Ireland Visit 2026, A Pilgrimage

We revisit those places where we experienced love, 

as pilgrims return to holy places,

to be reminded, 

restored, 

and reaffirmed by them. 

~ Phillis Grissom-Theroux 

More modern Celtic cross in the cemetery of the Killamary High Cross

This return to Ireland was primarily for music, literature, and art. We would not be disappointed. 

After 50 some odd years, MM, one of my college roommates, returned to Ireland, joining me on a visit to the Kilkenny Arts Festival.* MM first went to Ireland in 1975. She has continued to travel extensively including to many part of Europe, Mexico and South America. I do not presume to relate all of her adventures over the years.Those are her stories to tell.

I first ran away to Ireland in 1977. My story? I was heartsick and didn't know what to do with myself. That first trip was the making of me in many ways. And I did "experience love" on that first trip. I began an affair with Ireland - the place and her people - that continues.** This would be my 13th trip.***

Where did we go and what did we do?

We started and ended in Dublin.

The Kilkenny Arts Festival (and the Alt Festival) consumed the bulk of our time.

We also hired a driver for a day trip to local sights - examples of what people often think of when they visit the country - castles, holy wells, monastic sites, and high crosses.

And? The Weather?

It was unseasonably warm for more than a few days. While temps in the high 70s and low 80s do not sound serious when it was over 100 degrees at home, there are few places with air conditioning in Ireland. It was warm. It did not slow us down for long.

Rain held off for most of the trip. We felt sprinkles a couple of times, but we could have left our raincoats at home.

We saw exactly one rainbow from the window of our B&B in Dublin.

It is a sad excuse for a rainbow, but there you go.

Transportation? 

We did not rent a car. We used public transportation (train, bus), cabs, a tour bus, and our feet*** to get where we needed to be. There was no hitchhiking on this trip (unlike those adventures in the 1970s).

Special events? 

MM had a birthday and we celebrated! Actually the entire trip was a celebration of sorts. And it was rich with a deep dives into personal history we missed - kids, pets, graduate school, jobs, and what is coming next. We shared food, the abundance and variety that is (now) Irish dining. The musical events and other arts were amazing. 

It was a grand journey - needed, enjoyed, and soul satisfying. 

Woohoo!

[Stand by for more specifics. Read or don't read. I'll never know.]

NOTES: 

* https://www.kilkennyarts.ie/

** https://walkinthepark-padimus.blogspot.com/2014/09/i.html

*** We had to cancel 3 trips as sometimes happens,

**** We logged well more than 10,000 steps each day except when we were traveling.