Ireland; The Emerald Isle. It is hard to imagine a place of such beauty. It is a country of legends, myths and of magic. My love for Ireland started when I began reading one of my favorite authors Karen Marie Moning and her ‘Fever Series’. The descriptions in her books captivated me enough to wonder if the country was as beautiful as she spoke of. I am happy to say, it checked all the boxes. You could probably say it sparked my interest in The Fae (Fairies) and was part of the inspiration for my first novel. Touching down in the country, there is a different vibe that you feel, like you know you are in a place that just might give you a part of its magic to take back home with you. A feeling that you don’t want to leave or can’t wait to return. I booked my trip for a week and half with a tour group-a singles group to be exact-through a travel website. I might have been the youngest in the group, but I never felt like it. The people I met and traveled with were all amazing people from different walks of life. I think that is what made the trip that much more special for me. The weather in Ireland seems to be constant. I went in June but instead of constant summer like temperatures, it was overcast, raining, and sometimes it could be warm with sun. The temperatures ranged from warm during the day and a bit cooler at night. Comfortable walking shoes were a must, and I brought a light windbreaker just in case. ![]() The tour included a bus to different parts of the country where we stayed in hotels, walked around the different towns/villages and learned about the history. Castles are in abundance wherever you go; long past being inhabited. You can just imagine walking around what it might have looked like back in the day. Hearing the thundering hooves of horses pulling carriages up to the gates. The chatter from servants, Lords throwing elegant parties and ladies mingling in their extravagant gowns. ![]() I stayed primarily in Dublin, an incredible city of stores, pubs, business, and art galleries. The streets are alive with performers, street artists, businessmen and women, locals and tourists alike. People of different cultures spend time together. Laughter fills the air. It might be a city, but it is still a sight to see. One way to get around the city that was very convenient is the Hop On Hop Off Bus. For a set fee, you can travel around the city to different attractions and popular places. One place I wanted to visit in Dublin was the Temple Bar District. It is one of the main locations the protagonist visits in Karen Marie Moning’s ‘Fever Series’. The bar is incredible. Live music, amazing food like lemon pepper salmon with Irish soda bread and capers. Fish and chips with a side of Guinness and authentic Irish stew. The Guinness Storehouse is very cool, even if you don’t like Guinness beer. There are 7 floors. Each floor of the storehouse takes you through the stages of how the beer is created. There is also a sky bar on the roof so that you can see the city of Dublin in every direction. ![]() When I travel, I want to make sure I can see as much as I can. Sometimes my finances do not allow me to, but when I can, I make sure to take advantage of every day. The great thing about traveling with a group is the tour bus. The guide was wonderful; funny and extremely knowledgeable. We traveled to different places like the city of Kilkenney, and the town of Killarney. Beautiful castles and wonderful towns. Each one had its own vibe. The locals were very friendly, accepting and accommodating. Blarney Castle near Cork is one of the most popular sights. No, I did not kiss the Blarney Stone. I was told that they don’t always clean the stone after someone lays their lips on it. No thank you. ![]() I went to Waterford where the New Years Eve ball is created and watched glass blowing. I visited the site where they filmed Castle Black from Game of Thrones. I got to walk on the rocks of a fairy ring/fairy fort, and even got to see a tree decorated with offerings for the Leprechauns. As I said before, this country is ripe with magic and its legends. There were so many spectacular places in Ireland to visit it is hard to name everything here. Driving through the countryside from town to town was incredible because the scenery is so beautiful. I can see why it is called The Emerald Isle. ![]() I stayed a few more days after the group departed to visit Belfast. I took a four hour train ride in the very early hours of the morning. Only spending one day. I walked on the Cliffs of Moher. I felt like I was on top of the world in the middle of nowhere. Belfast is in Northern Ireland, so I made sure to visit the coast and the Giant’s Causeway. A spectacular sight. Hexagon stones that make up the surface. The legend states the hexagon stones and columns ware the remains of a causeway that was built by a giant. The Irish giant was challenged to a fight by a Scottish giant. The causeway was built so the two could meet. There are different stories surrounding the legend. I am very interested in different ways of things being what they are, listening or reading about different cultures and their stories. ![]() I haven’t visited many places yet, and hopefully that will change in the future; I have a list. I have been asked on a few occasions out of the few places I have been so far, what place is my favorite. My answer is Ireland. I cannot think of just one reason why, it is a combination of things. It is a sense of comfort, welcome, and just a feeling of home. Maybe this is why I write the stories I do. It’s the magic about Ireland that draws me in. I cannot wait for my next adventure. I think you should find yours too.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorKatharine Ann Melton Archives
November 2024
Categories |