Ireland 2026, Day Three

 

It's the Irish countryside, and when you come to this country, to say there's an abundance of such scenes is a total understatement. 

It's all especially stunning when the sun is shining as it did for most of our drive from Kildare to Clonmel in County Tipperary yesterday.  

We enjoyed a rather leisurely drive to a place where we've never stayed before.  

I was amazed at the size of Clonmel.  So much of the time we drive along the outskirts and have no idea what lies down those freeway exits.  Kinda like the mountains of Idaho--you must drive the back roads to see the real story of any place. 

Bill and I love doing that, and I do draw a parallel between taking off down an Irish side road with heading up some mountain road back home.  

Always something new to see.  

So, we spent the night at the Talbot Hotel in Clonmel where weddings were happening and a comedian was stroking people's funny bones.  

We participated in neither, but we knew “straight away” that this hotel is a busy place. 

Our drive was sprinkled with some neat stops. One occurred at the Lord Bagenal Hotel at Leighlinbridge, not too far from Kilkenny.  When we stopped at a gas station to use the restroom, the clerk directed us to the hotel across the street.

What an experience, just to go to the bathroom! It’s an elegant place with lots of beautiful art and flowers and chandeliers and an amazing collection of horse racing/ eventing photos.

Willie Mullins, an esteemed jockey and trainer of Grand National and Cheltenham winners, often celebrates his victories at the hotel, so the collection is both historic and amazing.

I spent some time just sitting on a couch admiring the sun room and playing the “guest” role, even if I had just come to use the bathroom. 

Later, when we drove through Stoneyford, like clockwork, Fred Malzard happened to be outside his pub.  

This is the second such happening on our visits to this small berg outside of Kilkenny.  It’s as if Fred knows we’re coming to town, and he wants to be there to greet us with “Welcome home.” 

Fred is, indeed, a prince of a man.

We visited briefly with Fred, whose pub has won some national awards.  Then, we went on our way, stopping occasionally at churches.  

Yesterday was a day of mixed emotions because back home, family members were attending a funeral for one of our extended family members (my brother Mike’s brother-in-law Mike Thompson).

My mission yesterday was to light a candle in Mike Thompson’s honor.

Finally, when we arrived at the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Clonmel, the doors were open, and we spent some quality time inside the church.  I lit several candles because it’s been a sad time recently with the loss of friends.

Our hearts were in Sandpoint yesterday as well as Ireland, and we were sad to miss the service but glad to spend some time reflecting. 

Today we head for Kenmare where we’ll stay four days in a lovely cottage where we’ve stayed before.  We are looking forward to settling in and not having to pack bags for a few days.

Stay tuned, and enjoy the photos. 

Bill has begun his marathon of eating fish and chips through Ireland. 

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Clonmel, Ireland. 

The boys of hurling on their way to the deli. 

To my friend  and neighbor Colleen:  some of this tea will come your way. 

I love this photo, sent to me yesterday from home. 

It's part of our family who were in Sandpoint to attend Mike Thompson's funeral. 

Daughter-in-law Debbie, our son Willie, our niece Maureen, her mom Mary Thompson Brown, niece Laura, my sister Barbara, my brother Mike and my sister Laurie. 

We weren't all there, but the family was well-represented. 

RIP, Mike Thompson and hugs to his wife Corky.