Ireland ~ The Road Well Traveled
“May the road rise to meet you” - famous Irish Proverb
This trip was in many ways a journey into Ireland unplugged, meeting the people, seeing the way of life and enjoying local foods and delicacies’ while hearing the tales and myths that go along with being Irish.
We did of course manage to wander to the unforgettable Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel, Dingle Peninsula and Trinity Library. The last time I had made it to the Devil’s causeway and the Ring of Kerry, so I feel that I’ve really traveled through most of Ireland and even so if someone say’s “wanna go to Ireland?” I’m sure my response will be “Absolutely, when?”.
No other part of the world does tea and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam quite like Britain and Ireland. Back in the land of elevenses and getting a scone with my tea. I have to admit though that these were giant scones and no one in our group actually managed to finish one.
The last time had visited Ireland from Scotland, so we did the whisky tasting in Scotland. This time I made it to Jamiesons for a whisky tour and a tasting. In an ironic twist, the lady who gave us the tour was from Mexico with a strong Mexican accent and we met one of the brew makers who was from the United States. What indeed are the odds?
The rock of Cashel and the Irish guide with his lovely Irish accent and vast knowledge on this historical site as we walked around completely made up for any disappointment people might have had. It is mind bogglind to recall how old this structure is how well weathered it is despite a lack of preservation effort for a long time.
The weather had been lovely and sunny all along until the day we were to drive the Dingle Peninsula. Even through the forecast showed clear, the sun was quite capricious. The views are breathtaking, hats off to the drivers who do this frequently especially in the face of tourists coming the wrong way. I happened to be sitting in front of the coach that day and did catch a few pithy Irish cuss words.
On the plus side the sun wasn’t glaring in your eyes as you tried to capture pictures. I am always reminded when I visit sites like this that I too live in a beautiful part of the work and the drive along the Pacific Coast is just as spectacular.
While I and most people focus on the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and Islands that make up the landscape. The land side also has a very interesting architecture and history. Forts and fairy houses and a way of life and history that is preserved for posterity.
While we tried more traditional Irish fare all throughout our trip, there is nothing like fresh fish and chips. Couples were lucky to share this huge plate that I ended up with all to myself. Fortunately, another couple from our group came and sat next to me and helped me out. Otherwise, I suppose the seagulls would have been very noisily appreciative.
On to Foynes, once the glorious epicenter of the dream to get ships airborne to make the journey across the Atlantic to New York City. We got to tour the early Pan American Clipper that cost an obscene amount of money to fly in complete with kitchens and beds. Foynes airport was also where Irish coffee was first invented in an attempt to keep passengers happy while waiting. Needless to say, we got to learn how to make it the right way and then sample it.
Another brooding day as we stood on the ramparts of the Cliffs of Moher. Mother Nature could not seem to make up her mind whether to send rain or shine, so we hurried our way to the top of the outlook for pictures before the heavens wept. I couldn’t help but recall the glorious day that I had visited the Devil’s causeway. Both wonderful experiences.
Last time I had not been able to make it to Trinity College or the Book of Kells. This time I stood in awe in the Long Library and gazed at the splendor of Gaia hanging from the roof books and statues gracing the gallery and Brian Boru’s harp bringing up the rear.
The Book of Kells itself is in a dark room open to a page which I believe is changed every so often but most impressive is the museum that precedes the actual area where the book is displayed that goes into the history and process.
Several years ago, I had seen a similar statue of sleeping Jesus in Capernaum, Israel. I saw this again here in Christ Church when I snuck in here to eat my lunch and enjoy the garden. Apparently, there are a few of them around the world titled homeless Jesus.
Goodbye to Ireland. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and hope that my travels bring me back again for another adventure.