copied down in the scriptoriums of the early monastic societies. It represents how the early monasteries were places of learning and dedication to the Word of God. After seeing the Book of Kells, we further realized that monasteries were not only places of spirituality but also places of scholarship. The intricate details of the illustrations testify to the monks’ passion and conviction for the Word of God. The decorations in the Book of Kells are not so much for aesthetic purposes, but rather for showing the care that went into putting the manuscript together. Today, we have lost this care and take our copies of the Word for granted. When we have four or five Bibles in our homes that are massed-produced, we don’t appreciate them as much as those in the early monastic time period. We go to the Book of Kells to remind ourselves of the appreciation of the Word and the beauty it inspires.

(This page is famously known as the Chi-Rho page for it's elaborate illumination of the Greek letters chi and rho.) 

            

Where is it? 
          The Book of Kells is housed at Trinity College in Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

What stood out to our group? 
          We were struck by the sheer beauty and attention to detail that the monks gave to creating the Book of Kells. It would not have been possible for the monks to create the book as they did if they did not believe in what the book stood for. They were extremely creative with their illustrations and illuminations. The amount of time it took to create this work was inspiring to all.

(An illuminated 'M' from the Book of Kells for the Monaster-boyz of Greystones)

Websites for the pictures: 

Majuscule Text/Illustration: http://carrigdownirishcrafts.com/irish-interest/book-of-kells/

Chi Rho page: http://godsbigshow.blogspot.ie/2012/12/awesome-video-ceelo-green-mary-did-you.html 

Illuminated 'M': http://www.art-imagery.com/cat.php?id=m&b=kells

Newgrange and Monasterboice

What is Newgrange about?

             Our group recently visited Newgrange and Monasterboice. Newgrange is located in the river valley Brú na Bóinne along with other passage tombs such as Knowth and Doth. Newgrange is an ancient burial site that predates Stonehenge by over 1,000 years and the pyramids at Giza by over 600 years. It was supposedly built around 3,200 BC and took around 50-100 years to build. Due to an average lifespan of 20-30 years, it may have taken four generations to complete.

Who? When?

                        In 1699, landowner Charles Campbell discovered Newgrange when he needed some stone for construction. From 1962-1975, Professor Michael J O’Kelly and his team formally excavated Newgrange. O’Kelly also designed the reconstruction of the white quartz façade because the many of the pieces had fallen to the ground.

What did it look like? Why was it important? 

             Newgrange is most famous for its entrance stone that contains the triple spiral, one of the common motifs in megalithic art. It is one of the most photographed stones in the world. The site is also famous for its kerb stones made of grey wacke, a grey-green sandstone that forms the foundation blocks of the tomb. These also have designs, but most have faded with time. These kerb stones, most weighing two to four tons, were carried from 3-5 kilometers north and east of the site. This process most likely used rafts to float the stones down the river and logs to roll them uphill to the construction site.

            Newgrange was not just a passage tomb. It also served as a permanent home for the spirits of dead ancestors. In addition to this belief, the Neolithic people also greatly feared the sun deity because of his influence on their crops and way of life. The monument also served as a place for ritual worship at key times during the year. One such occasion was the Winter Solstice. Historians hold this belief due to the manner of the site’s construction. After entering the tomb, a 19-meter long passage the leads to the main chamber. The passage slopes up two meters, bringing it to the same level as the rectangular opening above the door. This is important because when the sun rises on the Winter Solstice, the sun’s rays partially illuminate the main burial chamber in a unique way. During our visit, we were able to enter the chamber. Once inside, the guide turned off the lights and simulated the light of the sunrise on the Winter Solstice.     

            Another key feature of the tomb is the corbeled roof of the chamber. The stones are fitted together so that the rain runs of the roof, keeping the chamber perfectly dry.  We could tell even though it wasn’t raining because the air was quite dry inside the tomb.

            We thought it was incredible how people five thousand years ago, without the use of modern tools and technology, could cut and haul extremely heavy stones from kilometers away and thus construct this site.

Where is it?

             Boyne River Valley, County Meath, Ireland

How does Newgrange relate to Ireland in the past and present? 

             Newgrange shows how religion and honoring the dead has always been an important part of Irish culture. In addition, the way the Neolithic people respected the sun highlights the importance of agriculture through time. People still visit this site even though it was built over 5,000 years ago. Something that we took away from this visit was how people turn to a higher power. No matter where people are from, no matter their skin color or their beliefs, people search for meaning in their lives. The Neolithic people may have found this meaning in the sun, or something else. Either way, their beliefs compelled them to build something that took four generations. This incredible feat shows the lengths that people will go to when moved. This site is truly beautiful because of the passion behind it.

What did our group think of Newgrange?

            The Neolithic people built this site out of stone, possibly hoping that it would still be around 5,000 years later. Because this construction, we were able to stand in the same place that the original builders stood. Hopefully, Newgrange will stand for another 5,000 years so that future generations can see this masterpiece.

(Aerial View of Newgrange. Don't worry, we didn't fly. We got this picture from the Internet.)

(What the log-rolling system could have been. Photo Credit: Ethan)

(The entrance to the mound at Newgrange. Photo Credit: Kelly) 

Highlights from Monasterboice:

            The other site we visited was Monasterboice. Monasterboice is a small monastic site that includes a round tower, a church, a cemetery, and a few of the tallest high crosses in Ireland. The south cross, also known as Muirdach’s Cross, is a true work of art. At 5.5 meters tall, it depicts Biblical stories, including Adam and Eve and David and Goliath. The tallest high cross in Ireland is the West Cross, coming in at a height of 6.5 meters.

            Saint Buithe, who is said to have raised the son of King Nectan from the dead, founded the site. In return Buithe received his own church. In 500 AD, he founded a school at Monasterboice.          

            Monasterboice is similar to Glendalough in its importance and significance. It was a center of spirituality and learning, and continues to be a site of religious history. We loved the intricate designs on the crosses, especially the humor of the artist. One panel depicts two monks pulling on each other’s beards. Celtic crosses have not lost their significance over time: they remain a unique symbol to Ireland.

(The Round Tower and West Cross at Monasterboice. Photo Credit: Kelly) 

(The Monaster-boyz of Greystones at Monasterboice. From top (l-r): Emma, Katy, Bridget, Erica, Kelly, Ethan. Photo Credit: Katy)

Glendalough

What is Glendalough about? 

            The word “glendalough” comes from the Gaelic for “between two lakes.” The monastic city of Glendalough was founded by Saint Kevin in the 6^th century AD. He wished to live an ascetic life, but a lot of people like what he said and started following him; therefore, he built the city for them as a place of refuge.

            1. Who? When? 

                        > People to Remember:

                                    - Saint Kevin: founder

                        > Dates to Remember:

                                    - 6^th century AD: Birth of Saint Kevin

                                    - 10^th – 12^th century AD: churches built in Glendalough

                                    - June 3, 620: Death of Saint Kevin

                     

            2. What did it look like? Why was it important? 

                        - Celtic monasticism differed from Roman monasticism in that Roman monasticism had a strong hierarchical structure. Celtic monasticism focused more on the community and the whole person, having three people at the head instead of one like Roman monks.

                        - The gateway at Glendalough is the only monastic gateway still standing. It is constructed solely of granite without the use of mortar. Gravity and the keystone keep the arch of the gateway in place. Carved into the stone just inside the gateway to the right is a cross, which signified religious and legal sanctuary for anyone who came in. Therefore, the laws of the outside world had no power inside the walls of Glendalough.

                        - The Round Tower at Glendalough is one of the straightest still standing. It is also one of the tallest, standing over 30 meters. It had six floors constructed of wood and connected by ladders. When Viking invaders attacked, they burned the towers; time rotted away whatever wood was left. Each floor has a window for a lookout, and the top floor has four windows: one for each cardinal direction. It began as a bell tower to keep time for the whole city, but the bell was most likely stolen and melted down for the metal. Because of its height, people could see the Round Tower from a great distance. It was a landmark for visitors and those seeking refuge. It was occasionally used as a storehouse and place of refuge when Glendalough was under seige. We all wanted to climb to the top of the Round Tower, but that would extremely difficult because the wooden floors all either burned or rotted away.

            - The original Cathedral at Glendalough received several additions from the 10^th to early 13^th centuries. The additions grew more elaborate with time. A few meters south of the Cathedral’s front entrance is Saint Kevin’s Cross.

            - Over time, Saint Kevin’s Church has earned the affectionate nickname “Saint Kevin’s Kitchen” because the bell tower looks like a chimney. It is also the only building in Glendalough with a stone roof. We had the privilege of going inside the church and singing “Sanctuary” and the first verse of “Amazing Grace.”

            - Most of the buildings still standing date from the 10^th through 12^th centuries because they were constructed in large part or in whole of stone, which withstands fire better than wood.

            3. Where is it? 

                        - County Wicklow, Ireland

How does Glendalough relate to Ireland's past? 

            Glendalough is one of the most significant examples of communal Christian life, centering on holistic living. People who resided there could hold one of eleven roles, from tenant all the way up to bishop.

            Glendalough remains one of the four most important monastic sites in Ireland. It holds such spiritual significance that seven pilgrimages to Glendalough are the equivalent of making one pilgrimage to Rome.  

How does Glendalough relate to Ireland today? 

            Glendalough was one of many monastic cities in Ireland that greatly aided the preservation of both sacred and secular texts during Ireland’s Golden Age, which coincided with Europe’s Dark Age.

            Today, Glendalough remains an important center of spirituality. It reminds its visitors of the holistic lifestyle lived by Saint Kevin and his followers. People still come to Glendalough to visit the Round Tower and Saint Kevin’s Kitchen, continuing to learn from the example set by the early Irish Christians who lived there.

What did our group think about Glendalough? 

            We had the privilege of being on the last tour at Glendalough. Our tour guide, Kevin took us into Saint Kevin’s Church, an option that was not available to most guests. Before leaving, we sang “Sanctuary” and the first verse of “Amazing Grace.” Compared to the size of modern churches, Saint Kevin’s Church was surprisingly small.

            Our visit to Glendalough changed our perceptions of monasteries. The people who lived at Glendalough and other monastic cities lived in community with one another. Men, women, and children lived in the same community, as opposed to a group of monks or nuns living in seclusion in a fancy-looking building.

            Historical significance aside, Glendalough remains a place of great beauty. We believe people would travel to Glendalough today whether or not the monastery was there solely for its sheer physical beauty. The serenity of the surrounding hills provided a breathtaking landscape for us to explore. We can only imagine what Saint Kevin must have felt when he initially came to this isolated, uninhabited area of the country. Ironically, his plan did not work because people followed him anyway.

            Glendalough is much bigger than the Catholic-Protestant conflict that has spanned Irish history. It serves as a common ground for all Irish Christians.

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.” ~ Psalm 8:1

(The whole of the monastic city. From left: Saint Kevin's Kitchen, the Cathedral, the Round Tower)

(The Gateway to Glendalough) 

(Interior of the Cathedral) 

(The Round Tower) 

(Ethan took this picture of the churchyard behind Saint Kevin's Church. It captures some of Glendalough's spiritual and physical beauty.)  

(Ethan took this picture on the hike through the hills surrounding Glendalough. We all loved it and thought it really showed the magnificence of God's creation.)