EPILOGUE
WRITER’S BLOG - May 25th, 2019
Thinking back over our eleven days (counting flight days) in Ireland, there are so many hidden moments and moments that stand out.
We laughed until we cried, reminisced our school days, shared stories about our lives, shopped, walked for miles, ate good Irish food, stayed in some wonderful hotels and not so wonderful hotels, made new friends if only for an instant, took gobs of photos, drove around way too many roundabouts, got lost, but found real jewels of Ireland in the process, had favorite places and not so favorite places, and experienced unforgettable winks of time to add to our collection of memories.
Sparkling water could be found everywhere you went. Glass bottles sold right along with other water. No fancy names or prices, just a water choice. Served with lime, if you’re in a restaurant. In fact, when we’d ask for water, they would often say, tap or sparkling. They serve most every dish with corn sprinkled in it. We ate gourmet one minute and pizza the next - with corn.
Everyday was an adventure & something new to discover, or do. But it was the unplanned and spontaneous, awe-inspiring and funny moments that underline the wonder of wandering the Emerald Isle. Whether getting lost on a roundabout, getting re-routed through a neighborhood or down a country road; or taking the wrong trail in the Blarney Castle Garden and finding a horse cemetery, wild garlic field, an old stone icehouse, and a cave; or discovering sticky toffee pudding; or taking a side trip to the edge of the wild Connemara & Cong, it was epic!. Even the the lost baggage added an unexpected twist to the journey. We discovered that you do not need to take a lot of clothes, that you can get by with one or two shirts. Underwear? That’s a different story. You need underwear. We found replacing personal products a bit challenging, but it allowed us to experience a different side of the shopping experience - and the unexpected generosity of some. One store outright gave us hair product! Right off the shelf!
Driving took a bit to get used to, but it is the best way to see Ireland. You are your own time-setters and schedule makers. On a do over, we might consider staying in B & Bs, which offer a more intimate and cozy local feel. Except for the Arbutus in Killarney & Dromoland Castle. We’d stay there again!
take aways
Go in April, May, or June. A bit chilly, can be a little rainy, but it’s a great time of year. Bring a coat!
April/May have better travel deals.
Remember, you have plenty of time in the day to see and do things. It stays light until 9:30-!0:00PM, on average.
Rent a car. Get ALL the insurance with it, or you may find yourself leaving a $2500.00 deposit. Tack on the 10 euro a day alloy wheel scratch protection. After you drive a few roads & towns, you’ll understand why you need it.
Have a credit card for the rental car & card purchases, & debit card for getting cash. Visa is widely accepted. American Express is accepted in most places, but not all. MasterCard, not so much.
Don’t get tunnel vision with all the classic sites. Explore the wild, wonderful little villages and countryside of Ireland. There is so much more to see than the roads well traveled.
Don’t take so many snacks. We had snacks for snacks and then more snacks. By the 5th day, we were over it. Except for the M&M peanuts!
Don’t overpack. Just don’t. Resist!
Hotels have carpet. Big bags don’t roll on carpet. Don’t take a big bag.
Have ginger bread and tea as often as you can.
Stay in a castle. Spend the money. You won’t regret it.
See some Irish Dancing!
Kiss the Blarney Stone!
Eat in Pubs.
Get the Sticky Toffee Pudding, at least once.
Don’t fret the bumps in the road. It’s part of the journey.
Laugh. And laugh often.
If you have a fake knee or other body part, expect scanners, pat downs, carry-on searches, body searches, & general detainment. Plan for it and don’t let it ruin your day.
Carry a sling bag or waist bag. Carrying a shoulder purse is detrimental to shopping (always falling off shoulder) & easy to set down & forget in the hum of activity.
If you check a bag, KEEP your airline baggage claim tickets handy. Keep your boarding passes & receipts until you are home safe & sound
KNOW your booking number, especially if you have a connection on another airline, whatever the circumstance.
Get the travel insurance. Don’t think about it. Don’t weigh the risk. GET IT!
Missing/delayed baggage? File a claim right away! With the airline you arrived on.
Do reconnect with old friends. It can be surprisingly refreshing and renewable. Like a fixer-upper!
Laugh. And laugh often.
OH,
…if you go to Ireland and find the way to the Ballyglunin train station from the Quiet Man, let us know.
