An Irish perspective from Maureen

April 7, 2005
By Maureen Schulte
Staff Writer

Greetings from Ireland.

Since my parent’s arrival on March 27th, my week has been filled with adventurous travel throughout Ireland. We began our journey in Carlow and set off to Kilkenny for my third time. In Kilkenny, we visited the Kilkenny Castle and this time I actually took a tour through the castle.

To me, it’s always amazing to be in such a historical site and to be a part of history. We didn’t stay too long in Kilkenny before heading off to Waterford. This was my first time in Waterford and I was expecting it to be more exciting than the town presented itself to be.

I was disappointed with the little attractions and all there is to see is the Waterford Crystal Factory, which I didn’t even take a tour through. We stayed in Waterford that night, and found a little pub called the Holy Cross where we ate dinner that night and had a few pints.

The next day, we headed out of Waterford to Blarney to see the Blarney Castle and to see the world famous Blarney Stone. Once in Blarney, I made my way to the very top of the castle and kissed the Blarney Stone, which is suppose to bring romance and eloquence to those who kiss it. The view from the top of the Blarney Castle was remarkable and contained beautiful landscaping with little creeks within the castle grounds. After Blarney we continued our way through Cork on to Killarney. The weather was rainy in Killarney so we didn’t get to do very much besides some shopping and visiting the local pubs later that night.

Bright and early the following day, we to traveled to the Dingle peninsula, which is out on the west coast of Ireland. Dingle is simply amazing and the view from ocean was so beautiful. While I was there I discovered Fungi, the famous dolphin that has made Dingle it’s home since 1983. I really wanted to see Fungi, so my parents and I took a boat ride on the ocean to catch a glimpse of the famous dolphin.

If you don’t see Fungi, you don’t pay for the boat ride, but Fungi never fails to make an appearance and I too was able to see Fungi jumping along side the boat. Before going to dinner later that night, we stopped at a pub called Paidio Se’s. Paidio Se’s was a famous soccer player for the Kerry Team in Ireland and the man himself was there at the pub.

When I was there I noticed a picture a Tom Cruise, who had visited the pub while he was filming "Far and Away." So I’m like wow I’m at the same pub as Tom Cruise as well as Martin Sheen.

My journey has not yet ended, for I am still traveling around other parts of Ireland. All of Ireland is magnificent and the scenery is simply gorgeous. So many times I’ve been take aback by the brilliant view, which I was able to see and this is a time in my life that I will never forget.

Cheers,
Maureen

Back to the OPINIONS PAGE or "The Buzz" HOMEPAGE