Journey to the middle of Ireland

Monday, December 27, 2010
Cloughjordan, Munster, Ireland
So my second day in Ireland I board the bus to Limerick, and stop off in Moneygall to disembark. I am collected by Pa Finucane whom I met while I was here in May – and he brings me to my destination in the small town of Cloughjordan.

Pa drops me off at my BnB, Cloughjordan House, which is very historic and has parts that are hundreds of years old . I meet Sarah and Peter, and am shown around this huge, rambling, (and chilly!) house, and then I am left to my own devices while they head out to visit relatives. AND, Sarah has made little mini-mince pies – oh my god are they delicious. Home-made almond crust. Home made mince filling - See the confirmatory photo for my delicious, homey set up – complete with computer (for music) and Celtic Wisdom (for literature) for company.

I ramble around and have 2 mince pies and milk, and then decide to walk around outside because I know that it gets dark early here. First I meet the horse and pony in the field out front, and we get acquainted, but I have no food so they take off for greener pastures (ha!). I find a door out the back, and start walking – it's a small village, so I have pretty well covered it after a half hour. When it started to drizzle, I came back.

When Sarah and Peter and the kids returned that evening, I had another delicious meal prepared by Sarah – and we talked about living in a big historic house that has a ballroom for special events at one end, and the challenges of keeping everything warm and up to date . Oh, and Sarah runs a cooking school, and is accustomed to the challenges of teaching kids (and adults) about where their food comes from, and how to prepare it. This is really a cool place I am staying at!

Second day in Ireland, Part II – the Pub Visit

That evening Pa collects me again and this time we go to Grace's pub (in town) for a Monday evening of Irish folk music, singing, and poetry reading. I get a Smithwick’s Ale, and get settled with Pa and Lily in the music room – and then meet all kinds of people who love Irish music and social leisure activity, and we all participated in a thoroughly enjoyable evening. (Tracy shared that it was a special Monday night because some of the performers were in over the Christmas break and actually had professional musician status.) It was unique, quite Irish, and I especially enjoyed hearing the old Irish language read aloud. (see the accompanying photo!).

Whatever will tomorrow bring?

Diane



 

Comments

JILL
2010-12-29

Awesome my dear friend! Looks like Maureen will be heading to the coast for New Year's for a retreat of some sort so won't be in Cork. But my niece and her husband from Denver are over and visiting family there so if you are looking for something to do and are in Cork, I could get you together with them. Plus our cousins (Gladys' daughter and husband) are over from England too. Should be a jolly good time!!

Edward Abby
2010-12-29

Nice! Seems you're having a great time, I'm jealous of the all the tastey beverage and fun music! I'm sure the new year will be ushered in with style. Cheers Diane!

Susan C
2010-12-29

You are staying at a house that comes with horse and pony! What more could anyone ask? And the music night must have been wonderful! I hope the rest of your stay will be as fabulous!

2025-02-14

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