Ireland 2011

We had committed to visit 2 very Aussie good friends who had decided to live overseas for 12 months... 6 months in Scotland and the final 6 months in Ireland.

So in their summer of 2011, we found ourselves flying into Shannon Airport in Limerick, Ireland and were greeted by our friends, seemingly keen to talk to people with a different accent.

Summer in Ireland in this year wasn't the warmest on record as we donned our heavier coats most times we were out and about, nor was it very dry, all of which added to the mood in Ireland at the time.

Whilst driving to the small town of Killaloe where our friends were renting, they pointed out many property developments with 30-40 units or townhouses in them which lay deserted.

Location of Killaloe in Ireland

The very quaint village of Killaloe

Also located off the narrow country roads we travelled on during our visit were massive farm houses under construction but now waiting silently and alone to be completed.

Ireland was in a major recession and whilst the people were very warm and friendly, there was certainly a prevailing feeling of despondency. 

Its true what they say, Ireland is green, very green and its everywhere!

yes Ireland is green... very green... everywhere

The local small pubs are delightful

Before they left Australia, I issued Pete with a challenge for when we visited.  

Simply described, all he had to do was walk into his local with me, pull up a seat at the bar and simply say to the person serving, "my regular please".

To be successful Pete then had to be served with a pint of Ireland's famous Guinness.

He succeeded and it was also one of the things I was looking forward to trying a few times whilst in Ireland.

One night we returned to their 'local' to watch the locals enjoying their Irish dancing and quickly knew we were in trouble when the ladies arrived carrying special shoes and looking at as all like fresh sacrificial lambs to the dancing slaughter.

Didn't know any of us could be spun around so fast as we were dragged onto the dance floor to join them in their fun, but a few more Guinness's helped.

It was also a little sad when the locals described the current state of their economy and to them more concerning, the drain of their youth heading overseas looking for work.  As it happened, one of their young locals was leaving for Australia and the dancing was part of wishing her bon voyage.

During our time with our friends we were shown many fascinating and historical places all located amongst Ireland's very beautiful countryside, sights like...

Grange stone circle, 45m diameter, ~2.8m high and largest in Ireland

A 'Wedge Tomb' built during Neolithic & Bronze Ages

Rock of Cashel dates from c. 1100

Cahir Castle built in 1142

Inside Holy Cross Abbey founded in 1180

But it wasn't all about the old stuff in Ireland because during one of our final days staying with friends and after a few refreshments in another small town's pub, we joined the locals to watch the mysterious and very rough game of hurling.  

What a crazy, rough and fast game they play!!

The locals we were sitting amongst very quickly picked up our accents as we talked to each other and we were soon being bombarded with questions about Australia, lifestyle down there and employment prospects, the game in front of them almost forgotten.

After a weeks stay in this very friendly country, it was time to leave our friends and Ireland and head to our next destination but we left with many very pleasant memories to remember... over a glass of Guinness of course!

Good time to reflect on what we had seen and done in Ireland

Go well!