-
Alison sees full-page ad in NY Times, gets all sweaty. We haven't travelled in several years. Could be time to do it again!
-
After hasty consultation, A & R decide what the hell.
-
"A, Perhaps Westport, whence came my mother's mother, would be a fine place to park our arses this May. It's a handsome town near the coast with good seafood restaurants, great pubs, a food festival in May, and a pilgrim's mountain named Croagh Patrick we could climb, just to earn our fish and chips."
-
Conas ta tu?
- Pog mo thoin! -
Goodbye, punky white hair and sweaty sneer!
-
Wherein A learns about Granuaille http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_O'_Malley and vows to honor her stomping grounds with a visit.
-
That's Croagh Patrick. Purportedly dangerous to climb unless the weather is clear as it is in this photo.
-
Louisburgh, where R's grandparents lived before they went to Westport, was the terminus of an infamous and tragic event during the Great Hunger. Read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doolough_Tragedy
-
...Newgrange in Co. Meath. It's a monumental neolithic site, 5,000 years old, full of carved stones and mystery.
-
I'll just wear wool; I'll fit right in!
-
The bartender at McGrath's recommends Doolin, "the perfect Irish village and a great spot for music."
-
...traditional music festival, conveniently scheduled for the week we'll be there!
-
...but are skunked on our first choice, which is already entirely booked: http://www.doolinbandb.com/
-
-
It's too far away from everything else. Dammit!! http://www.wiki.ie/wiki/Giant's_Causeway
-
We're on our way: car to Lebanon, NH, Dartmouth Coach to Logan, Aer Lingus flight EI 136 out of Terminal E, 6:00 PM. Wonder if inflight offers Guinness?
-
But not for long. We get in at 5:15 and search vainly for scones, hop a train to Westport. We're at:
Abbeywood House
Newport Road
Westport, Co. Mayo Phone: 011-353 (098) 25496 -
We're staying at: Danaher's Doolinview B&B
Teergonean
Doolin, Co.Clare Phone: 011-353 (065) 707-5875 -
We're staying here: Abbott Lodge
87-88 Lower Gardiner St
Dublin, 1 Phone: 011-355 (01) 836-5548 -
Aer Lingus flight EI 137, departing Dublin 1:50 PM and arriving at Logan 3:45 PM. Dartmouth Coach back to Vermont, arrives around 10 PM. http://www.concordcoachlines.com/dartmouth_coach_bus_schedule_fares.htm
Don't bother us; we're jet-lagged!
