Ireland Day 5: Rain, Sun and Dingle

We did not expect the gift from Mother Nature.

Twas raining, and the forecast said the rain would fall all day.

 

Happily, the skies opened up, the rain stopped and the sun came out just as we rounded the bend to start seeing one of the most beautiful sights in all of beautiful  Ireland.

Let’s just say the hillsides along the ocean in the Dingle Peninsula are iconic Ireland:  rugged rock formations, set off by sloping deep green fields separated by hedges and dotted with white sheep.

It’s breath-taking, natural magnificence at its best.

And, when the sun suddenly shoots through the clouds, it’s even better.

Our day began with a filling and tasty breakfast here at our B n B in Kenmare.  Then, we climbed in the car and drove to the downtown Quill Department Store which features souvenirs, gifts, woolens and other wear.

I needed a raincoat.  After a few minutes, I found one, so we were off to Dingle for the day. As we drove along and the rain intensified, Bill talked about bringing his rain pants. 

Dah, I thought.  I could have done the same.  After stepping out of the car to take some rainy-day photos of instant waterfalls shooting down the hillsides and climbing back inside covered with raindrops, I thought, “I should have done the same.”

So, I suggested we stop at another store in Killarney and add to my rain ensemble, which now included the coat and the Seattle Sombrero, which I had actually thought to stuff into my suitcase before leaving home.

Well, that shop stop turned into a total fiasco.  

Turns out the department stores in Killarney have no rain pants.  I have a feeling they’ve been asked because the answer of “no” comes almost immediately.

In one case a nice lady from Klamath Falls, Ore., who had expatriated to Ireland 11 years ago, offered to take me to a sporting goods store. 

Well, Bill was in the car, driving around looking for a parking spot.  So, was my cell phone.  My new friend and I walked for a couple of blocks, then she pointed down the sidewalk, told me where I’d find the store and headed off to her car.

Once I arrived, a nice gentleman told me there were no sporting goods stores there. So, I scurried back to where Bill had dropped me off.  Happily, it was only ten minutes before he appeared on the sidewalk down the block.

Off we went, casting aside the urgency of rain pants.  We had a Dingle Peninsula to see.  Along the way, we stopped at Inch Strand (Beach) where we have stopped and walked the shore before AND where good seafood is served.

This time, just a walk.  Further on down the road, we made a pit stop and learned a wonderful story from the owner about how a Native American tribe had helped the Irish during the devastating potato famine of the mid-1800s.

 He told us the Irish have held great appreciation for the tribe ever since.

It’s a touching and meaningful story, indeed.

 

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/choctaw-generosity-to-famine-ireland-saluted-by-varadkar-1.3424542

Our convenience store friend also shared with us an old Irish proverb about the rain:  if you can see the hills, the rain is coming; if you can’t see the hills, the rain has come.

That seemed true enough, as the windshield wipers kept pretty busy until we reach the town of Dingle.  Happily, the rain let up a bit so we could walk around town.

Later, we moved on, and, later, that rain stopped and made way for the sun.  Once again we could see the hills, and we were happy.

At one point, we pulled out our trekking poles and made our way up a hillside covered with “bloomin’ heather” and offering, with each step, even more spectacular views, where at one point, we could even make out the ghostlike outline of Skelig Michael from “Star Wars” fame.

 

Bill, Annie and I had taken a boat trip out to the island two years ago and actually got to stand on it, so it was nice to see it again, even from afar.

It was also nice to be the only two "old farts" or even young ones hiking up that spectacular hillside.  

Later, with sun still shining we stopped at a little Gaelic village where the "Star Wars" influence is apparent, with two favorite characters, crafted from tire scraps, standing on a sidewalk.

We also visited the local Catholic church where the door is unlocked, items are for sale, and you just put the right amount in the box.   

Amazing and refreshing----just like old times.

I also lit another candle for America at this church.  

Seems like a nice thing to do in this magic land; maybe some of the magic and majesty of America will return if we send our best thoughts in quiet ways.

The day was topped off before the long drive home with another wonderful meal at Murphy’s Pub in downtown Dingle.  

Annie and I dined there on my first trip to Ireland about seven years ago.  And, Bill seemed to approve, as he recommended the place to a young couple who were shopping around for their dinner venue.

Another great day with another gift of memories of friendly people, great food and phenomenal scenery.

Happy Tuesday. 

Off to see another recent "expatriate" from Sandpoint today!