Unregistered User
(5/27/03 10:16 am)

Our Adventure-Part II

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We deedly-di-deedly-dum our way to a lovely, clematis-covered cottage in Sligo called St. Martin de Porres. Our hostess, Mary McGoldrick has the most beautiful garden in Ireland, we think. Behind the barn and gardens, are a flock of sheep and cattle. Found out that the McGoldricks are descended from the famous O'Rourke's, so of course Patrick drove out of our planned route through Yeats country to Dromohair to the O'Rourke Castle, so I could pretend they were my maternal ancesters! Then off to the Carrowmare Megolithic Cemetery. The weather is turning out nice so Patrick (not a golfer) is making phone calls on his "mobile" to a brother-in-law's friend to get us in to play golf at Castlebar,Mayo. Great fun . My Irish genes are coming out as we travel! "I see myself" I announced on the golf course as my ball went a bit astray. A member, who walked over looking for his ball, which had also gone astray, pointed to my ball. "Is it yourself, then?" he asked. George, Emmons, and Patricia, all non-Irish,are all getting a kick out of my expressions. Patrick understands! We spend the night at Salthill at Flannery's B&B, a most enjoyable experience. Phil (short for Philomema) is baking scones as we arrive! M'mm. At her suggestion we go to Tyson's Restaurant for dinner A very good choice. Nice atmosphere, good food, nicely served, and a lovely hostess. We indulge ourselves. Now it's off through the Burren-we think we've landed on the moon! We stop for lunch at Gus O'Connors in Doolin. Rainy again so Emmons can only sigh as we pass some famous golf courses. Much as I love golf, I enjoy walkingthe Cliffs of Moher in the rain more than playing golf in the rain. Our overnight is Cilleoin in Ennis. Another larger guesthouse with friendly folks. Are there any other kind in Ireland? Brogans for dinner, eating in the dining room, and ordering from the pub menu, which serves just about the same menu, but much cheaper. Now, that doesn't happen in the states! As we take the River Shannon ferry on our way to Dingle, I'm not disappointed that our van exceeds the weight limit for the Connor Pass! It's rainy again, so no golf. I'm not disappointed at all-Emmons grumbles and takes a nap at the Dingle Harbor Lodge, but as the sun comes out and Patrick takes George, Patricia and I for an afternoon drive along Slea Head, we know he'll be sorry he missed one of the most beautiful drives in all of Ireland! Loads of beauty spots, sheer drops, beehive huts, lambs, sheep and cattle. As we drive through the stream that croses the road, a mother ewe and her wee lamb oblingingly stop in the road ahead of us. This evening we treat ourselves to dinner at Doyles, where the owner's wife gives us her recipe for the best brown bread we've had so far. We're into our "routine" of having breakfast at "half-eight" as we take another scenic drive on the Ring of Kerry. Enjoyed our stops in Waterville, Kenmare-lunch at Foley's where the town folk were watching a rugby match between the French and Munster. Patrick doesn't like rugby because of its violence and I think I agree, although it's hard not to get excited when half the town is cheering! Saw fairy rings as we drove, but didn't go up close. Took Patrick's advice that it "could be" bad luck to be "disturbing" by going too close! Muckross House is another stop in Killarney and our B&B, Northwood House is lovely, in a residential area up high with a nice view of the mountains. Patrick takes Patricia and I into town and we close up the shops, then enjoy a cup of tea at a hotel and order sandwiches to go while we await Patrick's return to pick us up. We'll be going next to Kilkenny and Patrick has been talking about having us meet his wife if we'd like. We would like! By now we know all about Helen, his wife, whom he calls every day, and Helena, his grown daughter who is the apple of his eye. We kid him that he's been telling Helen horror stories about the four American characters he's been stuck with for almost two weeks!

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1509
(5/30/03 12:25 am)

Wonderful Narrative

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Hi Carol,

We are enjoying your story very much. I agree about Slea Head Drive being one of the most scenic in Ireland.

Michele

garyvol
Unregistered User
(5/30/03 5:41 am)

part II adventure

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Also am enjoying your review of the trip.
However, when my wife and I drove the Ring of K and got out and stretched at Waterville, I am not familiar with the "fairy rings" you saw of which you speak of. Can you explain them a little more.

-gary

Carol H
Unregistered User
(5/30/03 3:32 pm)
 
Part II adventure

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Gary, I'm not sure at all just where we were when we saw the fairie ring. Not in a town but spotted from the road as we were up high and it was in the valley. It was a round circle of earth surrounded by stones, said to be placed there by the fairies. I'm sure there's a more scientific reason for the placement etc. but I like the idea of the fairies better!

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1515
(5/31/03 11:08 pm)

 Forts

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Hi Gary,

There are a lot of stone forts on the Ring of Kerry. The best known is Staigue Fort. But there are others along the way. There is one near Caherdaniel and another near Cahirciveen.

Michele