When you think of Europe you don’t automatically think of Ireland (or at least I didn’t) however as the first stop in my Europe tour I would have to say that it gives a great first impression. I loved each and every minute of the week I spent there and I almost feel guilty for not looking forward to it as much as the rest.
I stayed in a village one hour south of Cork called Clonakilty. The reason that I travelled to this village was for my cousins wedding. My cousin is Australian but she is now married to an Irishman who used to spend his summer holidays surfing at a beach near the village. They decided to have a traditional Irish wedding and I’m happy to say I got to be there to experience the festivities!
The first few days in Ireland were spent driving around the countryside seeing the sights. On the day we arrived it was 2 degrees, rainy and windy and all together miserable. Luckily for us the sun came out for the rest of our stay so as we drove around we got to see the best parts of Ireland with beautiful blue skies and sunny sunshine. There is a reason that when you think of Ireland you think of something green, the landscape is so full of trees and flowers (Daffodils grow wild on the side of the road!) as well as that kind of green grass you just want to lay down and cloud watch in.
We also had a day trip out to Blarney Castle which is where the Blarney Stone is located. It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are blessed with the gift of eloquence. To kiss the Blarney Stone you have to walk up to the top turrets of the castle, lie down with your head backwards, have an old man hold your legs while you hold onto a railing and lower yourself down and kiss a bit of mankey old rock that thousands before you have kissed. Not the most hygienic or fun experience I’ve had but at least now I can say I have done it!
The highlight of the week was of course the wedding. The service was beautiful and my cousin made an amazing bride. At the end of the ceremony they played ‘Waltzing Matilda’ on the harp and the reception venue even raised the Australian flag! The meals were delicious – especially the three different types of potato they served (how Irish!). All the Irish people I chatted to and met were so friendly and funny – another true sterotype.
The day after the wedding we drove to a little town called Ballyduff which doesn’t have a ATM but has four pubs. My kind of town. We went there to visit a friend of my fathers that he worked with about 37 years ago and who he hasn’t seen in about 27 years. Alan was kind enough to put us up in a B&B which had a hot tub where we lazed around in the afternoon. He then took us on a bit of drive around the area followed by a pint at his local pub. This is where I tried my first (and most likely last) Guinness. Not quite sure if is going to my choice of drink but when in Rome!
Irish hospitality is some of the best I have experienced and I will definitely be back!
Eat Well Travel Often 