Wedding on Inishbofin

This past weekend I was back on another island off the coast of Ireland. A couple of friends I know from Houston were getting married on Inishbofin (see map below). Of all the people that went to Mark (originally from County Clare) and Grace's (originally from Cincinnati ) wedding, I travelled the least to get there.



The ferry ride out there was typical of the North Atlantic, rough and gray.

Me on the deck.

Getting to the island.

The old lighthouse.

You come upon ruins from the English invasion of Ireland as you sail into the harbor on the island (I explored these later).

After checking into the hotel, I wanted to make a phone call on my cell phone. Little did I know that you had to climb to the top of a hill to get cell phone reception.

Exploring the island. That water may look nice, but it's freezing. I know, I got in.

The next day the weather cleared up and wedding came off without a hitch. The church was really plain on the outside, but really colorful on the inside.

The Mark (the groom, on the left), and his brother David (best man, on the right).

Mark and Grace, exchanging vows.

Midway through, it looked like Mark would marry his brother?

Ceremony over. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Graham.

At the reception.

I woke up early the next morning and set out alone to explore the rest of the island. First, I conqured the hills.

On top of a hill. You can see the ferry going back to the mainland in the distance.

Zoom in.

A cut in the rock.

I then made my way over to the other side of the island and found the skeleton of a wrecked ship.



A house without it's roof.

I then came upon those ruins from the English invasion of Ireland under Oliver Cromwell. These ruins are called Cromwell's Barracks. Among other things, they were used to imprison Catholic priests who were captured. Catholicism was outlawed in those days by the English.

Making my way back to the hotel.

Most of the wedding guests took the midday ferry back to the mainland. Mark and Grace decided to take the late ferry. Here they are waving as we sail away.



Only a month left in Europe now. Will be back in the U.S. of A. August 2nd!!!