Emerald Isle holidays (Part I)

Two weeks away in the beautifully lush, hilled and untouched naturalness of the Emerald Isle was enchanting, relaxed (aka lazy), and dreamy! Despite hoards of horrible eating – think chips, crisps, biscuits, gallons of tea…, and lazy afternoons spent in PJ’s, cuddled up in blankets – as always, it was 2 weeks of holiday spirit and time spent in cherished friendship, hospitality and heart to hearts.

Fresh holy along the roadway in the village of Stamullen

Afternoon trips along narrow, winding, village roads to the shops one town over; fried food indulgences over beer and wine; and pots of tea while visiting family & friends, rich in Irish hospitality and warmth; rounded out the quiet mornings and lazy afternoons, perfect for resting in a quaint village populated with 2 pubs, a café, a small grocers, a Butcher and a Chipper. 

Aggie & I on New Years Eve

Aggie's little village Stamullen

New Years Eve at the Huntsmen

Spending two holidays amongst friends, appreciating their unconditional warmth and kind spirit, exemplifies the very essence and meaning of the holidays! Indulging in great food, conversation and sharing in time and space led to deepened understandings of the true meaning of friendship, support and acceptance.

During the second week of holidays, Aggie and I took an afternoon day-trip to Trim, where we took in the historic site of Trim Castle and walked along the Boyne River. Beforehand, on our rural drive to Trim we stopped upon an old relic; a partial stone wall standing majestic in a farmer’s field. Pulling over to take a closer look, we noticed off in the distance, a grey donkey, horse and Shetland pony. Within seconds the donkey took notice and began to run toward the wood column fence that separated us. Feeling like a 6 year old, I could not contain my excitement at a real life donkey!! Not that I haven’t seen one in a zoo, but up close and personal, it was the highlight of my day, and possibly the best start to 2012! “Donkey, donkey, look it’s a donkey!” was pretty much repeated over and over as he approached the fence, with the horse and pony in tow. Like I said, I felt and was acting like a 6 year old!! In that very moment, I knew that 2012 should be a year of childlike excitement and appreciation of the simple and random daily experiences that often go unnoticed and underappreciated. Throw in a quest to be spontaneous (which saw a dry run pre New Years Eve), and 2012 was off to an impressive start!

Ruin on our way to Trim

Isn't he adorable!!! Bisous donkey!!

Trim

Trim

On that same unexpected drive we also came upon an old Abbey, flanked in a stone wall and edged with a low wooden fence. Acres of lush green fields radiated from the space, with a quiet stream in the distance, dotted with imposing trees that rooted and whispered into the cool afternoon air. A truly peaceful and majestic space rich in energy and calm intensity.