5/16/11

Couldn't make the post last night, just too tired. We got up at 0500 to make a transport to Dublin airport at 0600. Then it was travel all day: flight into Newark followed by a half-hour delay in taking off for KC after an hour and half layover then three hours to KC. Then unpacking, getting the dog, getting things put away, and then just collapsing. So, here is the last one.


5/14/11 Sunday, our last full day in Ireland and I really don't want it to be. It has been a wonderful trip around the island and it has given us a number if firsts, you can still accumulate them after 44 years, and wonderful time together.

We left Waterford heading north with Dublin as out destination mid-afternoon. We went through Enniscorthy and Arklow before getting to Avoca where we stopped. There is a weaving shop here that has been in business since the 18th Century and they are busier than ever. They have three looms, that are used regularly, and are well over 100 years old. But not today. Because of their age they get Sundays off. But they did have three automatic looms running full blast in another room.


Avoca is a beautiful town that may be familiar to lots of people as it was the setting for the TV show "Ballykissangel.". If you haven't seen the show, you owe it to yourself to do that. You'll have to buy it though, probably.


We then went to Glendalough. Now to get a bit of flavor of the place, listen to "St. Kevin" by The Elders. It is a very special and holy place. It has the oldest entry portal to a community in Ireland.





The ruins of the community we were looking at were build 400 years after St. Kevin's period. Probably looked a lot like your typical medieval village.

From there we drove straight through to Dublin to a hotel right across from Kilmainhum jail. In many ways it is as significant and important in Irish history, some may argue more, than the St Kevin community. This jail played an extremely important role regarding the Easter uprising of 1916. To understand the bitter-sweet aspect of it's role it may help to listen to "Grace" a song by O'Meara. It is a true story based on an event that took place in the jail surrounding the uprising.

Then we went for an evening at Guiness, learning how it is made, how to taste it, how to pour it, and drinking a few samples. This was followed by dinner and an opportunity to buy all things Guiness. It was a very intoxicating evening. Just couldn't resist the pun or the Guiness.


I really didn't want to take the tour. Freelancing is more a style I like. But, like I said, Joan can be pretty persuasive. I am glad she was. There are some definite disadvantages to be sure: have to follow a schedule, the potential for an incompatible group, limited time at locations, and constant movement. But...this was a really good choice as we were able to go to the three new places that were important to us and they were highlights. The tour director was exceptionally knowledgable and outgoing. The group was a lot of fun and, because of the tour, we went to some places and had some experiences that we would not have had on our own. It was a wonderful trip to a wonderful country filled with wonderful people.

I am going to buy another ticket for the raffle at this year's Irishfest. I sure would like to get lucky again. But, if I'm not lucky this year and you are, perhaps I'll have the opportunity to read about your trip.

Shaun and Joan McMahon

Location:Kansas City, MO