Ireland 2021: Day 8

 

We've hardly spent any time in Clifden, and we're heading up the road today for Malin Head, northernmost point in the Republic of Ireland.

Seems that island hopping takes time away from some of the basics of our Irish adventures, specifically moseying around the towns where we stay.

And, Clifden has always been one of our favorites.  We'll spend a few minutes in town this morning before getting on the road.

Visiting two of the Aran Islands has added a new dimension to our experiences, and we've added some new sights and experiences to our travel memories.

Yesterday a steady and WET rain kept us pretty much inside---local stores and The Bar, a pub where the locals hang out and the "turists" like us come and go.

 We came and stayed for several hours after walking through punishing rains from our ecopod to town.  No, we did not sit and drink. We simply enjoyed watching the action on a rather quiet day at The Bar.

We knew that my friend, Mary, whom I'd met briefly a few years ago, would be coming whenever she finished her rounds on the island as a caregiver. 

Time spent at The Bar provided us the opportunity to meet  and get acquainted with Bridie, our server who has been associated with the establishment for 19 years.   

Bridie's Baptismal name is Bridget, a very common Irish name and one I've seen several times in the minimal ancestry study I've done. 

It was once again a pleasure to spend time with one of the locals who offers an extra touch of care and friendliness to everyone who comes through the door. 

Bridie liked my bling hat so when we did the local pub photo op, she wore it. 

The wait for Mary was well worth the time, especially knowing how soaked to the gills we could have been had we not stayed inside the pub. 

It doesn't matter who you talk to on the island, they know and love Mary.  She's just amazing, one lady said, while another said she's probably the most admired person on the island. 

Mary's an engaging spitfire with a quick wit and filled with compassion and warmth for everyone she meets. 

It was neat to learn that she's actually an American citizen, having spent several years in her young adult life in Boston, a place she truly loves. 

As her family grew, Mary and her husband decided to move back to the island so the kids could experience the rich and unique childhood of her native land. 

Mary works seven days a week at the home for the elderly and as a caregiver to individuals around the island. 

She is truly a gem, and we were thrilled to spend some time with her.  We were also fortunate to meet two of her three daughters, Kaytlin and Verona. 

Thanks, Mary, for the fudge and your friendship.

At 5 sharp, the ferry departed Inis Mor, and we were back on the mainland, where more than enough rain was still falling.  Bridie had warned us to be careful on the road because of fog and flooding.

She was correct.  By 7 or so we were back here at Sharamore where we'll be saying good bye to Sue and John today. 

Such wonderful, fun and interesting hosts.  Of course, one learns in life never to really say good bye, so we'll just plan for the next time we meet.

Off to some new adventures and some familiar but beautiful features of Ireland.  

Stay tuned, and Happy Friday.

Mary Ratcliffe, a favorite among the residents of Inis Mor in the Aran Islands. 

Mary, her daughter Verona and Bill.

Our friend Bridie, who runs an efficient and friendly operation at The Bar at Kilronan, the main village on Inis Mor. 

Spending some quality time with the locals like Mary and Bridie provides one of the most treasured aspects of travel.  

New friends and probably friends for life.  Can't beat that.
 

I took the photo below at The Bar where this lifeboat model sat on the counter.  I knew our host John who works with the lifeboat rescue group would appreciate it.