A Trip to the Giant's Causeway

Due to their ability to transcend time, stories are invaluable tools of communication. The characters and places used within a story are bearers of cultural values and history, solidifying their place in the greater entity that is the society itself.

The Giant's Causeway

One such location is the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, as its creation and lack of completion are key points in the story A Legend of Knockmany. While the scientific origins of the Giant’s Causeway involves volcanic lava, the legend places Fin M’Coul as the creator of the Causeway and tells that his work was interrupted due to the impending threat of the giant Cucullin.

A Legend of Knockmany manages to touch on both the history of the land and the mentality of its people. Though the story begins with Fin essentially leaving the job unfinished for fear of being killed by Cucullin, his triumph in the end leaves the impression that finishing the Causeway would be no trouble should he feel compelled to do so.

Fin’s triumph can be attributed to his own strength, but most of the praise goes to the quick wit of his wife Oonagh. In doing this the story establishes the strength of the Irish, their value on women in society, and a culturally significant landmark as facets of Irish culture that are worth remembering.

The importance of this story becomes even more apparent with the knowledge that Irish was originally only an oral language. There is a certain degree of showmanship present in repeatedly telling a story that is not solidified in a written format. While it is true that this repeated telling of the same story by multiple story tellers leaves room for variations in the story, it would seem that this variation is as important as the story itself.

The freedom that is present in oral storytelling is something that serves more to strengthen cultural identity rather than harm it. Each prospective storyteller is given the opportunity to alter the story in a way that they fell is more telling of the Irish culture and values, likely providing a more personalized and meaningful message for the listeners.

As a closing thought, I am curious to hear if anyone experienced a strong example of oral storytelling during our time in either Dublin or Derry? Personally I feel that our time with Gerry in the Guildhall would be a perfect example. Not only did he have the history memorized, but he presented it in a way that made the events feel alive and relevant even to this day.

The Gift of Gab- Fairytale Storytellers of the Irish

My first impression of Ireland when was I was just five years old. Not that I remember much from that trip, I can still reminisce about the green fields and open water when I was able to experience the Cliffs of Moher. I also vaguely remember the Blarney Stone and acquiring the "gift of gab".

Cliffs of Moher

My heritage is primarily from Ireland so I was excited to learn the history behind this culture. Throughout the course at IUSB- Everybody's Irish, we have been well informed about the struggles the Irish went though in order to gain independence from the British in 1921. While reading the fairytale stories that the Irish culture grew up learning and sharing from generation to generation, such as Legend of Knockmany and Condy Cullen and the Gauger, it helped me open my eyes about how this culture is about entertaining each other through stories. Through these stories, I became knowledgeable about how witty and hospitable the Irish culture is.

Dublin Castle

I am excited to take adventures in Ireland when we go in a week and to experience the culture we have learned through class. Going to the Giant's Causeway, the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin pub crawls, seeing castles and churches,
and the country side. It will be a great trip abroad for an experience we will never forget!

What is everyone else excited about in Ireland?

Expectations of Ireland

It became apparent to me after the first class that, outside association with Guinness and Notre Dame, I did not have a clear expectation or impression of Irish culture. To be honest I had always taken these sources of Irish culture to be noting more than a part of their branding, so I had not related impressions of them back to the culture itself. For example, most of Notre Dame's impact on my life has revolved around their football games (American football). American football is not something I think of as being Irish, so once again the Irish ties seemed to be more of rallying cry for school spirit instead of a direct connection to Ireland itself.

Though we are only at the end of our third week in the class my expectations have already changed. From the stories and documents we have read from Ireland their culture seems to place considerable value in storytelling (this is something I was grateful to hear). At this moment I am most excited to see how prominent storytelling still is as part of their culture, specifically in the areas of film making and books. On the topic of storytelling I am curious to hear from others if they prefer films or books? Personally I feel that each form has its own benefits depending on the story, but overall I do prefer film.

Legend of Knockmany

It's Not All Leprechauns and Green Beer

Leprechaun

Like many people, when I thought of Ireland I thought of St. Patrick's Day, leprechauns, four leaf clovers and green beer. Much to my demise these Irish example are all false.

Throughout my course at IUSB - Everybody's Irish, I've learned some facts about what makes the Irish so special and it does not include leprechauns and green beer. Many of you may not realize that the country of Ireland was under the control of the British for 800 years before claiming their independence in 1921-1922. The people of this beloved country endured a massacre, battles, famine revolutions, rebellion, and discrimination laws known as Penal Laws. The country of Northern Ireland (6 most northern counties) remain under the control for the UK. 

Map Ireland and Northern Ireland 

According to readings I've read throughout this course, such as "Condy Cullen and the Gauger" and "A Legend of Knockmany" the Irish may be tricky, cunning and conniving folk. The readings I have mentioned are folk tales but seem to give a slight interpretation on how the people of Ireland are percieved. These two folk tales describe tricks and schemes the Irish people have pulled off in order to get the upper hand on an unwelcoming situation. Even though these tricks and schemes worked out for the Irish in the long run, what do you think would have happened if their conniving plans did not work out? Would they have tried to sweet talk their way out of the predicament or would they have retreated and confessed their wrong doing?

Although, these two readings could have been thought to depict hospitality. The sister of the giant Oonagh suggested inviting a stranger giant into her home for a snack before ever knowing the details on why her sister needed a distraction. It seemed like a natural thing for her to do. In the story of Condy Cullen, after the guager thinks he has out smarted and out witted Condy Cullen he invites him to have dinner with his wife and daughter. Though the circumstances in each situation were different the same evidence of hospitality was depicted. If you have read these two stories, which character trait do you think best represents the Irish? Hospitable or conniving?

*evidence from other readings and scholarly source welcome.