Month: June 2019

June 13 – The Burren and Galway City

Started the day with a drive through a portion of the Burren, a rocky landscape that is unique. We stopped at Poulnabrone Dolmen, the oldest Megolithic monument in Ireland, for a quick picture.

Next was a quick stop for a picture of Dunguaire Castle. Ireland has more castles that all of England, Scotland and Wales.

Once we were in Galway, we stopped McDonagh’s for a fish and chips lunch. Bill again went off the diet for some of Ireland’s best fish and chips. After lunch, we had a walking tour through the old city. Galway is an old medevil city that still follows the 1600 street layout in the old city.

There was an opportunity for a little shopping before we returned to Ennis for dinner, where we were serenaded by a small traditional group that had a fiddle, concertina and harp. Afterwards, we went to the Diamond Pub, where be had a drink and Bill had a chance to play again with Blackie O’Connell. As we were having an early start the next day, we left the pub “early.”

June 12 – Aran Islands and Doolin

The highlight of today was a trip to the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inis Oirr. On the way to Doolin to catch the ferry to Inis Oirr, we took a side trip to Lisdoonvarna. Our band plays a song “Road to Lisdoonvarna.” The village is famous for a matchmaking festival every September. We had a snack at Gus O’Connor’s pub before getting on the ferry.

We were met at the dock by our guide who was a wealth of knowledge about the geology and history of the island. We climbed to a church that was dedicated to St. Kevin, the founder of the monastic order on Inis Oirr. After that, it was a climb to the ruins of a castle. The entire island is covered by small fields that are surrounded by stone walls. We had a late lunch on the island before taking the ferry back to Doolin.

The next high point was a visit to the Doolin Music House. This is the home of Christy Barry. He opens his home to show how traditional music was often played in homes. There was banter and wonderful music, plus wine and cheese.

On returning to Ennis we stopped at Cruise’s Pub, where two of the members of Socks in the Frying Pan were playing a session. We had a great time listening and we are looking forward to seeing them at this year’s Irish Fest. Tomorrow we are off to Galway.

June 11 – Killarney National Park, Bunraty Castle and Ennis

We were picked up by a horse drawn carriage and had a tour thru Killarney National Park. Had a stop at Ross Castle and strolled along the banks of one of the Killarney Lakes.

Checked out of our hotel and drove north to Ennis. Along the way we stopped at Adare for lunch and to see the village, Bunraty Castle and Folk Park.

Checked back into the Old Ground Hotel and had a lovely dinner at the hotel with the other family on the tour. Then had a special treat as we were invited to join a session at the home of the uncle of our tour guide. Had a great time playing and singing. We even had a chance to hear one of the young cousins sing a wonderful song called “Four and Nine.”

We then adjourned to a pub where Bill had a chance to sing a song and play a little with the session there. We are off to the Aran Islands and Doolin tomorrow.

June 10 – Ring of Kerry and Killarney

Forgot to include a photo of me going off the diet to have a Guinness. But we are in Ireland and it is traditional. I have been enjoying the Irish Cider here so I really have not missed beer.

Started our day today at Torc Falls. The best view was from the bottom of the falls. Took the hike up the falls to see the top, but the view from the bottom was better. The highlight of the climb was the view of Killarney Lakes.

Our guide, Robert drove us around the Ring of Kerry. The road is great and I could have driven this but with a driver, I got to see a lot more of the scenery. Had great view of The Skelligs and had lunch is a cute small coast town of Portmagee. Portmagee is near Valencia island where the Transatlantic cable made landfall in Europe. Before we went back to our hotel, we stopped at the Gap of Dunloe, where got up close and personal with two horses.

Ended the day with a little dinner in Killarney and a little shopping, mostly looking, before adjourning to Murphy’s Pub for some music. Bill played for about 2 hours and got to sing 2 songs. Had a great time. At least one of the other musicians had been to Milwaukee’s Irish Fest.

Tomorrow we will do a little more touring near Killarney before heading back to Ennis. We will see a few sights along the way.

June 9 – Cork and Kerry Counties

We had a great nights sleep and then started the day with breakfast and walked across the street to the cathedral. After mass we again met with Robert who drove us to Glengarriff. The drive was thru some beautiful country in the rain.

We had a quick bit to eat and then took a boat to Garinish Island. We also met the other family on the tour Greg, Pat and their son Brandon. It was rainy but the garden was beautiful.

We then went to Kenmare and had some time to look at some of the shops before we had dinner and listened to a singer who sang many of the tunes we perform. Got to our hotel late. Tomorrow is the Ring of Kerry.

June 8 – Here we are in Ireland

After a shaky start with a late bus to O’Hare, we got thru TSA and were able to relax in the Lounge before our flight to Dublin. Our Flight was perfect and we both got some sleep.

Once we got thru Passport Control and Customs, we took a taxi to the Dublin Train Station. The train left on time but we were delayed because of track work. We finally got to Limerick and were met by Robert from Wild Atlantic Music Tours. He drove us to Ennis and we checked in to our hotel. Did a quick tidy up and went to Considines Pub for a portion of the session with Blackie O’Connell. I had a great time even though I was tired from traveling. Nothing like a few traditional tunes to perk you up. Ennis is a wonderful town and everything we expected and more.

Had dinner at the pub in the hotel and tried to stay up as long as we could.

We are heading to Kerry tomorrow. More then.