“Have you written your blog post yet?” I hear that question regularly from my travel companions. I’ve been traveling for 17 days in two countries and haven’t written anything yet. I blame them. Solo travel provides me with lots of opportunities for reflection and writing. Group travel not so much!
I’m with two siblings, their spouses, and friend Vicky Ann (known to many readers of this blog). We have been based in Ballina, Country Tipperary, in a beautiful home on a lake looking across to County Clare. Before this, some of us were in Iceland on a multi-day layover, but I’ll have to focus on Ireland for now.
Keep Left
It’s a gentle reminder I hear from my brother-in-law each time I make a turn while driving in Ireland. Sometimes there’s a hint of terror in his voice, or a scream from the backseat passengers, but we’ve so far managed to arrive to each destination safely.
Driving on the left side of the road is not the worst part, though I do wonder if this is what it feels like to retrain one’s brain to do a simple task after, say, having a stroke. The worst parts are the narrow and curving country roads lined with tall hedges with stone wall interiors on either side, cars and trucks speeding towards you with inches to spare, unexpected one-lane bridges appearing out of nowhere, and the extra wide farm vehicles that expect you to squeeze by them without breaking into a sweat.
Add on an occasional pedestrian walking a dog or parent pushing a baby carriage, construction zones, cars waiting to pass from behind, and shifting through six speeds, and it makes driving hear anything but relaxing.
I’ve done this before, when I was twenty-four, but somehow only remember the funny experiences my sister and I had making our way through England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. I don’t remember feeling so intense and thankful to be alive after every sojourn onto the roads. I guess my sixty-year-old brain isn’t as adaptable as it used to be.
We’ve made it through, my passengers and I, without any physical harm to us or anything around us. There was the time I forgot to put the parking brake on and stopped the car from rolling down the mountain into a lake when Vicky Ann yelled “We’re rolling!” (The curb and the posts would have stopped the car, but those details will be left out of every version of the story she tells.) And there was another unspeakable, unwritable close call that will just have to remain that way for now.
Some Things Never Change
Vicky Ann met Maureen and Brian at the village grocery store and was showing them pictures of Iceland within moments. The brother and sister own the store and the dry cleaners across the street. We have seen them several times since and often engage in long conversations.
Paul, who used to live in Connecticut, accidentally ended up in a photo Vicky Ann was taking which turned into a twenty-minute chat on the sidewalk, complete with recommendations about the best places to visit throughout the country.
The two choir men from church sang several songs for the two of us as we stood outside after mass, engaged in conversation. We learned about local history, places to eat, having a positive attitude and the healing power of music. We were reminded that “It’s dry between the drops” and were encouraged to bring their music and positivity back to American which “needs healing at this time.”
Conor, our very young bartender at the local pub, gave us more recommendations and answered all of our questions between pouring pints of Guinness. He kindly reminded me that the roads here were built for horses and carriages which made me feel a little less inept about my driving skills.
I may be experiencing driving in Ireland differently at 60 than at 24, but one thing that has not changed is the kindness of the people here. Irish people love to talk and love to share their culture and wisdom. It is one of the most authentically warm and welcoming countries I’ve visited.
Setback?
Learning a new card game was easy compared to the challenges of driving here. My brother and sister-in-law taught the rest of us how to play setback and have enjoyed beating us ever since. The extended hours of daylight, until at least 10:00pm, make for some long card sessions and time to reminisce about the day.
We may have experienced some small setbacks during this trip – I quickly grew tired of pub meals and fish stew, the long driving days were exhausting, we never found the pot of gold – but they pale in comparison to the joyful encounters, gorgeous scenery, incredible hikes, and time with family and friends that we have been so fortunate to have.
Half of the six Flanagan siblings were able to come on this trip. Traveling with a group of six (originally 11) was a new experience for me. I’m happy to say that I haven’t voted anyone off of future trips, at least not yet! We’re hoping to get more of the family to join us next time, hopefully in places with right-side driving.
Castles, Gardens, Hikes, and Home
Here are a few more photos from our time in Ireland. Everyone leaves me soon and I head off for a five-day campervan adventure in the Northwest of the island.
Hoping to post about my time in Iceland as well, if I ever get the time!
June 6, 2025 @ 18:08
How wonderful, Tim! Love that you are traveling with family and Vicky Ann! The pics are beautiful. As always, thank you for taking me with you!
June 10, 2025 @ 04:19
Happy retirement, Lori! I’ll be looking for your blog posts soon.
June 6, 2025 @ 20:45
Great blog and wonderful pictures ❤️ definitely count us in on the next adventure!
June 10, 2025 @ 04:20
We missed you, but we now know we can do this and actually enjoy each other’s company! The first of many trips for sure.
June 6, 2025 @ 22:29
Beautiful! I love Ireland 🇮🇪 and have been there twice. Yes. The people are so friendly. I didn’t even attempt to drive there! Can’t wait to hear about Iceland 🇮🇸.
June 10, 2025 @ 04:21
See you soon, Elaine!
June 7, 2025 @ 06:49
Love your blogs and Your stories of travel.
The people of Scotland and Ireland make it such a comfortable place to travel.
June 10, 2025 @ 04:21
It’s impossible not to meet people here, and have long conversations with them!
June 7, 2025 @ 06:53
Tim,
Ireland sounds heavenly, despite the driving. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your travels!
Betty
June 10, 2025 @ 04:22
Definitely something special about this place!
June 7, 2025 @ 20:33
You spelled it out to the “T”
As well as some hidden humor
Thanks for the trip!
June 10, 2025 @ 04:22
Great to have you along – couldn’t have imagined it otherwise.
June 7, 2025 @ 21:04
I’m sorry we missed you! We will share stories as we loved Ireland as well Poland!
June 10, 2025 @ 04:24
See you soon. Poland is on my list, I’m sure you’ll be convincing me to get there soon.
June 8, 2025 @ 21:38
Beautiful photos and stories, Tim, yay!
June 10, 2025 @ 04:25
Thanks, Ellen. Hope you are enjoying your new home.
June 10, 2025 @ 12:34
Another wonderful chapter for us – such great photos, really capture the experience! Thanks, Tim.