This Flowering Path: My Journey Abroad: Art in Life: Assignment #3

Due: 07/01/13

Traveling About: Rebellions and Riches

This past Tuesday gifted us with a multitude of locations and not to mention a lovely walk; uphill. Venturing into County Wexford (Enniscorthy), we experienced the footsteps of the 1798 Rebellion through history and land-eventually turning out travels towards Johnston Castle where rich architecture and feather covered grounds welcomed us.

Landmark #1, Templeshannon Windmill of Vinegar Hill

Many locals and tourists alike identify the historic Vinegar Hill by the small tower that sits upon it's highest peak. This is referred to simply as Vinegar Hill tower. From here, one can see the circumference of Enniscorthy all the way to the mountain ranges of outlying land. Built in 1600, this windmill was a source of power for the once booming agricultural center of Enniscorthy. It's days were short lived (if thats within reason to say considering it's 200 year old age (; ) when the Rebellion of 1798 (June 21) damaged the structure and windmill portion. It is now surveyed as "ruins" and nothing more than a tower to bring memorial to the area where so many lost their lives on the longest day of 1798. To me, it stands as a metaphor to the area around it. Broken by battle, but flourishing in the pride and beauty of it's land.

A wild foxglove on the hike up

The remnants of the war stricken windmill

Town of Enniscorthy behind me

Landmark #2 The 1798 Rebellion Museum of Enniscorthy

To be honest, this was by far the most interesting tour we've had the "pleasure" of taking. Newly renovated in February of this year, the museum offers an array of interactive models and videos that leave the audience with a feeling of presence on that day in history. I chose this as a landmark because of the unique exhibits it held. Although I was unable to come up with any credit related to designers, producers, etc. I would still like to express my opinion on the creativity of the museum. Starting at point one, we were introduced to the layout of the land with a small handmade model of the land of Enniscorthy. Each point on the model led your eyes to the layout of that day's unfolding in history. Continuing on, we were educated by a fun video of debate between Thomas Paine and Edmund Burke. The "Great Debate" centered on the freedom of the Irish and their place in the plan of independence. The best part about the exhibit was the usage of reversed projector screens to make the character look as if they were standing right there in front of you! I'm pretty sure that's art. The metal tree found in another area of the museum and wax characters showed the brilliant planning and creativity that went into the retelling of the past. I'm including a time-lapsed video showing a few steps of the renovation process. Rebellion Center Renovation.

Sculptures of Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine

Seriously, how cool is that.

Model example of the "rich English" in Ireland

Landmark #3 Johnstown Castle

Finally, after a long day of Rebellion we changed location to a more royal feel- Johnstown Castle. Now a center for events ( i.e. weddings), the castle was constructed in 1810 for the Morgan family. While millions of Irish suffered in the depths of poverty, the small percentage of English that settled in Ireland lived on properties much like these. Johnstown Castle isn't the only thing well constructed; the grounds on which it sit contain multitudes of manmade lakes and remarkable gardens. Let's not forget the high number of ducks and peacocks that roam the grounds on this stunning property. After the family moved, the castle was given as a gift to Ireland in 1945. From there in went into the hands of the Department of agriculture who claims care for the grounds. (Just outside the gates, is the actual offices of the Department of agriculture-nifty fact). After a few fun pictures, Ashton and I even had the opportunity to visit the tearoom. I remember being on the bus and Ashton asking, "Is this your first castle?". I recalled the multitude of stories my family had told me about visiting castles (they are all well-travelled thanks to military relocations)...but it was my first time seeing a castle so with a silly smile I replied, "yes".