Three Times Good, Ireland Remembered

by | May 17, 2013 | Ireland, Travel | 21 comments

129twigandvine—co. cork ireland

We were sitting in the Lemon Leaf Cafe in Kinsale, Ireland when my husband told my daughter this little bit of wisdom.

{paraphrasing…}

“They say you get enjoyment from a trip three times. First the anticipation of the journey while you plan. Then the enjoyment of the trip while you are traveling. And last, when you are home and remember it.”

And so, we are home from Ireland and are inhabiting phase three: remembering.

The sun shone on us, despite forecasts that daily suggested otherwise.

The ocean sparkled. The hills spread out in folds of velvety green.

129twigandvine—co. cork irelandThe tea was plentiful. The seafood straight off the boat. The pint glasses frothed with Guinness, Smithwicks or Murphy’s.

We took to the narrow paths and roads to walk beaches with hurley players and horse riders. Or all to ourselves.

We picked up seaglass among round ocean-washed pebbles and chatted with women walking their dogs on a headland overlooking Kinsale Harbor. We petted cats on steps in Cobh and wandered the graves and high crosses in Timoleague. At Mallow we watched steeplechase horse races to our daughter’s delight. (And ours.)

County Cork was our home and major exploring ground this time, and we rented a cozy apartment on a hillside outside of town.

I hope to find myself in Cork again.

129twigandvine—co. cork ireland

21 Comments

  1. spree on May 17, 2013 at 8:50 am

    Oh how lovely! (times 3!)

  2. lyonsroarforgod on May 17, 2013 at 9:03 am

    What a wonderfully-written piece…I was transported back to Ireland in a moment by reading your words. And now I’m remembering. 🙂 Thank you! Lisa

  3. Nika on May 17, 2013 at 9:28 am

    I have always wanted to visit Ireland!

  4. Kate George on May 17, 2013 at 10:23 am

    Lovely, lovely pictures. I love Ireland. It’s wonderful to wander and talk with people in such a beautiful place. I felt so welcome in the country there.

    • Sue Schlabach 129twigandvine on May 20, 2013 at 9:50 pm

      I feel the same way. I think that’s what keeps pulling me back. And the Guinness just tastes better there. 🙂

  5. Ducky's Adventures on May 17, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    Great quote… I always say you have to visit at least twice, but now I’m thinking 3 times is the best! 🙂

  6. Midwestern Plant Girl on May 18, 2013 at 6:47 am

    I’m in anticipation mode. .. it’s on my bucket list to go to Ireland. Thanks for the thrill !

  7. Lori O. on May 18, 2013 at 10:24 am

    Off the beaten path is always where you find the heart of a community. I hope one day to take my daughter, Erin O’Nan, to see her name sake!

    • Sue Schlabach 129twigandvine on May 20, 2013 at 9:48 pm

      Hi Niamh, Thank you so much! That is really kind, and I love reading your blog too. I am traveling for work (in NYC), so I can’t take in all the details of this until I get home, but I will then. Warm wishes to you in Ireland, Sue

  9. chef mimi on May 20, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    I just got back from Ireland on Saturday ! I loved Kinsale. Great photos!

    • Sue Schlabach 129twigandvine on May 20, 2013 at 9:43 pm

      Welcome home and thanks! I’m missing Ireland and Kinsale, as I’m sure you are.

  10. Stephen Hughes on May 21, 2013 at 7:30 am

    What an absolutely gorgeous place!

  11. lovehomebria on May 24, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    I am so jealous! I have been wanting to go to Ireland for so long! Your trip sounds fantastic! If you have anymore amazing pics I’m sure we all would love to see them, I know I would! =)

    http://lovehomebria.wordpress.com/

  12. Lakshmi Loves To Shop on May 28, 2013 at 12:37 am

    What a delightful blog you have 🙂 I visited Kinsale years ago after a friend’s wedding…it was very pretty…