In the hours before we began the journey to Galway, I reflected on our previous recent visit to Hoath. I revisited my feelings of freedom and liberation standing upon the tall rocky cliffs, staring far out into what appeared as a gray nothing, but cleverly masked the rest of the entire world beyond this sea. For a short day, I learned that what is gray and dark and colorless, could be the most beautiful scenery. My epiphany was relived for longer than a few hours this time, on our trip to Galway.
Previous to my arrival in Ireland, I was consistently told that the landscape of this country was “beautiful”. I knew Ireland was vibrantly green, but the preconceived notion I have grown up with, is that a “beautiful landscape” is washed over with vibrant and lively colors, to stimulate the mind and catch attention. Spectacular sunsets engulfing the ocean should be blended shades of purple, and orange and red to deliver the warm feelings we associate with another end to a pleasant day. Ireland has shown me that beauty in earth can be presented in alternative scenery. The swaying bus ride knocked me around enough to keep me awake so that I was aware of the views we were passing on this journey across the country. Black rock, stone, dormant trees and half dead grass have claimed territory around every square inch of land. This earthy ground complimented the foggy white sky to complete such a menacing and unwarming look. I would say we spent majority of our time exploring, whether it was on our own around Galway, on the bus, the fairy, or entranced by the scenic coastal cliffs, in site of water. Every time I stared out into the sea, I felt a different sensation of comfort, a comfort that the San Diego sunsets I previously lived with could not give me.
Ireland is so grey. The sky is grey, the water is grey, the ground is grey. This land does not need to provide its onlookers with vivacious colors to be appreciated and loved. Galway is raw beauty, and although there are traces of habitation over thousands of years, the earthy landscape feels untouched. Fog covers most of the scenery in a tasteful and teasing way. I know when I gaze out across the flat land blocked by misty grey, there are miles and miles of beautiful scenery waiting to be stared off into, but Ireland does not need to provide anyone with anything.
Everyone I have met in Ireland so far, whether in a pub or on the street, expresses love for this country in such a genuine manner. Not once have I heard someone complain about all the grey, the rain, or the wind, and they’re actually living in it! I am beginning to understand the appreciation that people hold for this rocky, cold landscape. If you explained the land and the weather to someone outside of Ireland, they wouldn’t understand, just as I wouldn’t before I came here. Grey everywhere? That sounds awful, not beautiful. To truly be blessed with the sites of such beautiful scenery in Ireland, you need to be standing on the top of a cliff, just a step away from a 300-foot drop, staring out into nothing but grey.