HONEYMOON. . . SOD (Part V)

In addition to what I have already mentioned (see Part IV), there were some sights that demanded a stop, such as Davey Byrnes Tavern (hangout of writer James Joyce), and the Gresham Hotel (where writer W.B. Yates had his daily tea). One evening was spent at the Abbey Hotel, where, after a fine meal, we joined a busload of American tourists to listen to an Irish band.

Near the Ha'Penny Bridge, so called for the toll one paid to walk over the River Liffy, was a Christian bookstore. We stopped in and had a long conversation with Manager Joe about his success.

After enjoying many tea times at the Gresham and Bewley Tea Shops, it was time to head north to visit relatives. We stopped at the border town of Newry for lunch, then decided to walk around the town. At that moment I spotted a squad of British soldiers - guns at the ready -
walking down the middle of the street. Two of them were facing forward and two facing backward. I said to dear wife, "Let's get out of here", and we did. This was during the time of the "Irish troubles" - the civil unrest between the Catholic South and the Protestant North. Twice we were stopped for a look at our papers, the third time they waved us through. Word got around as to our identity.

M, L.

HONEYMOON . . . SOD (Part 1V)

Continuing along the southern coast we visited a number of towns before arriving in the city of Cork, Ireland's second largest city. While there, we attended a Baptist church service and then toured the city, being sure to arrive at Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone (ask me about it).
From there we drove to Waterford to its tour showroom, to see crystal goblets being made in its factory; then on to Dublin.

We stayed at a B&B in the suburb of Bray, which allowed us to take a metro train into center city rather than using a car. The room was VERY SMALL, but livable. The first morning I stepped into the shower and RIGHT OUT AGAIN!! The landlady had neglected to tell us that we needed to feed quarters into the water meter to get hot water.

Dublin is a very cosmopolitan city. At this time it was beginning to attract foreign firms because of a well-edcuated populace that was willling and able to work; firms like IBM, FORD, DUPONT and others. Ther are members of my family who work for these corporations. It is a city of beautiful parks, museums, theatres, coupled with a lot of interesting history. Our first stop was at TRINITY COLLEGE, to see the BOOK OF KELLS, a ninth century, beautifully illustrated manuscript of the Christian Gospel. My late cousin, Robert Fisher, was a Trinity alumnus.

The one depressing sight in the city included children begging for money. Somehow that didn't seem to fit the picture of what that city should be.

More, later

HONEYMOON. . . SOD (Part III)

After leaving Balinasloe (see Part II), we headed southwest. Our first stop was at Thor Balleylee, an old Norman castle which was the home of renowned Irish poet, W.B. Yates.

After we climbed the tower that gave us a magnificent view of the countryside, we had our first in-between stop for Irish tea and brown bread.

Our trip continued through the city of Limerick and along the River Shannon, Ireland's longest waterway, noted for its trout fishing. We ended the day in the town of Tralee for our first experience in a B & B. Margaret Ryle, mother of nine, gave us a good night's lodging and a FULL IRISH BREAKFAST. That evening, we had fish (plaice) for dinner, at the Grand Hotel.

From Tralee, we headed to the seashore at Dingle Bay, by driving over a mountainous pass, the highest in Ireland. Heading away from Dingle we came across a public school. The children were playing in the yard so we walked up to the fence for conversation - with lots of rosey-cheeked youngsters, who spoke freely with us in their delightful Irish brogue. We learned from the nearby teacher that they were studying American geography, so when we arrived home I sent him some books and maps - courtesy of the AAA travel department.

More, later.

HONEYMOON...SOD (PART II)

The three days at Dromoland Castle were delightful. The staff excelled in making us comfortable, as well as offering advice. Margaret, our dining room waitress suggested to me, to "fatten her up so that no one else will want her!"

We took day trips which included the town of Adair - reportedly the prettiest town in Ireland with its thatched roofs. Another choice was to visit the CLIFFS OF MOHR, which stand 750 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. In absolute quiethness we could walk to the very edge to see and hear the roar of the surf and the plaintive cries of the sea gulls - momenets never to be forgotten. Located on the cliffs are the ruins of an O'Brien Clan castle.

Ireland has two distinct geographical areas. The central and west coast aareas are quite rural, while the east coast, including the capitol, Dublin, is more heavily populated and business-oriented.

Upon leaving Dromoland (somewhat reluctantly), we headed directly east to the Town of Balinasloe. It was a thrill to stand in its beautiful church, where my paternal grandparents, John Madden and Elizabeth Connor were married, in 1851 A.D. We will be returning to this town at another time to further explore my Irish heritage.

More, later.