Hello from Ireland

I arrived in Ireland early Friday morning (the day after St. Patrick's Day). After getting my rental car, I quickly became re-acquainted with driving on the left side of the road. After a beautiful drive along the Shannon River, we stopped at a favorite restaurant (Kirby's Brogue Inn in Tarbert, Co. Clare) for the full Irish breakfast---eggs, bacon (ham), various sausage, a broiled tomato and toast.



Afterwards, we headed to Tralee in County Kerry. We visited with my cousin and then settled in for brief nap. We then enjoyed an early dinner at O'Donnell's restaurant in the Mount Hawk section of Tralee. On Saturday, we enjoyed a long visit with another cousin and her family and experienced firsthand Irish hospitality. When you are offered something (food or drink), answering "no" is not an option!



Later that evening, we went to the Siamsa Tire, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, for an amateur production of Michael Collins. This musical production, put on by the Tralee Musical Society, recreates the life story of one of Ireland’s most legendary political figures, Michael Collins. The story begins with Collins’ involvement in the Easter Rising of 1916, questions his controversial involvement with the War of Independence and the signing of the Treaty which subsequently led to the Irish Civil War….and ultimately, Collins death at the age of 31.

This was an extremely well done production that was rewarded with a well deserved standing ovation. The show is directed and produced by a cousin, Oliver Hurley. I am not sure what the plans for the show are, but if it ever tours anywhere near you, I would highly recommend the show!



Sunday began with Mass in the church where my grandparents were married and my Dad was baptized. After a scenic drive around beautiful Kerry Head, we were off to another cousin's house for dinner. Again, hospitality is everywhere when you visit with the Irish and it's always nice to be treated with so well (though the scale might not be too happy when I get back!).



We left Tralee this morning, driving through numerous towns in County Cork and County Waterford, passing through quaint villages and small towns. We saw numerous old churches and ruins of castles and abbeys, etc. I wish we had more time to investigate everything we saw.



We are in Waterford tonight after spending the afternoon touring the Waterford Crystal factory. The tour allows you to get up close with the process of making the world-famous crystal. We saw the craftsmen blowing and molding the glass, then smoothing it, cutting it by hand (from memory) and then doing intricate engraving. It was very impressive and when the tour is over, you have the opportunity to browse a large retail center where you can purchase any number of patterns, both new and archived.



I am staying tonight at the Waterford Marina Hotel, a nice hotel along the River Suir. Check back tomorrow, for more information about my trip.