Twas raining really hard, and a healthy wind was blowing when we departed from the ferry into Inis Mor yesterday.
So, when A tour driver asked us if we wanted to go on an island tour and told us he would drop us off at our ecopod, we said yes. Happily, the rain had stopped by the end of our tour.
Even though we’ve been here three other times, we learned so much more about the island. Few sheep, many more cattle, a number of villages and temps rarely dipping below 32 degrees.
There’s a movie being filmed here starring Colin Farrell, called “The Banshees of Inisheer.”
We saw off in the distance a house built on a hill for the movie.
The crew is gone now but will be back in a couple of weeks to finish up, and the house will be torn down.
We stopped at an area with a cafe and some woolen and clothing stores for walking, shopping and lunch.
At a store where Bill has asked for small samples of yarn for his fly tying, we met a very accommodating Delia who knows my Facebook friend Mary.
So, she called Mary, and we agreed to try to get together today. We learned that Mary played an extra in the movie. I had already learned that her grandmother had a role in the 1934 movie “Man of Aran.” which enjoys a prominent place in island history.
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| I met Kaitlin’s mother Mary here on the island a few years ago. Our driver, John O’Donnell, told me that Mary’s daughter worked at the cafe where we had a sandwich, so, of course, I said hi. |
Our lemon drizzle cake, baked on the island, topped off dinner at The Bar last night. Just as tasty as its lovely presentation would suggest.
As a not-the-best Catholic, I do find great comfort and meaning in lighting candles for special thoughts and prayers every time we go inside an Irish church.
There is just something very powerful in the age old tradition. Hearing about the sadness and loss of life due to Covid back home, I find this practice more meaningful than ever.
For those we know who have suffered loss in our community, please know that you are in our hearts and prayers, even thousands of miles away.
So sorry and heart-breaking to learn these devastating bits of news.
Of course, we always meet new 4-legged friends in the small pastures surrounded by stone fences. The lovely lady wanted to so much to join us on our walk.
About halfway through our tour, I learned that our driver’s name is John O’Donnell. Imagine my excitement, having known John O’Donnell, a Sandpoint native, all my life.
Johnny O’Donnell graduated with my older brother Mike. He was a part of our neighborhood when we lived in town on Euclid, and he has remained a family friend ever since.
Now, imagine our excitement when we later learned that Aran Island’s John O’Donnell works with our Sharamore House B and B owner John Brittain as a lifeboat sea rescue volunteer. They’ve known each other for years.
I love the circles connected in this world, far and wide!
Kevin O’Donahoe is our host at the ecopod complex here on the island. He is a singer-songwriter, who, upon learning our last name, asked if we were connected in any way to Courtney Love.
No, we said, but our daughter Annie follows her.
Kevin has a group called Keeve. I’ve listened to some of his songs and enjoy his work and his voice. You can learn more about his work by visiting his blog or looking him up on Facebook.
We’ve had the added pleasure of meeting members of his group who are working here also.
Speaking of meeting people, I must not forget the dogs. Here at the glamping site we have met a friendly and beautiful Irish Setter named Barack.
Maybe I’ll get a photo of him before we leave.
We have really enjoyed our relaxing and quiet stay as the only residents of the ecopod village right next to the Atlantic shore. Ocean winds are brisk but also very calming.
If you wish to learn more about this island glamping, you can google Aran Islands Glamping.
And, yes, as mentioned yesterday, I thought I would not be blogging this morning. We do have an Internet connection, and, because of the computer glitch earlier this week, I’ve learned that the cell phone approach, although not the best, does work.
As I finish this post, rain is falling, Bill is reading a book, and we are both enjoying warm pastries and hot coffee in our cozy but efficiently equipped ecopod..
Life is good here
More Aran Island news tomorrow.
Happy Thursday.
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