Reflections

Some trips defy planning and end up as more an adventure than expected. That was this trip. Of course, we did get to most of the planned places, but discovered more surprises just stopping along the way to explore, or even getting lost.

Now that I'm home, I've been thinking back and wanted to reflect on some of those unexpected adventures and observations from the past 4 weeks.

When you arrive in a town a little earlier than expected and call your B&B to see if it's alright to check in early and they say, “Well, get on over here, I'll put the water to boil for a cuppa.” You know you've chosen the right place to stay. Thank you Margaret Deane at Novarra House in Mullingar.

When your B&B hosts are like friends and know that you are running late and won't have time to go out for dinner before you go to an evening event so they have a casserole waiting when you get back from the Aran Islands, you know they will be friends for a long time. Thank you Philip and Maura at Rosin Dubh in Spiddal.

When your B&B hosts give you a history lesson on the Inishowen Penninsula, loan you their coveted Ordinance Map of the area, and even share how to get to their “local” for great atmosphere and dinner, you know the drive up the hill past the sheep and cows was well worth it. Thank you Irwin and Olga at the Inishowen Lodge in Moville.

When your hostess takes the time to share the history of her B&B, and family, and then teaches you how to cook some tried and true Irish foods, you will always do your best to replicate. Thanks to Rita Meade at Berry Lodge at Spanish Point.

When your hostess shares the book of photographs she's published for a class she was taking, and then shares her mother's bread recipe with you, it's not something you get everyday. Thank you Majella in Rostrevor on Carlingford Lough.

When your hosts explain how he cooked his morning eggs so perfectly you know he's been formally trained. Thank you Barry at MariaVille in Cork.

These were the stand out B&Bs. There were others who were friendly and helpful, but these were a category of their own.

If you ever find yourself at the Clontarf Castle Hotel just outside of Dublin, Eric, the concierge, will take good care of you. We felt as if we were the only guests he had to deal with. He even offered me the use of the computer at his desk when the one supplied in the room was having problems.

We were referred to the Mourne Seafood House in Dundrum and saw a sign for Dundrum Castle across the street. Far be it from us to pass up a chance to see a castle. It was not on our map. So after a delicious lunch, we headed up the narrow road and found an amazing ruin that was part of a park at the top of a hill. A great place to take kids and have them play castle for a day, picnic on the grounds and just enjoy the view from the hilltop. Things like this made for exceptional adventures.

We were invited to join the “Clifden Gang” for drinks after our lunch in the town. I think they had already had a few too many. They were much to young for us! LOL Do have to say, not bad looking though!

Many thanks to our taxi driver in Derry for an amazing ride around town. Much more than we could have gotten from the bus tour we missed. The whole 24 hours in Derry was a highlight.

And to our friend and tour guide in Wexford, Michael, who was still apologizing for the weather, a note of thanks for another memorable evening and day. We will always be his LA groupies! :)

While traveling from O'Hare to Midway yesterday one large thing we noticed were the billboards. There are few, small and low to the ground ones in Ireland. At least they don't clutter the amazing views. So many cars on such huge streets, going so very fast.

Beware the portions of food they serve you in Ireland. I get the feeling they think we don't eat enough. By the time we left, I was barely eating half of what was served. Forget trying to eat a 3 course meal. An appetizer is the size of most meals here. While there were a couple of forgettable meals, for the most part, Irish food has come a long way. Locally sourced and cooked with care. Delicious.

It was a wonderful vacation. I'm exhausted, but very happy and can't wait to go back. No more touring. I'm done with that pretty much. Just a nice little cottage by the sea shore to enjoy the weather. It's going to be difficult to chose one location for that cottage. Galway, Antrim, Inishowen, Wexford, Kinsale. All great places to stay for more than a few days. :)