The Emerald Isle

Just returned from a trip to Ireland, a hauntingly beautiful, natural wonder. I saw the Cliffs of Moher in the pouring, cold, pelting rain. It was well worth it but I was soaked through and through because of the time it took to walk up the many steps to the top.

The Ring of Kerry was worth seeing from the tour bus as it runs round a large area. Every part of the land was very green, as I expected. What I didn't expect were the many hues of verdant fields. A sight to behold.

Best of all were the sights of Blarney Castle on a sunny, fairly warm day. Hiking up the seventy-eight circular, stone steps was well worth the effort to be at the Blarney stone. The view of the grounds and garden brought me back to what the lord of the manor would have seen. Spectacular.

I didn't kiss the famous stone but I did touch it. All part of the experience.

The Irish people were very friendly and proud of their nation. All in all an upbeat feeling, even though the tour guide was telling us many sad stories of the Irish past.