We kicked off what most people would consider summer (first weekend in June) with a wedding just outside of Barcelona. We were there to celebrate Cassandra and Nate, who chose a beautiful villa in Sant Jaume dels Domenys for the weekend. We stayed in nearby seaside Calafell, and very much enjoyed the beach and the sea. It was great to connect with friends old and new, and enjoy some incredible Spanish meals. The wedding itself was a gorgeous affair, with heart-melting toasts and dazzling ambient lighting. David acted as MC for the service, and of course did a top-notch job. We were so delighted to be included in this wonderful weekend.
In Ireland primary school goes through the end of June, so our first real weekend of summer was that of July 4, and we went to Killarney. The trip was chosen because David was riding—for the second year—in the Ring of Kerry Cycle (170km) and it’s a gorgeous part of the island. Known as the place for folks who love outdoorsy activities, I naturally fell in love. Sally and I were not able to join David last year, so our only other time here was fall break of 2021, during which is was pretty rainy and foggy so we were able to tell it was lovely but didn’t really get to appreciate it. This year we had perfect weather.
We left immediately after the last day of school and arrived in time to go for a delicious dinner at Treyvaud’s and then an after-dinner stroll. I happened upon a delightful path along the River Laune, replete with a stunning mural of the local flora and fauna, and unexpectedly ended up at the back side of the local horse racing track. I was in heaven.
On Saturday David set off bright and early so I spoilt Sally with breakfast in bed and then we headed off for a little hike - up to Torc waterfall through a fairy-filled mossy forest, then along through a field of waving grasses to the banks of Lough Laine. Finally, we explored Muckross Abbey, which was a well-maintained, fully open, abbey founded in the 15th century, containing loads of crazy staircases and hidden doors.
That afternoon, Sally and I went kayaking with a tour on Lough Laine and learned a lot of fascinating details about the local geography and flora, how the park came to be (the Muckross family etc.), and many interesting bits about the Celtic people. I learned for the first time that the highly revered Tree of Life, so often seen in Irish history? (and which we have a metal version of from the Eastmans that is hung up first thing in any home, and which David has tattooed on his forearm) is actually a yew tree. As a vet, I know that the yew tree is incredibly toxic to most mammals, but I didn’t realize it was the inspiration for the Tree of Life, nor that they planted it in graveyards to keep grazing animals out, nor that it is the Celtic symbol for the birth month of November (mine!).
David very successfully completed his ride (shaving over an hour off his time from last year) such that we were still out on the lake when he finished (rather than at the finish line)…oops! We finished up the day with some light shopping in town (to appease the kiddo) and another incredible dinner at the Tan Yard. As an appetizer I had gorgeous vegan scallops (mushrooms) that looked very similar to the real thing (I cannot attest to the similarity in taste).
Interestingly, they are apparently very excited about U.S. Independence Day in Killarney, and there were statues of an eagle, Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, etc. all around town and loads of signage about the ensuing festivities on the 4th. Perhaps it’s like being in the U.S. on St. Patrick’s Day.
On Sunday I started with a stunning run through Killarney National Park, seeing only a couple people but loads of herons, deer, and squirrels (still no badgers or hedgehogs!). After breakfast we drove up to Moll’s Gap via Ladies’ View, which David had cycled through the previous day. The scenery was just stunning. Sally had loved Muckross Abbey so much that she wanted to share it with David as well, so we went back there for another little explore. All 4 of us (Riley included) had a fabulous weekend.
Summer is officially on!
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