Ireland 2026; Day Eight

 

A long day in the car translated into a shortage of highlights from yesterday, except that we once again enjoyed a stop in Adare, known for its woolens, and another fishing-oriented town near Galway, where Bill visited the rod and reel shop, and eventually arrived in Clifden, a town in Connemare, late in the afternoon.

Since it wasn’t quite time to check in at Sharamore House, we spent some time in town.

While I walked over to say "hi" to my butcher friends at Des Moran Family Butchers, Bill headed to the bookstore across the street.

It was a busy time at the butchers, so I did not stay long and went to join Bill at the book store. 

It’s a tiny place and very popular, so maneuvering amidst the displays and the people was difficult.  I chose to stand outside, and that’s when I saw a book in the display window that I would soon purchase.

It was among the best sellers and placed in a spot hard to reach.  The clerk, however, managed to retrieve it, noting that she had sold one copy in the morning and that this was the only one left.

It’s called The Serviceberry:  An Economy of Gifts and Abundance.  I have seen or heard a review of the book, and since our serviceberry bush next to the house has provided a busy scene with all the visiting birds this year,  I just had to have a copy.

I’ve read several pages and have, at least two or three times during that reading, have shared nuggets with Bill.  

It’s the kind of book where virtually every sentence is loaded with valuable thoughts to ponder---especially in these crazy times.

Can’t wait to have some time to read it to the end, which won’t take long.  It’s a relatively tiny book with an abundance of wise observations, all connected with serviceberries, of course.

After a brief visit with Sue and John, the owners of Sharamore House B and B just outside of Clifden, Sue led us to the room where “the kids” always stay.  

We settled in briefly and then drove to town for dinner at Ravi’s where live Irish music would begin at 7:30.

The place was filling up quickly when we arrived, and soon we were conversing with a Dutch couple, Bart and Liz, who live in Switzerland.

Soon after we became acquainted,  I saw Pascel walk in.  We’d met him at the Sharamore House.  He’s a neuro scientist and a farm boy from Cornwall, England, now living in Switzerland.

So, amidst the amazing banjo playing and singing and dancing (the place has a jolly, elderly gentleman who’s a fixture and who encourages dancing and clapping and having a good time), Pascel joined our group, and we tried to blend interesting conversation with lively music.

Oh yeah, dinner was good too. Bill had fish and chips, and the staff fixed me what seems to be a safe plate---chicken breast, mashed potatoes and veggies with some fresh brown bread.

Once again, it was a great evening, and we’re looking forward to visiting Ravi’s again while we’re here.

Today we leave early and drive to the ferry which will take us to Inis Mor for the day.  We’re excited because we’ll get to see some more friends who have become like family to us, so much so that our dog Bridie is named after the manager of The Bar.

Still, on a relative high here in our happy place and looking forward to keeping that state of mind going for the next several days.

Happy Friday.

Pascal and Bart

Below:  Liz and Bill

This annual competition occurs all over Ireland, and I would venture to say that it has a big impact on the colorful tidiness we see throughout the country. 

Seems like it would be a good thing to incorporate into our American culture. 

Ireland 2026; Day Seven

 

Do scroll along with this beautiful Irish classic:  the "Fields of Athenry." 

We did not make it to Dingle yesterday but did spend some quality time walking the extensive and beautifully groomed grounds of Muckross House near Killarney Lake  where Queen Victoria spent some of her “royal” quality time.

It was a beautiful day after the wild storm on Tuesday.  Both of us tended to some errands here in Kenmare. Bill did another wash, so we’re doing great in the “clean clothes” department.  There’s a laundromat right next door. 

Bill has always been a laundry man, so I’m sure the proximity does his heart good.

We’ll be off to Clifden soon and that means most of the day in the car, but we’ll go through Adair and the outskirts of Galway as well as through “the fields of Athenry.”  It’s a pretty trip with lots to see, so we’re looking forward to the drive.

Bill also did some shopping here in Kenmare, as did I.  My experience took me to the street market where I met the nicest story teller and pen craftsman named Sean O’Ceannabhain. 

He has the website for Killarney Pens.

https://killarneypens.com/

Sean uses ancient Irish woods for crafting his pens.  Being married to a forester who always admires beautiful wood, I hit paydirt with Sean.  

Bill is very difficult when it comes to the gift department because, after careful selection,  he always buys whatever he needs.

So when I found this nice man and his pens at the Kenmare street market, I felt a sense of excitement and relief that, at long last, I had found a gift the Bill would appreciate, especially with the history involved with each species of wood.

I could have visited with Sean all day, and I must say that we hit numerous topics, including his family background with Connemara ponies. 

Sean, who also trains Irish Setters, told me that his grandfather once rode a stallion bareback for several miles with seven other stallions tethered behind.  Whenever someone wanted to buy a horse on his equine pilgrimage, he sold one of the stallions.  

I also learned why yew trees are planted in Irish cemeteries and that in the past most every family in Connemara had a pony, which explains the huge five-day sale Willie, Debbie, Bill and I attended in Clifden last fall.

In my walking around town, I also encountered Clifton who was one of the singers at the Brewhouse the night before.  He’s a Kenmare native who now lives in Italy.  Clifton told me he was home on a visit.

Speaking of entertainment, Bill and I capped off our last night of live music last evening at the Brew House, listening to multi-talented Danny  Sweeney and Tracy O’Grady who is an amazing, award-winning fiddle player.

Tracy remembered me from last year, and Danny knew I liked “Country Roads” from his gig a few nights before.

So, it was truly a grand finale to our four days in Kenmare.  We also said good bye to Vince and his buddies at P.F. McCarthys and lamented not having a chance to see Mary.  Next time!

So, that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it---a truly wonderful last day in one of our favorite spots in Ireland. 

Thank you, Rosemary and Regina, our hosts here at the cottage behind the Purcell Gallery. 

Rosemary, a self-taught artist and retired marine biologist, also owns the gallery, while Regina, a trained chef, helps her out.

We love this cottage and feel like we need to make a reservation so we can come back next year.  Maybe that will happen.

For now, good bye September and Kenmare; hello to October as we head to the west coast of Ireland and more reconnections with wonderful people and places.

Happy Thursday.

Sean O’Ceannabhain

This man is from France. 

 He says this is his last week at the street market. 

Dan Sweeney has the most flexible voice and a wide array of favorite musical offerings, be they Irish or worldwide. 

His partner in last night's gig at Kenmare Brewhouse, Tracy O'Grady, also offers exceptional talent and skill as she plays her fiddle.