The Journal of Kelly the Brave: Past Adventures, Current Thoughts and Future Plans

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Helen Keller

Tag: travel

  • An Irish Adventure ~ Chapter Two

    An Irish Adventure ~ Chapter Two

    (Privately shared on September 30, 2022 with a select group of friends). The above photo is Sphere Within Sphere, located at Trinity College. More photos can be found here.

    As a reminder, Words writing in italics represent the original journal.  Underlined words are edits for clarification within the original journal. 

    After the tour of Trinity College and the Book of Kells and walking around the campus a bit more, I just started roaming the streets of Dublin having no itinerary in particular.  I got a map of Dublin from a tourist place and ended up walking down Gafton Street, almost to the park (St Stephen’s Green).  It was raining by then and I decided to investigate cell phone service in Ireland.  I had upgraded to a GPS unit for my car rental, but really wanted a phone with maps and the ability to call if I needed to.  The Great Cell Phone Adventure eventually cost €130, many miles of walking in the rain and what felt like a wasted day.  I was grumpy with the situation, the rain and my heavy bag. Because of the rain, I couldn’t take too many photos and when I did manage to shoot, it was a pain to juggle my umbrella, camera and bag. I was getting hangry, too.I had lunch at a typical touristy restaurant that was OK.  I ordered Irish stew but got corn beef instead of lamb but the Guinness was good.  It really does taste different in Dublin.  I did purchase some souvenirs for myself (magnets!) and friends, and ended up getting a new House Coat for myself.  (it’s a traditional Irish zip up sweater with a hood and should keep me nice and warm in my quirky old house in the Winter).  It’s being shipped home which is nice.

    While I was walking around, I noticed the police and EMT were tending a homeless man.  He was unresponsive.  I think the poor man had died.

    I ended up at the Stags Head Bar and had a hot toddy and a cider.  The atmosphere was nice and it was good to get out of the rain and rest.

    Some things of note:  Dublin’s pigeon’s are well fed!  There are more seagulls than I expected.  Irish (and English, I think) sockets need to be switched on before they work.  I think this is genius.

    Today, 13 Sept, I pick up my rental car at the airport.  Again, I’m nervous     about the bus routes but Roseanne helped me so I should get there without issue – allegedly.  Once I get my car it’s off to Adventure!  Stay tuned!

    My only ‘must see’ in Dublin was the Old Library and I was happy that I got to see it.  But the weather in Dublin was depressing and I didn’t really enjoy my time, likely because of the weather, my lack of advanced planning for other adventures and the cell phone fiasco.  Still, in all honesty, next time I return to Ireland, I wouldn’t be upset if I don’t make it back to Dublin.

  • A Northern Path ~ Chapter Three

    A Northern Path ~ Chapter Three

    (Privately shared on October 23, 2023 with a select group of friends). The above photo is a portion of the Peace Wall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. More photos can be found here.

    13 September, Belfast, Northern Ireland

    Everything I know about the Troubles I learned from Jack Higgins and Frederick Forsyth. I was very keen to learn more about the history and the tour I went on was hosted by each ‘side’, offering a unique point of view.  I don’t remember the name of the first tour guide but he (and the Protestant tour guide) lived through the events.  He was a short, stocky. balding Irishman who was a member of the IRA.  He gave a brief history of the Troubles in 1916 (the Easter Rising) and how in Northern Ireland, Catholics, though the majority religion, were minorities with regard to rights.  In the 1960s, when Civil Rights movements occurred all over the world, the Catholic minority wanted equal representation with regard to job equality and voting rights.  He said it was very common for  the Scottish planters (Ulster planters) to own homes and rent them to the Catholics.  But the problem was each Catholic tenant counted as a vote for the Protestant landlord only. (10 tenants equaled ten votes), so the inequality persisted until it came to a boiling point.  (Scottish Planters or Ulster Settlers came to Ireland under the reign of King James from Scotland and Northern England, and their cultures were different from the Irish)

    The guide said young people began to protest and barricade the streets so the Protestants couldn’t enter their neighborhoods.   This resulted in a military response which cost many lives, which over the decades would cost thoughts of lives.  We walked through the neighborhood and evidence of bullet strikes were still visible.  (I admit this is a very diluted history of the Troubles but when I was editing my photos of the walking tour, I was able to research some of the incidents that took place in the areas I visited or where depicted in the many murals in West Belfast).

    It was hard to hear most of his presentation as he was a soft spoken gentleman, and a lot of our stops were along Falls Road, where a lot of the violence had occurred.  Plus, there were many Black Taxi tours stopping along the same route and giving their own tour.  So between the traffic and dueling tour guides, it was difficult to hear.  The Black Taxi Tours were highly recommended as a ‘must do in Belfast’, and had I not been by myself, I would have taken one.  But they were a little expensive for just one person.

    The guide described harsh conditions of the political prisoners and the difficulty of seeing friends and neighbors being killed by the British Army and Loyalists.  He himself was imprisoned and escaped twice.  He had been shot multiple times and bullet wounds were visible on his legs.  Though there is a peace treaty, he still believes in a United Ireland and thinks its only a matter of time before the British Empire falls because, as he says, ‘all Empires fall eventually.’  He admitted that innocent lives were lost by the IRA but I felt a sense of pride in his past – that he saw himself as a patriot and a veteran standing up against an inhumane regime.

    We crossed into the Protestant section of West Belfast and Mark took over the tour.  I’m so deeply disappointed in myself for not capturing a photograph of the gate that separates the Catholic neighborhood from the Protestant neighborhood!  He was born in 1963 and is a proud British citizen living in Northern Ireland.  He said West Belfast was still segregated Catholic/Protestant and said the two don’t mix, despite the Peace Treaty of 1998.  In fact, the Protestant section is gated closed every evening and then re-opened every morning – something I didn’t realize.  Public transportation runs on either side of the neighborhoods, never across.  There is still a section of wall separating both neighborhoods.

    Mark was saddened that the children of both sides were separated – separate schools, separate playgrounds, etc, despite the peace accord.  But there was an underlying bitterness towards the IRA and the thousands of lives that were lost in the most inhumane ways.  He seemed particularly bitter that ordinary citizens were targeted and that the IRA wanted to erase any stain of British existence on Ireland’s soil.

    He walked us along the Peace Wall that was decorated with graffiti and messages of peace from visitors from all over the world.  The Peace Wall was very tall – up to 25 feet high.  He pointed out a disruption of the paint in the upper portion and said as recently as three weeks ago, someone tried to throw a bomb over the fence to the Catholic side.  This aggression was answered by machine gun fire over to the Protestant side.  He didn’t mention if anyone was hurt and when I asked what prompted the initial aggression, he said ‘Feelings run deep and sometimes there is no reason – just tit for tat.’

    He told us of how the IRA got napalm and would mix it with sugar and gasoline in their bombs.  This would not only destroy something but would also insure people burned to death.  He took us past two empty lots on a busy corner – one completely empty and one completely overgrown with trees and bushes.  He said there were two pubs at each location and both were victims of IRA bombings.  The empty lot had a mural but was mostly unremarkable and the other lot was a mass of trees and shrubs.  It was amazing to me that prime real estate was empty, but it marked a reminder of lives lost.  Mark said the owners of the overgrown lot still owned it but didn’t want to rebuild as there was a fear that it would become a target again.

    Mark made sure we realized that Sinn Fein – the largest political party in Northern Ireland, is filled with murderers and members of the IRA.  He was dismayed that many members of the IRA were never captured, or were now in politics and he was disgusted that a small minority of Irishmen wanted to erase the British influence.  He said most  of the citizens in Northern Ireland did not want to be united with Ireland.  We ended the tour seeing photos of the innocent civilians who lost their lives in the Conflict as well as photos of the politicians to blame for it.  He said the conflict would only end if each side respected each other.

    Before the tour, I didn’t really have a side in the conflict.  As an American, freedom from British rule seemed understandable, but seeing the carnage the IRA caused and the innocent lives they purposely targeted doesn’t sit well with me.  However, it was a wonderful tour and I am very glad I took it.

    The tour and the images I saw stayed with me for a long, long time.  So many lives were lost or ruined.  I couldn’t help but think of our own history and how we treated the Native Americans.  And now the conflict of political and religious differences rages on in the Middle East.  I can’t wrap my head around targeting innocent civilians and the indiscriminate bombings the IRA caused.  But it’s also hard to grasp why the police and British Army were so heavy handed with civil protests.

    14 September

    So much to catch up on!

    After the walking tour, I got back to the hotel to take a quick shower and to change for dinner.  The lovely Irish couple I met last year, Annas and Paul, and I made arrangements to meet up for dinner.  They met me at the hotel and walked to dinner – a small seafood restaurant that I had actually walked by the night before.  I should have ordered the seafood stew but I went with the fish and chips instead, because Paul recommended it.  It was good but I think I would have enjoyed the stew a bit more.  Plus, I think I got a fish bone wedge in the top of my mouth.  But it was so good to see Paul and Annas again and I laughed when they asked me when I would be moving here!

    I’m in Bushmills by the way

    My hotel in Belfast was nice.  I liked that it was very central.  My day exploring Belfast was amazing and I much prefer Belfast to Dublin for reasons I can’t really explain.  Belfast seemed like home to me and I realized I was quite happy there.  Between my exploration and the walking tour, I clocked 10.48 miles!

    After checking out and paying an arm and a leg for parking, I headed to a tire store.  After I picked up my rental car, the tire pressure warning light turned on not ten miles later.  I couldn’t stop to deal with it before coming to Belfast but I definitely wanted to get it looked at just so I didn’t have to worry about it.  It’s a good thing I did, too, because one of the tires was over inflated and the other three were under inflated!  I’m not really happy with Budget!  Anyway, once Charlie was fixed up we headed up the Coastal Road to Giant’s Causeway.  I had the Bushmills tour scheduled at 3pm but didn’t need to be anywhere before then.  The day was drizzly but still quite beautiful.

  • A Northern Path – Chapter Four

    A Northern Path – Chapter Four

    (Originally shared with friend on November 5, 2023). The photo above is of me and my new friends, Joyce and David, at the Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland. More photos can be found here.

    As a reminder, words written in italics represent the original travel journal. Plain text words are edits for clarification within the original journal or post travel thoughts.

    Make sure you check out my photos which can be viewed here. Click on ‘A Northern Path ~ An Irish Adventure Continues’.  Also, the photos will have more information about  the sights than what I’ve written in my travel journal.  The newest photos start on page three of the gallery

    September 13, Bushmills, Northern Ireland

    I got to Bushmills Distillery early and discovered that photographs were not allowed.  I put my camera back in the car and when I got back to the meeting spot for the tour, I saw a couple that was on the tour at Bru na Boinne.  It was nice to run into them and we became fast friends.  They were able to snag a last minute tour ticket and when the tour started, the drizzle had turned into a near downpour, and the temperature dropped significantly.  The tour of the distillery was nice, but the complimentary drink at the end was the highlight.  (I chose the 16 year old Single Malt that warmed me up!) They even gave us a small bottle to take home (the traditional whiskey).  

    After the tour, Joyce and David, my new friends, and I made plans to meet for dinner at 7pm, but they wanted to go to Giant’s Causeway beforehand, as it would be their only opportunity to visit it.  (I planned on visiting it the next day).  I met them at Giant’s Causeway, after trading in my rain coat for my Barbour.  At Bushmills, I bought myself a watch cap with the idea of having it as my sleeping cap.  I wore my new watch cap to the Causeway as it was cold and windy, and I was afraid my rain hat would be blown off.  By now, the rain was definitely a downpour and the walk to the rocks was not pleasant.  At one point, the wind was so strong that had I not been Warrior Borne, I would have been blown into the sea!

    We had dinner at Grey’s, a restaurant my hostess and their hostess recommended.  I really wanted the Irish Beef but they were out of it after we ordered it.  (The carrot soup was quite nice).  And my dessert choice was not available after ordering it.  I ordered the brownie instead which was very good.  Dinner ended up being chicken strips that were OK.  I regret not swiping a small dinner plate with a lovely Celtic design on it as an act of protest for having two items unavailable after ordering them, but wanted to make a good impression on Joyce and David.  Dinner overall was OK but the company was wonderful.

    Early to bed because I want to get up early to go to Giant’s Causeway at sunrise.

    (14 September, Bushmills, Northern Ireland)

    I got up this morning before sunrise and drove to the hotel near Giant’s Causeway.  I initially thought of walking there because my B&B was a fifteen minute walk to the Causeway, but I realized since I’d be there so early, it would make more sense, and save time, to just park at the hotel that was next to the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Center.  I knew I would be gone before the tour buses and tourists would appear.  I walked down and had the place to myself.  It was stunningly beautiful and was so serene after the storm from the night before.  As I explored, I burst into praise.  There is such a powerful feeling of awe watching the waves crash into the rocks, the sun rise and hearing birdsong.  It was a beautiful spot for prayer.  I walked the trail until it ended then walked up the Shepherd’s Steps on my way back.  The view from there was amazing.  I didn’t climb up to the top because the steps were wet, steep and short and I’m old and out of shape.  But I don’t think I missed anything by not going all the way up, except perhaps a view of what I had.  I made my way down the steps and headed back.  I finally passed a few people but it was still pretty deserted.  By now, it was after 8am and a beautiful day was developing.  I captured some more photos on the rocks and then headed back to my car.  I walked a little more than 4 miles, all before a cup of coffee!

    Gotta get in the shower – check out is in an hour.

  • A Northern Path – Chapter Five

    A Northern Path – Chapter Five

    Originally shared with friends and family on December 16, 2023. The above photo is the view from Grianan of Aileach in Ireland. More photos can be found here.

    I’m sorry it’s been over a month since my last chapter!  I’ll try to do better.

    As a reminder, words written in italics represent the original travel journal. Plain text words are edits for clarification within the original journal or post travel thoughts.

    Make sure you check out my photos, which can be viewed here. Click on ‘A Northern Path ~ An Irish Adventure Continues’.  Also, the photos will have more information about  the sights than what I’ve written in my travel journal.  The newest photos start on page four of the gallery.

    September 14th, Bushmills, Northern Ireland

    My stay in Bushmills was wonderful, and it was so nice to meet up with Joyce and David. My hotel (Carnside Guest House) was nice and comfortable and I would definitely stay there again.

    After I checked out, I headed to the coffee shop Paul recommended.  (Fidela Coffee Roasters, in Coleraine, UK). It smelled heavenly and I bought myself an iced Americano and a bag of coffee – the same one Paul raved about, and had it ground for French Press.  I can’t wait to brew it for my porch devotions!  Paul raved about the El Para blend, which is what I bought, and it smelled amazing in my suitcase.  When I came home I brewed some for my Saturday devotion porch time and found it to be milder than I’m used to.  I drink it more on weekend afternoons than weekend mornings and enjoy it very much.

    The weather has been a little tricky this trip, everything from clear, bright days to downpours.  The temperature has ranged from 50 to 68^.  I’ve worn both my rain coat and my Barbour and I’m glad I got my Barbour rewaxed!  I’m also glad I bought a sweater and the Bushmills cap!

    After picking up the coffee, because the weather was mild and the sun was out, I decided to go to the fort thing before heading to Londonderry.  (I don’t have my phone with me and don’t remember the name but I will make sure I get it). (It’s Griana of Aileach).  I had originally planned to go there after checking out in Londonderry but I really don’t have an agenda.  When I got to the fort, it started raining but luckily it didn’t last long.

    The fort was cool and the views were amazing.  Afterwards, I headed up to the northernmost point in Ireland.  I again was happy for my watch cap as it was pretty windy.  The views were spectacular and it reminded me of Mitzen Head with boggy ground, walk ways, crains, high cliffs, winds, and beautiful rocky coast.

    I spent about an hour there and just marveled at God’s creation.  Seeing such unique beauty is worth the financial sacrifices I’ve made and will continue to make.

    My car is so dirty!  But it seems like a good car and is comfortable.  I’m glad I bought a cheap phone holder that attaches to the vents because when I had my phone connected to the car’s navigation, it didn’t seem happy.  But that might have been because I was ‘roaming’ in Northern Ireland.  We’ll see how it behaves when I’m back in Ireland for good.

    My breakfast this morning was very filling.  Pork sausage and bacon, black pudding, grilled tomato, portobello mushrooms, potato bread and a dome of scrambled eggs.  This paragraph in my travel journal really confused me because I hadn’t been very careful with dates.  I finally figured out the breakfast was at my Londonderry hotel before I checked out.

    After I was done at the cliffs, I drove to Londonderry and checked in.  My hotel is within the city walls and is quite lovely (The Shipquay Hotel – I highly recommend it).  After I got settled, I went to explore and walked along the wall and enjoyed the views.  I wanted to eat and saw a pub that served food.  I walked over to it and to my delight they had Smithwicks on tap.  I promptly ordered one as well as the Steak and Guinness Pie with mashed potatoes and mushy peas.  It was amazing!  So so good and probably the best meal I had.  (The pub was called the Bentley Bar).

    After enjoying my dinner, I headed back to the hotel and took a quick shower.  Because I got up at sunrise, I wanted to get some sleep and slept very soundly.

  • A Northern Path – Chapter Six

    A Northern Path – Chapter Six

    Originally shared with friends and family on January 20, 2024. The above photo is of some sheep at Sliabh Liag. More photos can be found here.

    Again, I’m so sorry it’s been over a month since my last chapter!  

    As a reminder, words written in italics represent the original travel journal. Plain text words are edits for clarification within the original journal or post travel thoughts.

    Make sure you check out my photos, which can be viewed here. Click on ‘A Northern Path ~ An Irish Adventure Continues’.  Also, the photos will have more information about  the sights than what I’ve written in my travel journal.  I’ve also geotagged the photos so if you are inclined to see where exactly I was, you can select the little ‘i’ button on the bottom right of the photo, then select the map.  Some photos I don’t remember exactly where I was.  The newest photos start on page four of the gallery.  

    The last chapter ended after I arrived at Londonderry and had a wonderful dinner at the Bentley Bar

    15 September, Londonderry

    After breakfast, I’m going to explore a bit before I have to check out.  There is a jewelry store nearby that I want to see.  I really wanted to get a unique ring from Ireland.  Then I’ll check out, pack up the car then meet for my walking tour of the Troubles.

    Saturday 16 September – the Cliffs on a beautiful Saturday on top of the mountain.  Very windy, though

    The walking tour of the Troubles, especially Bloody Sunday, was again very informative.  Dave was my tour guide and his brother, William, was killed by the Paras on that horrible day.  I had Dave all to myself as my tour guide.  The day was grey and drizzly.  I understand the anger of the Catholic citizens but I don’t understand why the British took such a hard stance.  I don’t understand a ‘shoot on sight’ order for citizens who were assembling.  The whole situation is very sad and troubling.  None of the soldiers involved have been held accountable, which is mind blowing. Dave said only one soldier, Soldier F, has been charged with crimes associated with Bloody Sunday.  But when I was driving to Donegal, I heard on the radio that the British government recently passed a law to halt all prosecution of those involved in the Troubles.

    After the tour, and exploring Guildhall, I headed to Tully View, about an hour away in County Donegal.  It was raining most of the trip and once I got settled, I went to the local Spar (grocery convenience store) to get some groceries.  I wanted to just have a quiet evening and relax, which is what I did.  I met Paul, the caretaker, who is quite nice.  The guesthouse, which is attached to the main house but has a separate entrance, is quite nice but the Wifi is spotty.  The upstairs is spacious with two Queen size beds.  The stairs are steep and short.  The bathroom is on the main floor.  There was a kitchen but it was very spartan.  Still, it was nice to cook for myself during my time there.

    This morning (16 September), the weather promises to be clear so though I don’t have an agenda, I want to make the most of the day because of the weather.  Right now I’m above the Sliabh Liag viewing platform, catching up on my journal.  (Sliabh Liag is pronounced ‘Sleeve League’).  It’s beautiful but windy.  The walk has been quite nice with sheep wondering about the weird American girl, but I had to take a break from the hike.  It’s a tough one and I can tell I’m slower than I was last year.

    Alright, the wind is picking up.  Onward and upward.

    I don’t know how much further I went but I found a path upward that seemed less traveled.  I took it and was rewarded by an amazing view with comfortable solitude.  I took some photos and then noticed a little lamb below me, seeming to also enjoy the view and the solitude.  An American couple soon joined me (we arrived at Sliabh Liag at the same time but they hiked faster and higher than I did).  We talked a bit and took photos for each other then they left (they were from Cincinnati)  Another person came up and then some more people, so I decided to descend.  I had been there since 9.30a and it was almost noon.  I made my way down, bought some magnets, then headed out.

    I had been on the Wild Atlantic Way and it was nice to be on it again.  I had a map of Donegal but decided not to use it or GPS but to follow my instincts.  The guy I bought the magnets from mentioned two places to check out so I pointed the car in that general direction and started again.

    Driving in Ireland was again exhilarating but I found myself getting annoyed with timid drivers.  I’m pretty sure Irish rental cars have a special license plate indicating they are rentals and thus indicating tourists, too!  In my mind, if you are too scared to drive in Ireland, you have no business driving in Ireland!

    As I was driving along I saw billboards for a local woolen mill and decided to stop in (The Glencolmcille Woollen Mill). The shop was nice and I spied a tweed purse that I liked, but didn’t get it.  I did, however, buy a little stuffed lamb wearing a green hat.  He wanted to go home with me and as we were on our way he told me his name was Ewe-an. (I know that is technically incorrect as ewes are female, and in my prologue I renamed him Ewe-anne.  He was not pleased with this and insists he is Ewe-an.  Who am I to argue with a stuffed lamb wearing a green hat!)

    The shopkeeper seconded the recommendation of the magnet seller so I headed that way.  (I was referred to a quiet beach).  The view was stunning.  I then just made myself around the countryside, marveling at the immense beauty.  The landscape was mountainous and barren with boulders and sheep everywhere.  They were in the road, alongside the road, and everywhere in the landscape.  As I was admiring the landscape and the sheep, I thought of the Good Shepherd and how He leaves the 99 to look for the lost one.  I imagined if he was in Ireland, it would certainly be difficult to look for the lost one, because there were so many ledges and crannies a sheep could get into.  I then started thinking of the little lamb I saw on the ledge at Sliabh Liag.  A radical thought then crossed my mind.  In all my years, I’ve always pictured the Lost Lamb to be timid and afraid.  Like maybe it was running away from a predator, or simply wasn’t paying attention and fell into a cranny.  But the little lamb on the mountainside didn’t remind me of a timid and afraid lamb – it reminded me of a lamb that gave zero fucks.  Like it was done with its fellow lambs and just wanted to be alone.  In fact, when I was talking with the American couple, the lamb knew we were there, but didn’t care.  And I realized that it represented a different type of lost.  A type that had given up on the flock, like it was tired of being lost in the crowd, or didn’t feel wanted or needed. Or it was disenchanted with the policies and politics of the flock and thought it was better off being by itself.  But thank God the Good Shepherd looks for Zero Fucks sheep just as adamently as he does for Lost Sheep and Timid Sheep.  God is so good.

    I then headed to Donegal and stayed for about 30-45 minutes, walking around the center of town.  I didn’t take any photos but simply enjoyed myself.  I then headed back to Tully View.

    Tully View is OK.  The space is nice but the stairs are steep and short.  It is very lacking in kitchen usefulness as there were only bare bones amenities – not even salt and pepper.  Paul had recommended a beach to view the sunset and I decided to go since the day had been so clear.  The beach was very nice and I decided to wait an hour for sunset.  On the beach I found a Charlie rock and then found his angel wings in the form of a shell.  I became very melancholy about my whole trip.  Last year was about finding myself – finding Kelly the Brave.  But this year there is a sense of loss.  Perhaps it’s a reflection of everything that’s happened this year – Bert’s sudden death, Beth’s accident, but I am acutely aware of how lonely I am and how much I would enjoy experiencing Ireland with someone by my side.  It was a horrible realization and it still makes me cry.

    I don’t want to end this chapter on such a sad note.  I realized I never wrote about lunch.  After leaving Malin Bar, the beach that the magnet seller and woolen mills shopkeeper recommended, I headed north and ended up in Burtonport and had a wonderful lunch at the Lobster Pot.  In the past days I had covered much of County Donegal and enjoyed how beautiful the countryside was.  I think County Donegal is one of my favorite counties in Ireland

    Stay tuned for the next chapter, which hopefully will be released in less than a month!  We’re headed south to Sligo and County Mayo!

  • A Northern Path ~ Chapter Seven

    A Northern Path ~ Chapter Seven

    Originally shared with friends and family on March 17, 2024. The above photo is of a stone spiral I found near Carrowmore Beach in Ballinlena, Ireland. More photos can be found here.

    Happy St Patrick’s Day!  A perfect day to share another chapter of my travel journal, A Northern Path.

    As a reminder, words written in italics represent the original travel journal. Plain text words are edits for clarification within the original journal or post travel thoughts.

    Make sure you check out my photos, which can be viewed here. Click on ‘A Northern Path ~ An Irish Adventure Continues’.  Also, the photos will have more information about  the sights than what I’ve written in my travel journal.  I’ve also geotagged the photos so if you are inclined to see where exactly I was, you can select the little ‘i’ button on the bottom right of the photo, then select the map.  Some photos I don’t remember exactly where I was.  The newest photos start on page five of the gallery.  

    Chapter 6 ended on a sad note.  I was missing Chuck immensely and had a lot on my mind.  Hopefully, Chapter 7 is much happier.  Let’s jump in!

    Today is Sunday 17 September 2023, and I stopped in Sligo for lunch.  Irish Pot Roast with mixed veg and mashed potatoes.  And Smithwicks on tap!

    After I left Tully View (in County Donegal), I headed South.  The weather was grey and drizzly but I stopped on my way to Ballinlena to get a better view of a castle that I saw off the beaten path.  I turned off the main road and saw a lot of cars parked on the side and thought I must be close to the castle.  I pulled over and parked, then started walking.  I met a man and he recommended that I walk across the dunes to the beach.  It was nice, weather wise, as the rain had stopped, so I took him up on it.  I walked down the lane and came across a soccer game.  I stopped and watched for a bit then headed to the beach.

    I opened the gate as indicated and soon saw a bunch of cows who were resting nearby.  Some of them paid me no attention but others were very curious about the American who was saying ‘good morning’ to them and walking towards the beach.  The beach itself was beautiful.  Completely deserted and revealing a nice view of the castle.  I laughed at myself because although a lot of travel blogs mentioned Ireland’s beaches, I didn’t seek them out as I’m a mountain girl, but here I was on my second beach in two days!

    I had a nice talk with God about a lot of things.  (The ocean is so therapeutic!) In some ways, this is a much different trip than last year.  Yesterday especially during sunset, I was feeling so lonely, but if it is God’s will for me to remain . . . independent, then that’s what I’ll be.  It’s funny – balancing my will and decisions with God’s will.  But I know God’s will is so much better than what I would ever dream of!  On a side note, I recently realized that attracting a man is not a problem – it’s willing to put up with their bullshit that makes me pause!  Apparently, my ideal male has four legs and purrs!

    After leaving the beach and taking photos of the castle, I drove to a different viewpoint of the castle and found a memorial to a man who lived in a cottage near the castle.  He was poor and had to burn his own furniture in order not to freeze.  He died and the villagers were saddened that he died alone, and made a memorial to him and to the poor.

    The castle that I was shooting was Castle Classiebawn – a castle that was on my list to see.  It was very beautiful.

    I then made my way down to Sligo and had a very good lunch and caught up on my journal (see above for the lunch description).  Then, with a full belly, I headed to Sunset View (really called Sunrise View B&B, but throughout my journal I called it Sunset View for some reason.  I will not correct the mistake from my journal, but just remember it’s Sunrise View, and I highly recommend it if you ever find yourself in County Mayo).

    It was a mix of rain and mist all day so no sunset at Sunset View.  Still, the place is very nice and I have a huge bathroom with a jacuzzi tub all to myself.  The hostess is incredibly kind and I would stay here again.  I decided to stretch my legs and went for a little walk.  But the rain and wind picked up so I headed back.  I gave myself a nice soak in the tub and had a facial mask.  Pure relaxation.

    Monday, 18 September

    I’m currently in Downpatrick Head on a surprisingly clear day.  It’s gorgeous – fearocious winds and waves but so peaceful.  I’m off exploring and will shut off GPS again.

    (R314-R313-N59-R319) Those are roads that I jotted down in my journal as I mapped a route.  N roads are national roads, usually two to four lanes, R roads are regional roads, usually two lanes and L roads are local roads, usually the ones that look like alleys!

     I cheated a little and had the GPS available but I didn’t really need it.  I was more concerned about running out of gas than I was getting lost.  My route took me on the R314 to L1204 to R313 to N59.  I got gas in Mallaranny then headed to the White Cliffs of Ashleam.  The road to the White Cliffs was covered with sheep and I regretted leaving Ewe-an at the B&B.  Sheep were everywhere – even resting on the road!  The cliffs were beautiful but it was so windy!  I stayed there for about 30 minutes then headed out.  I was going to go to another cliff (the Cliffs of Croaghuan), but it had started raining so I turned around.  I also wanted to go to the woolen mill my hostess recommended, but it was an overpriced disappointment.  It was about 4.30-445 and though I wasn’t overly hungry, I wanted to get some hot food into my belly.  I searched restaurants on Google and noticed a pub with a 5 star rating and headed to it, only to find that it was inside a hotel!  Still, by then, I *was* hungry so I sat down.  I ordered a Smithwicks and Seafood Chowderand it was amazing!  Last year I hiked near the Cliffs of Moher and though I didn’t go there properly, I much preferred the serenity and peacefulness of the White Cliffs of Ashleam in County Mayo and Sliabh Liag in County Donegal.

    I got back to the B&B around 6pm and at 7pm decided to go for a walk towards the beach.  I happened along a spiral stone circle and was captivated by the waves crashing into the shore.  I then spied a trail and Kelly the Brave turned into Kelly the Idiot as I thought it was a good idea to walk along the cliffs at dust on an unmarked trail that was slick with rain and mud.  I had a slip that put some sense into my thick head and turned around!

    Tomorrow I’m heading to Kylemore Abbey.  It’s crazy that I only have a few more days here.

    I have a hard time deciding if I prefer County Mayo or County Donegal.  I guess I’ll have to return for more research on the subject!

    Thanks for reading and Happy St Patrick’s Day

  • A Northern Path – Chapter Eight

    A Northern Path – Chapter Eight

    Originally shared with friends and family on November 27, 2024. The above photos is a Silly Selfie of me on the grounds of Kylemore Abbey. More photos can be found here.

    It was NOT my intention to wait eight months between chapters, and I do apologize.  I had an unplanned move in a short time frame which took up most of my summer, then spent autumn settling in and trying to turn a weed patch into a garden. 

    As a reminder, words written in italics represent the original travel journal. Plain text words are edits for clarification within the original journal or post travel thoughts.

    Make sure you check out my photos, which can be viewed here. Click on ‘A Northern Path ~ An Irish Adventure Continues’.  Also, the photos will have more information about  the sights than what I’ve written in my travel journal.  I’ve also geotagged the photos so if you are inclined to see where exactly I was, you can select the little ‘i’ button on the bottom right of the photo, then select the map.  The newest photos start on the bottom of page six of the gallery.  

    Chapter 7 ended after a day of exploring County Sligo and County Mayo, and I was heading to Kylemore Abbey the following day.

    19 September, Leenane

    This morning, I got up at 7am and took a shower.  I had reserved breakfast for 8.30 and I was hungry.  Breakfast the day before was so good – sausage, beans, bacon, white pudding, toast, and two fried eggs – one chicken and one duck.  It was fabulous, except for the beans – very ketchupy.  Today I had the same, but no beans.  I got an extra sausage instead.

    There was another guest who had checked in and was joining me for breakfast.  His name was Richard and he was Australian-American from LA.  He had the gift of gab.  His stories weren’t uninteresting, just long winded.  And he interrupted a lot.  I absolutely hate being interrupted, especially by a man!

    Connacht Whiskey – check it out (written in the margin)

    Check out was at 11am and I was keen to get to Kylemore Abbey sooner rather than later.  I finally pulled myself away and was on the road around 11am.

    Of all the places that I’ve stayed at, so far Sunset View is my favorite.  Michaela the hostess was very welcoming and the room was incredibly comfortable.  I had a huge bathroom for myself as well.  I would definitely stay here again.

    Tully View was the most disappointing.  It was very sterile and though Paul was friendly enough, it didn’t seem comfortable, although the bed was very comfortable – probably the best bed this trip.  I’m surprised that it got raving reviews because the kitchen was so depleted of items (not like Mitzen View from last year). 

    The trip to Kylemore was two hours.  It started raining buckets and I could tell it was very windy outside.  Happily, though, by the time I got to Kylemore Abbey, the rain had subsided.  I parked and after getting my ticket settled, decided to go to the gardens as it wasn’t raining.  The gardens were quite nice with both fruits and vegetable beds, along with flower beds.  It was a great source of inspiration.  The grounds were quite nice and the wind howled on the mountain above but didn’t reach me.

    I then went into the main house but wasn’t overly impressed,  Biltmore, Versaille, Kylemore – you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.  Still, if I had the opportunity to see the Downton Abbey house I would probably jump at the chance.

    I then walked around and found myself by the private church.  It was beautiful and had the most stunning crucifix I had ever seen.  I’m still weird about taking photos inside a Catholic Church and didn’t, but I really wish I had.

    I then walked along a pathway hoping it would loop to a view of the Abbey, but it didn’t.  By now, it was about 3.15p and though I had already been by the gardens, I had seen a posting about the ponies being fed at 3.30p.  I got in line for the shuttle as it would be quicker than walking. (I initially took the shuttle to the garden because it was there, but walked back to the house).  While I was waiting, I struck up a conversation with an American couple from St Louis.  They got to Ireland on Sunday and are staying until early October.  They flew Aer Lingus but didn’t have a good experience with them (I don’t think Dr Hill had a good experience with them either).  Anyway, as we were talking, it started raining buckets again.  I stayed long enough to see the ponies being fed (Snowy and Egie) then headed back.

    My last stop was the gift shop.  I certainly helped the Irish economy!

    I checked into Leenane Hotel, which I passed on the way to Kylemore Abbey.  It’s a lovely hotel but I’m sure I’m one of the youngest guests here!  I’ve run into lots of German and French tourists, especially at the abbey.

    The hotel offers breakfast as part of the package and has a pub connected to it.  As it was such a rainy day, I fancied something warm to eat and a pint.  After I brought all of my luggage in, I had to laugh that I had so many bags with me – four for one person!  But the pink one is only half full.  I need to rearrange everything before my flight home and hopefully everything will fit!  My master plan is to check the pink bag again with my backpack in it and have the small carry-on and my Bento bag as my personal item.  (On my flight to Dublin, I nested the carryon in the pink checked bag and had my Bento bag and backpack).

    Anyway, I came down to the pub and got a table by the fireplace and ordered a Smithwicks.  Then later for dinner I ordered the Irish stew and it was amazing!  Perfect dinner for a rainy day.  I will sleep well tonight!

    After dinner I was writing in my journal when I decided to invite an old man who was sitting by himself to join me.  His name is Vince Kerrigan and is very nice.  He seems like a local fixture as he knows a lot of the other old men who trickled in.  Now, his friend Joseph has joined us.  In ten minutes, local music will play in the lounge and I’m curious about it (It was good initially until they did a Maroon 5 cover!)

    Drive on Louisburgh Rd next time, according to Joseph.   Oh, and Vince said I looked 35!

    Why do I feel guilty about buying Irish earrings for myself?  I love Mom’s earrings so much but they are getting more and more fragile.  I almost lost one of them twice this trip – once on the plane!  I would be devastated if something happened to them.  Still, I feel guilty, like I’m replacing her by wearing different earrings, which is utter nonsense.

    Tomorrow I’m off to my castle.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

  • A Northern Path – The Final Chapter

    A Northern Path – The Final Chapter

    Originally shared with friends and family on January 5, 2026. The above photo is of some thistles I saw on the side of the road in Northern Ireland. Additional photos can be found here.

    I had really hoped to have wrapped this up by New Year’s but time got away from me.  But good news!  Santa was good to me and I now have the capability to download photos and update my journal in real time!  So another trip to Ireland is needed!

    As a reminder, words written in italics represent the original travel journal. Plain text words are edits for clarification within the original journal or post travel thoughts.

    Make sure you check out my photos, which can be viewed here. Click on ‘A Northern Path ~ An Irish Adventure Continues’.  Also, the photos will have more information about  the sights than what I’ve written in my travel journal.  I’ve also geotagged the photos so if you are inclined to see where exactly I was, you can select the little ‘i’ button on the bottom right of the photo, then select the map.  The newest photos start in the middle of page seven of the gallery. 

    Chapter 8 ended with a full belly of Irish stew, Smithwicks and conversation with two lovely locals.

    20 September ~ Leenan 

    My stay in Leenan Hotel was nice but I definitely was one of the youngsters!  This morning, I had a huge Irish breakfast and watched the rain and mist cover the mountains.  Now, it appears to be clearing up so when I leave I might hunt for that secret forest castle.  (I found out about a ‘secret forest castle’ after I went back to my room for the evening.  I was plotting my course to Lough Rynn Castle when I stumbled upon mention of it).

    Later. . . 

    The secret forest castle remains a secret.  I think I got to the right coordinates, vague as they were, but there was a locked gate and a private property sign posted.  I think if I had Amy with me I would have been more daring.  I’ll just have to bring her next time.

    The road trip to the secret forest castle was so incredibly beautiful – probably  one of the most beautiful drives I’ve had.  Lots of mountains, green pastures, sheep, wild streams and valleys (R336 to L1301)

    I then drove to Lough Rynn Castle, with the intention of walking around the grounds until I could check in (I got there around 2.30p and check in was at 3pm).  But to my joy, I was able to check in early!  I didn’t get the same room as last year (as I had hoped) but was placed closer to the restaurant and had access to a pretty private courtyard, where I am now.  At first, I didn’t really like my room as I felt exposed (there are huge glass windows on opposite sides but curtains to draw for privacy), and felt the room was too ordinary for a castle.  I went on a short walk around the grounds, completely not seeing the ‘please stay off the grass’ signs, mulling over if I should ask for a different room in the castle itself.  But when I returned to it, I decided I liked it after all.  It’s different, of course, from last year’s room as it isn’t in the castle proper, but besides not having a four post bed and a soaking tub, I like it.  It’s spacious and private, and I don’t have to contend with luggage and stairs!

    I have dinner reservations at 7pm but I forgot what time breakfast is.  Check out is at 12pm and I intend to check out as late as I can!

    Tomorrow I’ll drive back to Dublin and drop off my car (I need to remember to take a photo of it).  It’s been a good little car but I’m not sure I’ll use Budget again.

    I saw a rainbow today!  A fitting end to a wonderful Irish Adventure!

    Though this trip is a lot different from last years, I’ve enjoyed myself immensely.  Yeah, it sucked that it rained so frequently but I can’t let the weather dictate if I have a wonderful vacation or not.  It just means I need to come back!  And even if the weather was perfect like last year, I would still want to return to Mayo and Donegal.

    I think it’s going to rain buckets any moment now.  Yep, but a gentle rain.  The temperature drop is at least 5 degrees, too.  Heading inside.

    When I check into the Dublin airport hotel, I’ll have to rearrange my luggage.  I think I did very well, packing wise, for this trip.  There was only one shirt that I haven’t worn (a T-shirt).  I’ve worn both my jackets, both hats, my towel that I wore as both a scarf and a wrap.  There really isn’t anything that I brought with me that I haven’t used or needed.  Good job, Kelly!  Oh, the bubbles.  Because it was either rainy or incredibly windy, I couldn’t blow bubbles.

    As I’m treating this as my last ‘real’ night in Ireland, I had dinner at the Sandstone again (the castle’s formal restaurant).  It was amazing.  I had seared tuna, a sorbet palate cleanser, Irish beef fillet with mashed potatoes, carrots and broccoli, and a cherry chocolate cake.

    The last couple of days I’ve been caught up in tour groups.  It’s a strange feeling because I know going on a tour would never be Dad and Betsy, Beth and Randy or certainly me and Chuck.  But good news today – Beth was released from the hospital today!

    Some final thoughts:

    Best breakfast ~ Sunset View

    Best meal ~ TIE ~ Lough Rynn Castle dinner and Steak and Guinness Pie with Smithwicks on tap in Derry

    Best day ~ Belfast and seeing Annas and Paul Black

    Best moments ~ sheep on the roads!

    Best surprise ~ meeting Joyce and David

    Best purchase ~ Bushmills cap

    Best memory ~ to be determined!

    Best bed ~ Tully View

    Best place to stay ~ TIE ~ Sunset View and Lough Rynn Castle

    21 September ~ Lough Rynn Castle

    My last day in Ireland (not counting the travel day).  It’s a beautiful day so after breakfast before I pack up, I’ll take another walk.  Again, I want to stay here as long as I can, as close to check out as possible before I leave.

    I purposely didn’t set the alarm this morning and slept in until 8.30!  It was good to sleep in.

    Warm croissants and butter – lovely.  My last Irish breakfast.  Last year, Paul (I think his name was), the B&B manager at Bunratty, not my friend Paul Black, recommended having the roasted tomato with the pudding (the tomato on top of the pudding) and it is quite good.

    So many thoughts are going through my head.  Gratefulness for being able to return to Ireland again, sadness that my trip is ending, the loneliness and melancholy that underlies my being, the joy of soon being united with E2 (Elliot and Eleanor)

    I’m now sitting in the courtyard.  My rollers (luggage) are in the car but I still have to gather my backpack and my Bento bag.  Still, it’s nice to sit out here.  I’m going to spend the next 30 minutes blowing bubbles.

    There’s something especially magical about blowing bubbles and listening to ‘Orphee’s Return’ by Philip Glass and contemplating big questions and thoughts.

    Orphee’s Return

    21 September ~ Dublin

    I got to the airport hotel around 3.30p after saying goodbye to Charlie (my rental car).  I stayed here last year and the room is about the same.  I need to repack all my stuff but I’m procrastinating.  I’m trying to manage my emotions about this trip vs last year’s trip, and if I were honest, I have more of a sense of loss this time than last time.  Last year, I felt so strong and brave, but this year, I just feel so lost.  I saw beautiful things and met wonderful people and did everything I wanted to do – rain be damned.  But I think life is supposed to be shared.  It’s hard for me to admit that I’m so lonely, but I am. Of course, my emotions are going haywire today, too.  Still, I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to Ireland and can’t wait to come back.

    ~Epilogue~

    Again, for this trip, I did a lot of research and had the benefit of experience to help guide me.  Like my trip in 2022, I made my own itinerary and booked my accommodations and tickets for events through Chase Travel (using points) and Booking.com

    Unlike my 2022 trip, I checked luggage for this trip.  I use Monos luggage and have the carry-on roller and Medium size check-in roller.  The carry-on fits inside the check-in, so on my way to Ireland, I packed my carry-on roller, then packed it into the check-in roller and checked the check-in roller at the airport.  I used my backpack and Bento bag as my two carry-on items.  On the way back, I packed my backpack into the check-in roller and used the carry-on roller and Bento bag as my carry-on items.  I discovered that I’m more comfortable checking luggage than following the ‘carry-on only’ trend.  I used Apple Airtags for my luggage and Delta is very good about tracking luggage as well.  To be safe, I made sure I had a change of clothes in my carry-on items ‘just in case’, but checking luggage was a non-issue for me.  My check-in Monos bag is a pretty rose pink color, which is great to find on a conveyor belt, but can get dirty pretty quickly.  Luckily, Monos also has a luggage cover that protects the bag and is easy to clean.  The only downside of my luggage arrangement was once I removed the carry-on roller from the check-in roller, I had four pieces of luggage to handle by myself, which was a bit much in some situations.  For most of the trip, the pink check-in bag was mostly empty.  Still, my rollers are easy to navigate so that’s a plus!

    For this trip, I also purchased compression bags from Monos and was so happy with them.  I don’t feel like I over packed for my trip and the compression bags kept everything tidy and organized.

    I used Discover Cars again to hire my rental car, and wanted to use the same company as before.  But as I was traveling into Northern Ireland, Sixt car rentals didn’t have a ‘cross the border’ option, and I didn’t want to take a chance on renting with them regardless only to have something happen in Northern Ireland.  I hired my car with Budget but don’t think I will use them again.  The car was fine, though not as nice as the Peugeot from last year, but the tire pressure warning turned on as soon as I got to Newgrange.  I’m sure I would have been OK but I took it to a service station when I got to Belfast to be looked at.  The tires just needed to be topped off and the kind serviceman reassured me that there wasn’t a leak in any of the tires.  It wasn’t a big deal, and finding a service station in Belfast didn’t take me out of the way, it just took some time out of my day.  I think Budget should have checked everything before hiring out a car.

    I again flew Delta airlines, Nashville to Atlanta, then Atlanta to Dublin, then back again.  This time, I didn’t fly Comfort Plus, because I didn’t have the option to just select it for the transatlantic flights, unlike last year.  I’m too frugal to upgrade to Comfort Plus for a one hour flight to and from Nashville, so I just flew in the main cabin for all flights.  It was OK but I think Comfort Plus is worth the investment, especially for long flights.

    I discovered that transportation and accommodations are important to me.  I have a co-worker who saves money on trips by staying at the cheapest, safest place because she says it’s only a place to sleep.  But I like easing into the morning or winding down from an adventure in a nice place.  The travel experience is just as important to me as the destinations.

    Speaking of destinations, I loved Belfast!  It felt like home for me and I’m definitely returning.  I also thoroughly enjoyed Northern Ireland, and the North and West area of Ireland.  As lovely as the South and West area of Ireland is, the North is stunning.  I’ve been to Dublin three times in my life and don’t get the appeal.  It’s like visiting Toledo.  Perhaps I’m being too harsh, though.  I did enjoy Trinity College when I was there in 2022.

    This trip I gave myself more time at each destination and planned my itinerary so I could enjoy each stop.  I think in 2022 I was too ambitious. 

    I didn’t return to Ireland in 2024, largely because I had bunion surgery in January and then had an unexpected move!  But if it is God’s will, I would love to return to Ireland this year, even if it’s just staying a week in Belfast.  I’m in the very early stages of planning a longer trip for either this fall or (more likely) 2026, and I hope my friends Tara or Amy could join me next time.  It would be so wonderful to share Ireland with them.

    I know in several entries I mentioned how lonely and melancholy I was.  Although I think I will always have a little sadness around the edges, I am very happy with my life.  I have good friends and a wonderful family and I’m grateful for my health and job.  My unexpected move gifted me with a housemate who has become a close friend.  I still have some things to figure out but all is well with my soul.

    I hope you have enjoyed my travel journal.  Thank you for enduring the long delays between chapters.

    I hope 2025 is filled with happiness for each of you.

    Much love,

    ~Kelly

  • An Irish Adventure ~ Chapter Three

    An Irish Adventure ~ Chapter Three

    (Privately shared on October 9, 2022 with a select group of friends). Photo of my rental car, that I eventually named Pierre! More photos can be found here.

    As a reminder, words written in italics represent the original journal. Underlined words are edits for clarification within the original journal.  I’m also adding new notes in my journal as I share it, mostly historical information of the things I’ve seen and researched upon my return and random thoughts.  This will be represented in regular type. 

    6pm ~ New Ross 13 September

    By the Grace of God, I got to the Dublin airport without issue via the bus.  I picked up my car – again without issue.  It’s a lovely grey Peugeot that seems brand new.  I reserved a mini class car and expected a Ford Ka or similar (like Violet, my current car (Honda Fit), and was pleased to have been given an upgrade. I’ll have to check if the price is the same but I think it was.  It was not.  Joe, the car rental agent who helped me, was as smooth as Jameson whiskey and upgraded my car selection in such a way that I didn’t even notice the price difference when I signed everything.  Still, my car was very nice and I can laugh at my naivety!  I didn’t get the GPS after all as I have an Irish phone.  Obviously, there isn’t a cell phone holder but it works well enough.  Driving stick shift was second nature, though I am glad that Bob let me drive his Jeep last time I was visiting him!  Driving on the left again was second nature.  My car is smarter than I am!  It gently nudges me if it thinks I’m too far to the right or left and alerts me if it senses something near it – like the guy who crossed the street in front of me!  I suspect I cross lanes at times at roundabouts, must be careful!  A quick funny story:  I bypassed highways in Ireland and got turned around when I started off on my adventure.  Google directed me to IKEA to turn around.  I knew there was an IKEA in Dublin and anyone who knows me well knows I’m a sucker for shopping at IKEA, but before I left for my trip, I forbade myself to visit it.  I had quite the chuckle that I went there after all to turn around!  I swear I didn’t go in!

    Google sent me down the M11 though I did stray from navigation.  I saw a sign for Fern Castle and had to check it out.  I think I found it on the grounds of an old church.  I made my way back to the church and of course it had a centuries old cemetery.  I got out and spent maybe 30 minutes on the grounds – it was amazing.  And happily the weather was perfect – sunny and about 65^.  I actually ended up at the Cathedral Church of St Edan and mistook the nearby St Mary’s Augustinan Abbey as Ferns Castle.  The castle was actually a stone’s throw away from St Edan’s but I didn’t realize and never went to find it.  However, I enjoyed St Edan’s immensely.  St Edan’s was originally built in the 1230s and the original ruins are still there.  St Mary’s is older as it was founded around 1160-1162.

    When I was finished shooting the church, I saw that it was almost 4pm.  I had wanted to head to the coast but also wanted time to spend in New Ross, as I will be leaving after breakfast.  I ended up going to New Rossand checked in around 430p.  I had a bit of a scare because the door to the B&B was locked!  But I eventually saw a doorbell and was granted entry. 

    My room is quite nice – a queen and a twin sized bedswith my own private bathroom.  After I checked in and got settled, I realized that I hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast in Dublin, which was very yummy white bread with Irish butter.  My hostess, Mary I think her name is (her name is Bridget) suggested Ann McDonald’s restaurant which is just down the lane.  But she warned me that they might close early.  I grabbed my camera and went off to explore New Ross.

    My New Ross exploration was short on account of my hunger but the city (village?) is beautiful.  There is a John F Kennedy connection here and I saw a memorial to him by the river.  President Kennedy visited New Ross in the summer of 1963.  New Ross is the Irish town that the Kennedy family emigrated from.  New Ross is also the town where many Irish emigrated from during the potato famine.  New Ross is so pretty.  I went back to Ann McDonald’s and had merlot x2, lasagna, chips and red coleslaw. (I had stopped in before I went exploring to see what time they stopped serving dinner).  It was very very good.  I’m going to pay my bill and hopefully get some photos at sunset.  Or I’ll just get into jams!

    Some things of note:  I am not a light packer!  My Monos carryon is top notch but my hiking shoes take up half a side!  My boots don’t even fit in the show bags!  Overall, though, I’d give my Monos five stars.  It held up nicely on sidewalks, stairs, cobblestone and rain.  My Bento Bag thankfully is well-made because it is stuffed!  Granted, my camera takes up most of the space and I have to say a little prayer that it will zip close every time I move on.  I”m not convinced that it fits under an airplane seat as advertised, but that might be because it’s so full.  Still five stars!.  Both bags are well worth the extra money because I think they will last a long time!  Before my trip, I treated myself to new luggage.  Whenever I visited Bob in Florida, I usually packed my backpack and a soft canvas bag, and wanted something nicer for my Ireland trip.  After many hours of research, I decided to purchase the Monos Carry On Pro bag.  It is a hard sided rolling carry on that is very structured, organizationally, and comes with a lifetime guarantee.    It’s the perfect size for overhead bins and even though my hiking boots took up a lot of space, it holds a lot of clothes.  It also held up nicely being thrown into the car, the bins in the airplane and on rough surfaces.  For my personal item bag, again after a lot of research, I selected the Nomad Lane Bento’s Bag.  Again, it is very well organized but most importantly for me, I felt safe keeping my camera equipment in it.  I took my Nikon D750 with me to Ireland and wanted something to keep my gear safe, without looking like a camera bag (and a potential target for theft).  The bag is very well made, with a strong zipper, and lots of pockets to keep one organized.  It only comes with a one year warranty, but it’s so well made and convenient, that I’m sure it will become my ‘go to’ bag for long weekend trips.  There were cheaper options for both bags, but I nabbed both of them on sale and am pleased with my choices.

    13 Sept – evening

    After a second glass of Merlot, I was off chasing the sunset.  I had noticed a beautiful church on my first walkabout and headed towards it, hoping to catch it in the setting sun.  Once I got there, I realised there was a service called Invitation.  A lovely lady invited me in, so I sat down on a pew and prayed.  It was a lovely service – very simple and moving.  It was just people praying in the pews.  A few people lit candles.  At the end there was a short group prayer then dismissal.  The woman who invited me in checked on me because I was emotional (duh) and said I was welcomed any time.  When I got outside, I took some photos and saw a man walking out.  I told him he was blessed to be able to worship in such a beautiful place and we got to talking.  His name was Dennis and in the end he gave me a keychain he got from Jerusalem that had been blessed by a priest.  It was incredibly thoughtful and generous and he shall always remain in my heart.

    A quick Google search revealed that the Church was St Mary and Michael Catholic Church which opened in 1210!  The service was Adoration, not Invitation.

    St Mary and Michael Catholic Church was built in 1894 and opened in 1902.

    Also, New Ross has cats!

  • An Irish Adventure ~ Chapter Four

    An Irish Adventure ~ Chapter Four

    (Privately shared on October 29, 2022 with a select group of friends). The above is a black and white photo of the Rock of Cashel. More photos can be found here.

    Sorry I’ve been neglectful in sharing my Irish Adventure with you. I have *a lot* of photos to cull through.  But here is the newest chapter, for your enjoyment.

    As a reminder, words written in italics represent the original journal. Underlined words are edits for clarification within the original journal.  I’m also adding new notes in my journal as I share it, mostly historical information of the things I’ve seen and researched upon my return and random thoughts.  This will be represented in regular type. 

    14 September ~ New Ross

    A feast for breakfast!  Coffee (French pressed!), orange juice, dollar size pancake with two blueberries and two strawberries, breads (white and nut) then the main course, a traditional Irish Breakfast!  Two mushroom caps, runny egg, hash brown, two linked sausages, one black pudding, one white pudding and two slices of ham. Then to top it off, fruit with berry yogurt and granola.  If I have to eat again, I’m a glutton!

    14 September ~ Cobh

    After I packed up the car, I headed to Waterford to the House of Waterford Crystal Museum.  I got turned around in town and had to regroup to find a parking lot that took a credit card.  I found a lot but accidentally almost pulled out in front of someone!  My car wasn’t happy with me.

    The tour of the factory was amazing!  I’ve always liked glass blowing but this is next level!  Oh, I forgot to mention, after I parked, a woman approached me and gave me her parking ticket that still had over two hours on it!  The Irish are so incredible!  The tour guide’s name was Mary (for sure) and she was fabulous.  I ended up staying a little over an hour there but sadly didn’t leave with any crystal.


    I searched out a gift shop to get my obligatory magnet and asked the shop girl if she thought I had enough time to run to Cashel before going to Cobh.      By this time, it was almost 1pm.After some thought, she said if I didn’t go, I would regret it.  So I went and I was so happy I did.

    A note about my car.  I’ve named him Pierre and am convinced that he thinks I’m an idiot!  He has to remind me when to shift (which is actually nice, even though at times I disagreed with him), as well as nudge me when I wander in my lane,  Best of all, I’m able to link my phone into his navigation system, so no more looking at a tiny screen when I’m driving.

    The drive to Cashel was nice and the scenery was breathtaking.  I’m so glad I got a car and am going on back roads, even though most roads are narrow and the speed limit is high!  It’s so crazy to see a ruin in the middle of a field.  They seem to say, ‘Don’t mind me, I’m just a 900 year old ruin in a field.  Carry on!’

    Cashel was AMAZING!  I’m so glad I decided to go.  David was the tour guide and was fabulous.  The Rock of Cashel was the seat of the kings of Munster.  According to legend, St Patrick came to the Rock of Cashel to convert King Aenghus to Christianity.  Brian Boru was crowned High King at Cashel in 978 and made it his capital.  In 1101, the Rock of Cashel was given to the Church.

    It’s well past midnight so even though I have lots more to report, I should go to bed.

    A black and white photo of the Rock of Cashel