We’re on our way on an 8:30 pm flight. A little stress and chaos as Kayla’s hit with a fever a couple hours before takeoff, but the doc cleared her, so we’re off. Griffin, as always, is thrilled with the whole idea of flying, which somehow manages to cut down on my absolute hate of the whole idea of flying.
All in all, smooth flight. Not without some bumps, but easily 90 percent smooth, which I very much appreciate. Nobody got much sleep, but we arrive, and to sunny skies. Yay!!
Customs is pretty smooth, too. We landed early, so we’ll wait awhile to pick up our cars. Two cars as there are 9 of us. Plus luggage for nine. We’d arranged with Ashford—where we head next week—to send a follow car for the luggage, but Kat thinks she can load us up.
If anyone can, it’s Kat. But I’m looking at the mountain range of luggage, the space in the cars. And thinking, no possible away.
In about twenty minutes, I realize once again: Never underestimate Kat.
This is Jason’s first time driving on the left—he’s practiced virtually, but this is his debut. And Kat hasn’t done it since we were here in 2019. Nothing to do but do it, so we head out of the airport toward Galway. I’m in the passenger seat with Jason, Logan and Savanna in the back. Kat has Kayla, JR, Colt and Griffin.
BW’s going to Portugal in September for a photography deal, so he opted out of this trip.
Jason does fine, though I let him know along the way, he’s riding a little too close on the left.
Wide roads to start, and little traffic on this Saturday morning. Then it’s through towns, some neighborhoods. It’s lovely to see the flowers here again, all so bright and lush in dooryards or growing wild on roadsides and fields
A little too close on the left as roads narrow and wind on this nearly two-hour drive. (After little to no sleep.)
And there are the green fields under blue skies, the hills rolling up to the mountains. The white sheep and lazy cows. And here a village with the narrow road hemmed in by parked cars on both sides. Jason threads that needle.
We’re into Connemara, the wild, stony mountains etched giants against the summer blue sky. It’s just glorious. And here’s Galway Bay with its little knots of green islands, spreading out blue. Houses with gardens bright in dooryards, field after green field cropped by sheep.
Narrow, winding roads flanked by tall hedgerow of fuchsia, red drops on walls of green.
A little close on the left!
We’re nearly there, and very early for our check in, but they’ve told us to come ahead.
And it happens.
Around a curve, a car coming on the right. Seriously close on the left this time, and bang we hit the rocks on the shoulder. Oops! The car noisily objects. We pull over when we find a spot.
Two flat left tires.
Text Kat as Jason tries to contact roadside assistance.
At least we broke down in a pretty spot!
Kat delivers her load of luggage and passengers—we’re just minutes away from our house on the bay. After a lot of effort Jason finally reaches a human being who will send that assistance. Savanna and Logan explore the hill behind us, the field across. Kat comes back for the rest of us. Jason will wait with the car.
And to hark back to Young Frankenstein, we say: It could be worse. It could be raining.
We have a lovely place on the bay with a lot of room, pretty gardens, a green lawn. The views! The air! The glory of not being in a moving vehicle of any kind.
Turns out the follow-car drive from Ashford had been at the airport. We were early; he was earlier, and therefore didn’t get the message we didn’t need the service.
But he’s delighted he’s has the drive, hasn’t been to this area in quite a while. He brings us two welcome baskets from the castle. Wine, cheese, bread, honey, chocolate! A big and tasty surprise.
The mountain range of luggage now spreads through the eat-in area off the kitchen. I ask strong Colt to take my garment bag down to my room. I’m on the lower level, which I guess here is the first floor. Big windows opening out to the patio, flowers, tidy stone walls butting up against the spread of green lawn. And a little fireplace! I may get that going some rainy night.
I unpack that one, go up to the kitchen area where we have the side door to a little porch open for the beautiful breeze. Kayla’s out of the shower and in bed. Not feverish but not feeling wonderful either. I make her some toast—Kat and some of the gang are heading out to get some lunch. I break out the champagne I’d put in the freezer on arrival, have a glass while Griffin and I entertain ourselves.
He’s found a chess board, wants me to play. Neither of us really know how, but it doesn’t stop us.
We have a lot of rooms in this place—one’s a little gym I’ll make use of this morning. Kat brings back a pack of soup mix (Kayla’s request) from the nearby gas station, so I make that while she and JR head to the market.
Take the girl down soup, a slice of brown bread from the basket, some tea with honey. She’s looking better to her nana’s eye.
Time to put groceries away, and have JR carry my other suitcase down. Unpack, wonder if I’ll really need all the clothes I was certain I’d need when I packed them.
Jason’s back! They actually sent two new tires—the others were shot.
I go outside to wander, marvel at the cranesbill which is five times the spread of any of mine. The air feels so good, and the view just gets better. A little white sailboat glides along.
Griffin, never one to miss the opportunity, decides he and I need to have races—three laps, he decrees—over the lawn. He has the advantage as he’s six, I’m not. I’m barefoot, he’s not.
But we run, then apparently it’s time for battle and choosing weapons. He has a Legendary Bow. Well, I want one, too.
I am, of course, defeated.
In one of the living areas, they’ve set up a Switch. We also discuss dinner and opt for carry out on our first night. We’re tired travelers, which I prove my conking on the sofa during Switch. Wake to find most of us eating pizza or chicken tenders, chips. Logan is conked in his room.
Eat, talk about tomorrow, and everyone thinks it should be a lazy, easy day—not a lot of driving. Clean up the kitchen. Jason and Griffin have conked on the sofa now. It’s barely eight, but we’re all done.
I made it until about nine, just closed the curtains on the windows, and crashed.
Now ready for whatever the day brings after some real sleep that wasn’t at 30,000 feet. But first, I’m going to make use of the gym on a day with breezes and cloudy skies.
Nora
Note from Laura:
I’m learning that coordinating apps, internet and photo types takes a bit of concentration. So I’ll get these up as I’m able.
And you can find my travelogue her: On the Road
L
Welcome to Ireland, Nora! Here’s hoping you have a brilliant time ..and some decent weather!
I’m a big fan of your books, including the “In Death” series.
Glad im not the only one who is not a happy flier lol! I only go as I know it will take me somewhere interesting. Ireland looks positively beautiful. I’ve always wanted to go. I look forward to your updates. By the way I cheekily love the way you call a petrol station gas station, love it! Have a lovely time! P.s. hope kayla feels better soon.xx
Enjoy your time away!
I can relate! On our last trip to Ireland, my husband was also a little too close on the left. Since we were both tied & a little cranky, I stopped reminding him, and he blew out a tire. I enjoyed the views while he emptied the trunk & put on the spare. Luckily we had the full coverage & we were able to get a new one a day or two later.
Ireland is just magical! Enjoy your trip!
Beautiful! I love Ireland. Have fun and be safe.
Understand all the conking. Love the #randomkatness photo of the donkey! Sorry to read about the tires, but glad they got fixed. Sounds like a good start to a great vacation!
I cried reading this I REALLY really enjoyed it and it Very Much touched my heart 💌
Thank you for sharing
So excited to read this! My 25-year old daughter and I leave Wednesday for a chicks’ trip to Ireland. My first time driving on the left as well. Doing the southern coast from Dublin-Wexford-Cobh-Kenmare-Galway-Dublin. I’ll need to check out virtual driving.
So glad you all had a safe flight! It sounds beautiful so far. Sorry Kayla is feeling under the weather!Hope she recovers quickly so she can enjoy the trip. Can’t wait to read all about Ireland! Enjoy every minute of your trip!
Love this. Also went to Ireland on an overnight flight. Was on a tour and when we landed went right for a breakfast then to Blarney Castle with no sleep for the day. It didn’t deflect from the beauty of Ireland. Your descriptions have put me back there on that beautiful isle.
We got a flat tire in Scotland the same way! We can relate to Jason! We spent an extra day in the small town we were in. And navigating the narrow roads on the left! Hubby did all the driving and was exhausted! I was exhausted as the passenger, lol. The shop was wonderful about fixing and replacing it. Hope Kat gets better and can enjoy the rest of the trip!
Such optimism! The open windows and views sound lovely. Glad the tire incident wasn’t worse, and happened close to your house. Looking forward to reading about your adventures. Good luck to Kayla on feeling better.
Nora, I love to read your travel logs! I feel like I am with your group and enjoying every minute, but cringing along the narrow roads. Thank you for sharing your log with us and thank your family for letting me “join” your trip.
Kat is very smart! Perfect travel companion. Griffin is such a joy!! Glad Kayla is feeling better. She is blessed to have a caring, sweet Nanna.
Enjoy your trip!!!
I went to Ireland with my husband two years ago, and while he was driving, I kept telling him, “Watch your left! Watch your left!” Finally, on a curve, he scraped the side mirror on a rock; he immediately swerved, and that was it. 😆 The roads were really narrow for two cars! I loved Ireland anyway, and we enjoyed it very much. I hope you have a wonderful trip! Greetings from Argentina!
Wow thanks for the great first day comments. Sorry about the “left” accident to the car. Both tires. No one hurt tho. House sound large and big enough for all. Have a wonderful time. Send more updated. Love it.
I love this! I was thinking earlier today I need a new Nora book! She could take a page out of a phone book and make it interesting! And I guess I dated myself with that comment,,,
Yay you are here again – Failte.
I met you in 1994 on board the MV Royal Odyssey and have been reading you ever since.
Hope you are coming to Waterford and of course to visit Waterford Crystal- you are such a big fan.
Have a fantastic where ever your adventures take you in our beautiful country.
Sorry about your 2 punctures!
Have a marvellous time Nora. We took a bus tour with Royal Irish Tours last summer. It rained quite a bit, but that couldn’t dampen our spirits. It’s so beautiful and the people are lovely. You’re going to love it there.
Beautiful photos! Can’t wait to hear about the rest. I’m traveling on holiday to Ireland and Scotland this fall. I’m not a wonderful flyer but have held on tight to the seat for three crossings across the Atlantic and Pacific. Ireland looks fabulous!
Are you planning to have tea and biscuits with Sinead Lannigan at some point during the trip? 😉❤️🍀
I’m in Salthill currently. Arrived on Tuesday last week and was able to enjoy incredible weather in the Galway area. Trips included the beautiful Connemara area and Kylemore Abbey, stopping in small villages along the way, and a visit to the Cliffs of Moher and the Barren. The west coast of Ireland is breathtaking. Tomorrow, we’re headed to Dublin and the east coast. I hope you have a wonderful time with your family.
Hope you all have a wonderful time.
Looking forward to the rest of the blogs😊😊😊
Happy to hear that y’all made it there. Traveling like that can wear anyone out. Sounds like a gorgeous place to be.
I am rereading the Dragon Heart Trilogy, so this is timely. I see you found Bridgette, the donkey. Hope you find a magical tree. Thanks for taking us along.
What gloriously stunning scenery! I think you’ve found paradise in Ireland. Enjoy 😊