Hi everyone, this is my very first diary ever and it's not about anything Political. If this isn't cool or there is something wrong with it, please let me know. I'll delete it. Not really sure what the protocol for a non political diary is.
Anyway the other day on another thread there was a discussion about Ireland in the winter. Most people thought it was a horrible idea. I was in the minority.
Below is a tale of my last trip to Ireland in February.I thought it would be okay in honor of St. Paddys day
Now why would anyone possibly want to go to Ireland in the middle of winter? My reason was that my girlfriends granddaughter was dancing in an International Irish Dance competition in Killarney. We spent about five days there for the dance. The town was alive with people from around the world there for the competition. We met all sorts of interesting people from all over. While it was crowded, it was still nothing like the height of tourist season. And unlike tourist season everyone there had something in common.However even if you have no interest in Irish dance(like me) it's still fun to hang out with everybody. As for other things to do, well one day we drove the ring of Kerry. Remember this is February now. The day was bright and sunny and the temp. was in the mid 40's. We spent some time on the beach in Kell and talked with an old man who was walking his dogs. Afterward we stopped at a pub in Waterville for a bite and a pint and finished the circuit. In the summer this road would be wall to wall tourist buses and thousands of people. Driving it in winter there were many times when we were the only car on the road. There are also many activities in and around Killarney that were open year round.
After a week in the south we drove up to Dublin to visit with friends. While there we did all the touristy things, Guinness, Trinity College, Book of Kell etc. and again, none of the crowds of summer. While in Dublin we got snowed on which delighted the locals with their wacky love of crappy weather.By mid afternoon it had melted and the sun came out. For those who like music, Temple Bar always has live music in the pubs and there are concerts at the local venues all the time. While there we saw a reunion show with Movings Hearts at Vicar Street. There is a CD out called Live in Dublin if you want to hear it.
After Dublin we headed to the west. County Claire. My favorite part of Ireland. We stayed at a B&B in Doolin. Most of the B&B's were closed, but by making arrangements ahead of time we had no trouble finding a place in town at a reasonable price. Doolin is a traditional fishing village most of the year. It's major claim to fame is that it is considered by many people as the birthplace of Irish music. Famous musicians from Ireland and around the world come to Doolin to play in the three traditional pubs in town. Even in winter. Summers can be quite crowded, but in the winter the crowds are down, the pubs are still open and there is music to be found. During the week local musicians drop in to play for a bit and if you play, an offer to join in is often extended. Other year round things to do are visit the Cliffs of Moher, walk the Burrens, drive the short way to Galway where everything you would expect in a major city is available year round or just go for drives of discovery with no destination in mind. We spent almost one whole day hanging out with local surfers and watching them ride perfectly shaped 25-30ft. waves. I live in Surf City(HB, ca.) and I've never seen waves like this at home.
Anyway that's my story. If this isn't appropriate I'll take it down, but don't let anyone tell you there's nothing to do there in the winter. The whole time we were there we got rained on about four or five times and snowed on once, so about a third of the time we had sort of shite weather. Nothing horrible, about mid forties during the day and mid thirties at night. Pretty much every day had at least some sunshine and besides you're going to get crappy weather in Ireland no matter when you go. And the craic is great no matter when you go. By the way I don't have a drop of Irish blood in me, but it's a fun place to visit. Kind of like a reality Disneyland.
P.S. A lot of my Irish friends say the celebrations in the U.S. are better that over there.
"wyrd bid ful araed" [fate is inexorable] from the Wanderer
