Sharon Kennedy

Some readers have asked about my Ireland trip so I’ll share a few thoughts for first-time visitors. My daughter booked an “Introduction to Ireland” bus tour through Globus Journeys. The agency is four-star from start to finish. We were picked up at the airport, deposited at the Hilton Dublin Kilmainham, and given time to relax before sight-seeing. We had a chance to get off the bus and take photos of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, but we did not tour it.

If you book with Globus or any travel agency, read your itinerary closely. “An orientation drive through O’Connell Street and past St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College” means exactly that: a pass through. If we had arrived a day earlier, we would have toured these historic places. Next time we’ll do just that.

Our bus was made by Mercedes-Benz, but don’t be fooled by the renowned name. The seats were uncomfortable until I rolled up my lightweight jacket and put it behind my back. It was a last minute, inexpensive, wrinkle-free purchase from Goodwill. Also, we were informed by our guide, Carmel Nicholson, that the bathroom onboard was meant only for emergencies. If we needed it, we had to tell our driver, Gary Jones, who would pull over while we did our business. Needless to say, nobody raised a hand, as the embarrassment would have been far greater than the discomfort.

The Ring of Kerry, “a 100 mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip” sounds innocent enough when read from the comfort of your easy chair. The innocence quickly fades when you’re sitting on the bus for those 100 miles. Yes, we did make frequent stops for photo, bathroom, and shopping opportunities, and yes, we crossed the Shannon estuary by ferry, but at day’s end, we were glad to see Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis and get off that bus.

Now for the good stuff. Monday we toured the Irish National Stud and saw magnificent thoroughbreds with their colts or fillies. We saw the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached, and we stopped for lunch in Limerick. I might note that most Irish soups are pureed and served with brown bread.

We continued our “orientation drive” and saw St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle, and in the evening some of us attended a banquet at Bunratty Castle where everyone ate their dinner with only the aid of a knife. However, because I do not consume meat, I was given a fork with which to spear my salad and quiche. The meal was excellent, as was the mead served beforehand.

Tuesday saw us at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. The ocean was calm so the Atlantic coast wasn’t being beaten by high waves. After admiring the scenery, I went to the gift shop where many euros were spent on souvenirs, then on to Galway and an afternoon on Rathbaun Farm. We were taught the “right” way to make scones. While they were in the oven, some of us walked the grounds and examined a traditional cottage with a peat fire burning in the grate. Others watched a sheep shearing demonstration.

We spent two nights in Ennis which gave us a chance to tour the town. My daughter noticed a fellow walking down the street with a sack of potatoes tucked under his arm. He was followed by another fellow who carried a loaf of bread in the same manner. Plastic bags are taxed or completely banned in Ireland. On Thursday it was on to Blarney and no, I did not walk up the 127 steps and kiss that old stone. I took photos of the castle and shopped.

Waterford was our next stop. As we traveled through the countryside the change in scenery was abrupt. On our first days, we saw lush green fields with stone fences and cows grazing with their calves or sheep dotting Kerry’s rocky cliffs. We saw small cottages and castle ruins. As we neared Waterford, it was apparent we were entering an affluent city. Hedge rows replaced stone fences. Cottages gave way to modern homes, but our guide did take us for drinks and music at the country’s only existing traditional inn.

Friday found us at a hand-weaving mill in Avoca where I purchased a Merino wool sweater. Anything over 100 euros was shipped home for free. In the afternoon it was back to Dublin for an optional cabaret dinner with traditional Irish entertainment of dancing, singing, and a taste of the local brew, or in my case, Irish coffee.

I’m no traveler, but this tour was so well organized and Carmel so knowledgeable, my daughter and I will return and visit some places we missed. Gary was a phenomenal driver who kept us safe on narrow roads sometimes lined with sheep or cattle. The weather was agreeable, the food excellent, although I did not sample blood pudding. I carried one small bag and that was sufficient. The hotel beds were more comfortable than my own. Every room had a hair dryer but no clock.

The parts of Ireland we saw were spotlessly clean, the air fresh and invigorating, the people friendly. I have my daughter to thank for our amazing journey. As Carmel quoted in her farewell note, “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

With any luck, we’ll see her again next year.

Editor’s note: Sharon M. Kennedy of Brimley is a humorist who infuses her musings with a hardy dose of matriarchal common sense. She writes about everyday experiences most of us have encountered at one time or another on our journey through life. Her articles are a combination of present day observations and nostalgic glances of the past. She can be reached via email at sharonkennedy1947@gmail.com. In addition, Sharon has compiled a collection of stories from her various newspaper columns. The title of her book is “Life in a Tin Can.” Copies are available from Snowbound Books on North Third Street in Marquette.