Lauren and I took a trip to Ireland this year to celebrate our 14th anniversary. It was an amazing and inspirational trip, and I wanted to share a few highlights.
The People
First things first: the people. Everywhere we went, we were met with generosity, humor, and genuine smiles. Folks were happy to chat, quick with a recommendation, and always ready to point us in the right direction. We felt at home almost immediately.
Dublin and Temple Bar
We spent most of our time in Dublin, staying near Temple Bar and enjoying the pub scene. In If I Could Go, Oisín works in a little Dublin bookshop just around the corner from this iconic neighborhood. Walking those streets and picturing his shop tucked in among them was a real treat.
Music in Every Pub
It felt like every pub we walked into had something going on: trad musicians in the corner, singers leading the room, and dancers who made it look effortless. Ireland's culture is so rich in tradition, and you can feel how much people love sharing it.
My favorite part was who was there. Old and young, all together, singing along and celebrating like it was any other night. For them, it probably was!
We did a double take as we entered one pub where a guitarist and tin whistler played together - for a moment it sounded a lot like the title song from our musical! Not yet... but maybe someday.
The Cliffs of Moher
Then there were the Cliffs of Moher. Pictures don't do them justice (though we certainly tried, as you can see above). Standing up there, looking out over the Atlantic, was surreal and powerful. Beautiful and, I dare say, a little bit magical.
I'd be lying if I said a musical steeped in Irish mythology didn't get a little boost from all of this. But mostly, I came home grateful for a wonderful trip with my wife, and for the warm, spirited people who made it so memorable. Sláinte!
- Steve