Change of plans. I just can’t get interested in writing a travelogue (if you haven’t noticed) of the trip we took to Ireland a few months ago. But I have promised several people that I would, including myself.

So, I told friends in my Salon group that I was planning instead to do a “Best Of” sort of thing. One of the artists added, “And worst!” Now, that fits much better with my writing style! (Thanks, Pixie.) So here goes.

This is the closest I will get to a travelogue. Your geography lesson for the day: MAP OF IRELAND

Our itinerary was very easy:

We started in Dublin, on the east side of the island, and did a counter-clockwise loop around the island, ending back in Dublin. We did not make it to Northern Ireland or Donegal (where singer Enya is from) – just not enough time.

We stayed just outside of Dublin, in Howth (rhymes with “both”, but they say it more like “Hoat”).

Then west to Shannonbridge, where my husband’s ancestors are from.

Then the rest of the way west to Galway, Connemara, and the Aran Islands.

Then Kenmare and the Ring of Kerry.

We did not see nor kiss the Blarney Stone – it wasn’t high on our list, but especially not at 10 Euros (1 Euro=$1.365) per person!

Then over to Waterford to visit Curraghmore Castle and our painting friends.

1 night in Kilkenny, perfectly timed, unbeknownst to us, for their busiest weekend of the year.

Then back to Dublin/Howth.

I will start in tomorrow with pictures demonstrating the Best and the Worst of my Ireland trip!