So today we went to one of the best places in Northern Ireland.  We went to the Ulster American Folk Park located in Omagh.  I was very appreciative to be able to experience it for my second time.  The park has different houses that shows us how the different classes lived.  There were houses that were very simple with walls and a room made of sticks and the floor of dirt.  And of course in the center of the home is fireplace.  Many people would gather around the fire to stay warm on a cold Irish night.  They would always keep the fire lit, because it was superstition that if the fire would go out it would mean something bad in the year to come.  Another was a little more improved with more room than the previous, a stronger roof and a hard floor made of clay or something similar.  Lastly, was the Mellon House, which was huge for that time.  The Mellon’s were famous for eventually making a fortune in America.  Oddly enough, the grandson of Thomas Mellon was there visiting at the same time s us.  We also visited the blacksmith, who was very important in those days for basic necessities to survive, such as pans to cook or horseshoes.  He showed us how to make a horseshoe and how to manipulate iron.  We also visited the school were saw how class was conducted.  We sat in there small seats.

The class day was separated into religious and secular sessions.  We also saw what their religious life looked like.  They were two places of worship: a church for those who were Catholic and for those who were Protestant, both were very beautiful.  Then we went to go board the ship to start a new life in America, but first we had to get a ticket.  We went into the place where they issued tickets and they gave us each one; mine was purple.  Now I have my ticket and I board the ship that would give me so many opportunities.  America here we come!  The journey could take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.  Many were in danger of dying when going on these ships, because they weren’t meant for the public to travel.  Many died from typhus or other diseases.  Finally land is in sight and Baltimore is where we take our first step in the new land, or another port near by.  Many would now have the opportunity to buy 100 acres for five pounds and to have their dreams come true.  Many claim the Irish heritage in America, and I am one of them.  This is why this place stays close to my heart and the hearts’ of my family.

Lastly, Tuesday is nights at Tenney’s.  Everyone gathers to this spot to listen to the beautiful Irish music.  Most of the crowd is older around the age of our grandparents.  This is great because they have so many amazing stories and are filled with so much history and memories.  I was blessed with the honor of meeting Dermot Kelly an older Irish man.  I had met him last year on my trip and I happened to run into him again last week.  Then tonight at Tenney’s he told me amazing stories of himself of when he was younger, as well as, many stories of Doire.  He taught me words in Gaelic.  If I had to pick a highlight of the trip it had to be me having this conversation with him.  I will miss Ireland and all it has to offer.  Its music (click here to listen to an Irish song) and its tradition and all it has to offer, but on for al little while for I will return to my homeland Eire once again.  Over and out.