A Taste of Ireland: The First Week of Four

I haven't been here a full week and already I have seen and done so much. With the end of each day, my mind and eyes are tired from all that I have taken in, all of the incredible scenery, the people, the characteristics of this country that I have seen. As I pass by, I keep my eyes wide open and my lips shut, keeping my focus on taking it all in. Trying to notice each and every detail, trying to take in as much as possible so as to never forget it; not taking anything for granted, but keeping all of the little bits and pieces for my memory to hold on to - allowing the little details, this place, to all stay with me once I move on to the next journeys of my life. 

Sunday, July 24, 2011

I have traveled to Killarney, Ireland where I visited the breathtaking sights of Lady's View. The day's weather was slightly dismal, but this did not hinder the mystical beauty of this are that features an incredible landscape. What I have seen so far is Ireland's landscape is not short of thin, winding roads that travel along the rolling hills and glorious mountains. Just when you think that you have seen it all you dip down into a gorgeous valley full of lush green grass and bushes. The mountains are speckled with rocks amongst the greenery that blankets the land. Stinging Nettle is hard to escape, as it grows wild and vastly. I learned quite quickly that one close encounter with this weed leaves your skin burning and stinging (just as it warns in the name). Fortunately there is another weed that grows here that can help soothe this ailment; Dock Leaf is another weed that grows vastly here, and with a application of this leaf upon the area where you have been stung, relief is provided, subsiding the effects of the Nettle. There is actually some dispute as to whether or not this actually works, but having just experienced it myself, I can confidently say that it does.

Monday, July 25, 2011

I had the rare and interesting experience of visiting a Buffalo farm and the factory where Buffalo Mozzarella is made in Macroom, Ireland. This is the only existing Buffalo farm in the country, and likewise, the only place where Buffalo Mozzarella is made in the country. Upon visiting the Buffalo farm and spending some time with the animals, it was interesting to learn how gentle and friendly some of the animals are. This is partially because of the way in which this farmer and his family have handled their animals; the animals have had great exposure to the children in the family and visitors to the farm. I found an article featured in the Irish Times with interviews of the farmers who I had the pleasure of meeting, and their story. 

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Blessed with another gorgeous day of clear blue skies and heat that was free of humidity, I had the pleasure of taking a tour of the Ring of Beara. This tour can typically take three hours by car and travels down to the southern tip Ireland. This was an incredible tour of the area, taking me through the towns and into some incredibly scenic rural areas and down to the ocean and fishing ports. Driving with the windows down was a necessity of this trip because it is not often that one gets the opportunity to breathe in the smells of both the lovely flowers that line the road sides and the fresh ocean air. 
We stopped along the way to enjoy a fresh pint of Guinness and something to eat. It is true what they say, the Guinness here is different than that that we have in Canada. It is much smoother, less thick, and has a slightly richer and tastier after taste, it was greatly enjoyed!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Knowing that the wonderful weather that I had experienced so far was not a usual thing here in Ireland, I was not surprised to awake to find that the day was going to be dismal. I took this opportunity to relax a bit and enjoy a few pints. I visited a small bar in the middle square in Macroom, Un Croinin. It is a small establishment and one that is a temporary location due to a fire that forced the owners to move across the street from the old location. Pitchers of beer are available for 9 euros, which is apparently a rarity in this country, as most establishments only offer pints, which are generally around 5 euros each. It was here that I had the pleasure of taking on an Irish man, born and raised, in a game of Beer Pong, a game very commonly played and enjoyed in by myself and my friends at home in Ottawa, Ontario, CA. It was a taste of home and competition, with Canada taking the win, earning bragging rights that I will take back to Canada with me. Following the bar, as per tradition, we went for some food. The locals recommended Chinese food that was walking distance from the small bar (as is everything in this town). As I waited for my order, many other people came in afterwards to place their after bar orders (including backpackers). My meal of soft fried noodles was greatly enjoyed and cost only 4 euros; a delicious treat to end a wonderful evening. 

Thursday, July 28, 2011

A rare opportunity and one that I seized happily, I was invited to join my friend, his father and brother and the mayor of Macroom for a day at the Irish Open. Not typically being one that enjoys the sport, watching it or playing it, this day was an experience on many accounts. The Irish Open is being featured at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club in Killarney, Ireland, running from today, Thursday, July 28th until Sunday, July 31st. The Club is surrounded by an incredible scenery of mountains and water. From the course one can see the tallest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntoohil, standing at 3406 feet high. 

We toured the hospitality area, where the event featured stalls, representing various companies and each offering something different, as well as tents that offer food, beer, and wine. Heineken is quite popular here. I have noticed that is actually tastes much better here in Ireland than it does at home in Canada; it is less bitter and has a smoother taste. 

We did not chose to follow one particular golfer, but walked a portion of the course, spending more time at the 3rd, 4th, 17th, and 18th holes, where we were able to see a great number of the competitors come through. The event seemed extremely well organized, with many people working to keep it that way, helping to direct the traffic of people and notifying spectators when it was 'quiet' was necessary and the use of cameras was not acceptable. 

Following our day at the Irish Open it took a lot of time to travel home to Macroom. Along the way, we stopped at Mills Inn, where we enjoyed wonderful service and a delicious dinner. I chose the Vegetarian Lasagna that was accompanied with a small green salad and potato salad, as well as some delicious thick cut chips (fries). Much like the rest of the day, this meal was accompanied with a fresh pint of Heineken. 

Friday, July 29, 2011

Tonight I will be attending a football match, this will be my first attendance at a match in Ireland; though I have attended quite a few in Ottawa, where I cheered on the Ottawa Gaelic Football team.