Ireland on the brain.

Here are some of my reflections from our (too) short time there:

GREEN.

Yes, Ireland is very green. Surprisingly, there was also a lot of yellow bushes blooming everywhere, purple mountains, and various gorgeous blues. But lots of green, due to the following:

RAIN.

It is also true that it rains a TON. As you will see in the photos, they sky was frequently gray! Actually I stitched together this great panoramic shot of the Galway sky… blue in one corner, storm clouds in the other! It would pour for 20 minutes, then the blue sky would return for an hour. If you foolishly thought the weather had passed and ventured out, you would likely get caught in another rainstorm! The difference between Ireland and Michigan is that there it rains in spurts and everyone can go back to their business, while here it is grey and rainy for days on end.

OLD.

Many of my photos are of old and ancient Ireland. Actually, Ireland is very vibrant and young, especially in larger cities. However, it’s difficult to whip out your camera in the middle of massive (and fast-moving) crowds of people to showcase modernity in Ireland. It is, however, a marvelous and sometimes crazy blend of old and new.

GUINNESS.

Yes, dear husband Kevin did try Guinness in Ireland. He had to. He didn’t like it in the states, but our taxi driver, a fourth generation Dubliner, convinced Kevin that he must just try it while in Ireland. Try it he did, and a fan of Guinness was born. I, however, continue to despise the taste of beer, but I bravely tried and loved Magner’s Irish Cider (Bulmer’s in the states). Strongbow is good, but definitely not equal.

COLD.

Yes, I am wearing coats, hats, and sweaters much of the time. Ireland is chilly in spring!

DUBLIN.

Stumbling off of our plane at 8am (Ireland time), 1 am our time, with almost no sleep… that was our introduction to Dublin! We had some wonderful wanderings around the city, with wonderful food (so many fantastic vegetarian options!! Woohoo!!) and beautiful sights. Dublin is young, vibrant, and ever in motion.

CLIFDEN/CONNEMARA.

On day 3 we drove to the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise. It was perfect and sunny and warm. We headed to the Connemara region, to our B&B in Clifden. Connemara is wild and stunningly beautiful, containing the tallest mountain range in Ireland. Our B&B was in the country a bit, and was an absolutely gorgeous restored home.

GALWAY.

Ah, Galway. One of my favorite places in Ireland. It is the music and culture capital of western Ireland. This is where we experienced our first craic – we went to Crane Bar, where two musicians were hired to play. By the end of our time there, 13 musicians were playing together – fiddles, guitars, banjos, flutes, an accordion… it was absolutely heavenly. Galway is just a beautiful city, and we found a great sweater shop there too!

More stories and photos to come!!