When someone mentions Ireland, what do you think of? Green countryside? Red-hair? Celtic dancers? Potatoes?
I’ve just completed a 14 day trip with CIE Tours that included Northern Ireland in addition to the Republic of Ireland and what will I recall the most? The storytelling and humor, no question. The line between the two is often blurred, and Irish whiskey is only occasionally involved.
The stories, emotional but also humorously uplifting, and the jokes, casual and natural, captured my attention soon after I met Brian, our tour guide.
“Gray is the new blonde.”
Of course we saw breathtaking scenery and enjoyed a nip or two of Irish whiskey and Guinness. Sheep are everywhere, but redheads, not so much. The history of this island can be described as turbulent, with unkept promises, but as of now, there is peace between the two countries. And we heard Celtic music and sat mesmerized by the dancing. Lots of music and dancing.
“It’s estimated there are 4 million sheep in the country, but the sheep counters keep falling asleep.”
Christy, the song man chuckled so much as he told the story that even when I knew the ending, I laughed right along with him.
Brian was our quick-witted tour guide and by the middle of the trip, I wasn’t sure if his stories were the truth or just more blarney, but I didn’t care.
Billy was the master storyteller who related stories of his mother and father, well-known Irish playwright John B. Keane, and the pub they owned in the Irish countryside. The tales were often filled with suffering and angst, and Billy delivered with such authenticity and warmth, you felt the plight of the saga, but also encouraged by the Irish spirit.
“We do death really well in Ireland, but we can mess up life.”
I’m sure I’ve heard of the Irish reputation as storytellers over the years, but to be captured by the rhythmic delivery of it is a memory I won’t soon forget.
Also as a result of the trip, I feel I could (almost) teach a class on the history of Ireland.
- The “Troubles” was the era of violence between Northern Ireland (backed by England) and the Republic of Ireland from 1969-1999.
- The potato famine saw 1 mil people emigrate and another 1 mil people die. The population still has not recovered. Prior to the famine, people ate 10 pounds of potatoes PER DAY, PER PERSON. It’s easy to understand how a failed crop could kill a nation.
- Don’t even get me started about Oliver Cromwell and his reign of terror on the Catholics in the 1600’s. He was a bad dude.
In closing, I can’t imagine a trip to Ireland without including Northern Ireland. And wherever you are, expect to be served potatoes. Lots and lots of potatoes!
“The only singer in the family is a sewing machine.”
(Note: I am writing this overseas and have limitations with photos and my technology. Hence, just one photo.)
Thank you for your insightful comments about a favorite place for our family. After visiting there several times, I gained more and more insight into the family that I married into. The Irish are fine folk.
Yes, they are fine folk. So friendly and helpful. Thanks for reading.
You write beautifully as I expected. Glad to be reminded me of the jokes! Looking forward to your Scotland blog. Hugs
Thanks, my friend. Really appreciate it. More to come in another few days.
Love your descriptions, and your stories. Waiting for your next installment 😀
Thanks. Bridget. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Pam I could hear the laughter and was on the edge of my seat to catch every step of the dancers! Thanks for taking us along with you. Going to cook up some potatoes … Not 10 pounds. Safe travels and please keep sharing.
Thanks, Patti. I still remember the story of the first time you cooked for Tiny and made 5# of potatoes.
Hard to imagine eating 10 pounds of potatoes a day. Thank you for sharing your trip, you are a fine Irish storyteller
Thanks, Adrian. Yes, that is hard to imagine, yet we heard it three times from reliable sources.
I’ve so enjoyed you taking us along on your first leg of the trip. I appreciated the map so we could follow your travels. The tour folks really seemed to make the trip even more fun with lots of humor and history. Looking ahead to Scotland.
Thanks and because of you, I’m continuing with the maps. They are a fun way for me to recap as well.
What a great recap, thank you for sharing some of your memories. So glad this first part of your trip has been so special. Those tour guides really make the days fly by, do t they?!!
Thanks Beth, and yes, a good guide makes the trip so much better. I’ll continue this series as I go. Stay tuned.
Thanks for helping me to remember Ireland. One of my favorite places…the people, the music, the STORIES!!!! Enjoy!
I’m so glad. And now, I’ll have the same feeling when others talk about it. It was just such a lovely experience. Thanks!
I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit, Pam. I’ll say it again: Going to Ireland is like stepping into a hug.
Oh my goodness my friend. It’s hard to describe its appeal to me.Thanks!
Never met a potato I didn’t like and the same is true for your blog installments. Thanks for sharing another travel adventure Pam!
I’m with you, Sue, on the potatoes, yet I’ve just decided, I’ve probably had enough potato leek soup for this trip. Thanks so much for your kind words.