We (I) had a grand plan to drive through the Wicklow Mountains on our way south to County Cork. I should preface it by explaining that we left the airport around 6, and it's not light till 8:30. So instead of seeing sweeping mountainous landscapes...we saw black. Pitch black for an hour or so. We decided to take a cat nap and half an hour later off we set again. Jananne, at the helm.
Then, the oohhhs and aaahhhs began! We were still in the mountains. Jananne and Brooke's first real glimpses of Ireland involved narrow, winding roads, mountains, SHEEP, and green, green, green, EVERYWHERE!!! We got caught in some traffic. Mothers and fathers dropping children to school. We decided to "pull over", which in Ireland means, stop the car where we were and get out! Instead of grabbing our children and their schoolbags, we grabbed our cameras. Look ma, paparazzi outside the school...
We left the Wicklow mountains and set off for Shanagarry. Along the way, we decided we needed some grub. We got off at the next exit and decended upon Horse and Jockey, County Tipperary, Ireland. What a name. What a venue. It was 10:30 and we treated ourselves to every conceivable breakfast item a buffet might offer to the weary traveler. Rashers, sausages, eggs, potatoes, black and white pudding (which I don't eat), fruit, yogurt, tea, coffee, jucies, and soda bread. Mmm, mmm, good! :)
As we pulled out, I thought real quick and nonchalantly said, "Oh snap, we are definatley on the wrong side of the road". Our chauffeur quickly righted us and we were back on the road to find Stephen Pierce Pottery. After many turns and twists, we finally found it...and what a treat!!! Stephen Pierce’s was the cutest little studio/store/tea room. We were free to wander around and see every bit of the process. We watched two different potters; one making lids for jam jars and the other made a tall vase. Jananne and Brooke were very impressed with their abilities to center so quickly and their overall technique. They might even have learned a thing or two. We learned that their clay is locally sourced. It’s dug in Youghal (just a bit north up the coast) and processed at the studio. We saw their wheels, pug mills, kilns, and of course racks and racks of products. (Check out his website and youtube videos) We some tea and coffee in the tea room (enjoyed from Stephen Pierce pieces).
All our journies were out in the country-side. We saw sheep, sheep, sheep, (driver distraction!) GREEN fields and some sunshine! We passed a whole herd of sheep on the road, (photo op) many ruins, moss covered trees, gates, beautiful stone houses and harbors, sail boats, and funny traffic signs. We mentioned frequently that the roads reminded us of a rollercoaster! I should also mention the fantastic doors and colorful towns.
An hour’s journey brought us to the harbor town of Kinsale. I had been in 2006 and its natural beauty and quaintness makes it a must-see. We parked and walked around, admiring the colorful stone fronts and amazing smells. We saw all manner of stores, most notably a wool store, silver smith’s, and a beautiful florist. Kinsale was beautifully decorated with pansies growing everywhere!!!
We also took notice of the Irish people, and their fashion. We encountered people meeting in the tea rooms, playing with their children in the hotel restaurant, and lots of skirts. The people in the town greeted each other, wishing them Happy New Years and asking about their Christmas. There is a general friendliness and relaxed feeling, which is so endearing.
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