5 Incredible Tourist Attractions in Ireland
5 Incredible Tourist Attractions in Ireland
https://student.grablingo.com/materials_units/1878
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
jut
Verb
dʒʌt
to stick out of something
The peak of the mountain jutted through the clouds.
causeway
Noun
ˈkɔːzweɪ
a path over water or wet ground
The causeway to the cabin was made of river stones.
hexagonal
Adjective
heksˈæɡənl
that has six sides and six angles
The company presented a hexagonal electronic device used for surveillance.
intricate
Adjective
ˈɪntrəkɪt
very complex
But the intricate architecture is stunning.
adorn
Verb
əˈdɔːrn
to decorate something
He spent a fortune adorning his wife with expensive jewelry.
persuasively
Adverb
pərˈsweɪsɪvli
in a convincing manner
She talked persuasively about the benefits of investing in her company.
Exercise 2
Article
5 Incredible Tourist Attractions in Ireland
Ireland is home to an ancient culture full of mystery and magic – and a landscape to match. Some of the world's most popular tourist attractions can be found in Ireland.
1. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Around a million people visit the Cliffs of Moher every year, making them Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction. They rise 204 meters out of the Atlantic Ocean at their highest point, while rocks at their base jut out of the sea like giant ship sails. The cliffs have appeared in a number of movies, including the 6th Harry Potter film.
2. Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
The hexagonal stones of this natural wonder look man-made, but they are actually around 60 million years old, and were formed due to volcanic activity. According to legend, a giant by the name of Fionn built the causeway so that he could cross the sea and fight a Scottish giant named Benandonner.
3. Trinity College, Dublin
Founded in 1592, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university and is home to the Book of Kells, a bible written in 800 AD. It is regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure. Tourists come year after year to see the bold and intricate illustrations that adorn this historic text.
The Old Library building at Trinity College in Dublin
4. Blarney Castle, Cork
This castle is home to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that whoever kisses the stone will receive the "gift of the gab" (i.e. the ability to speak confidently and persuasively). Visitors have to hang backwards over the castle walls in order to kiss the stone. Nowadays, there are guard rails to hang onto, but in the past visitors were lowered down by their ankles!
5. Ring of Kerry, County Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a 179 kilometer-long tourist drive. Visitors can expect to see breathtaking natural scenery, including beaches and waterfalls, and historic towns, churches and castles. Most people drive or bus around the Ring of Kerry, but there is also a well-established walking trail called the Kerry Way.
Exercise 3
Questions
How was the Giant's Causeway formed?
Why is the Book of Kells a popular tourist attraction?
What legend is connected to the Blarney Stone?
Exercise 4
Discussion
Which of the tourist attractions mentioned in the article would you most like to visit? Why?
Are you more interested in seeing historic structures and artifacts or natural wonders? Why?
Would you prefer to drive around the Ring of Kerry, or walk around the Kerry Way? Why?
If you were to receive the "gift of the gab," how would you use it? Please explain your answer.
What words would you use to describe your country's landscape? Please explain your answer.
Exercise 5
Further Discussion
Have you traveled around your own country? If so, which of places you have visited are the most memorable? If not, what areas of your country would you like to visit?
What would you say is your country's finest national treasure? Please explain your answer.
Is there a natural wonder in your country that you think would make for a good filming location? Please explain your answer.
Do any of your country's natural wonders appear in myths or legends? If so, please share your knowledge.
What ancient culture do you think has the most fascinating myths and legends? Why?
Exercise 6
Quotes
Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustav Flaubert. Do you agree with this statement? Why? Why not?
All hills look green from a distance. - Irish proverb. How would you interpret this proverb?
