Bright & Dark

We stayed first in Ard Patrick (County Limerick) and then just outside of Athboy (County Meath), using each cottage as a home base to explore sacred sites.  We hiked for hours in Tomies Wood, Killarney, Co. Kerry, in the pouring rain with the trees serving as a break from the howling wind just outside.  We crawled backwards (seemed the most sensible way) into the Cave of Cats in Roscommon.  There was Tara in the pitch black night rain, without a flashlight, which flashlight we seemed to forget whenever we most needed it. 

We ate well.  We drank a lot of cider.  Everyone we met was unfailingly friendly and every single one of them well informed on the subject of U.S. politics and very interested in the presidential race.

Outdoor gear was a must, as was warmth.  It was windy and cold and gloriously rainy for most of our visit, with one day of brilliant sunshine and one day of snow.    (Snow!  Which I rarely ever see, living where I do.)

I’d love to go back.  One day, hopefully not too far away.  I can still smell the peat fire in the hearth.

Our cottage at Ard Patrick

The best place to sit

The falls at Tomies Wood

A view from Tomies Wood

The Grange, Lough Gur

Paper mache skull from the Day of the Dead exhibit, Lough Gur

Clonleason Cottage, outside of Athboy

The best place to sit

Cairn at Lough Crew, from the outside

Cairn at Lough Crew, inside

Wood henge, Knowth

Snowed a lot at Knowth, didn't it?

Favorite pub in Athboy - Inn Moderation

Rainbow, County Limerick