IRELAND: Vote for your #1 MAGICAL Moment !!!
Jun 4th, 2007 | 03:05 PM
#1
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IRELAND: Vote for your #1 MAGICAL Moment !!!
What was your #1 favorite most magical moment in Ireland? YOU CAN ONLY DESCRIBE ONE MOMENT! What magical memory of Ireland still delights your soul and lingers in your memory? >
<
If you choose more than 1, bad kharma will follow you and you will always get stuck with the middle seat on the plane for the rest of your life.
<b>MY #1 MAGICAL MOMENT:</b>
Matt Malloy's Pub, Westport, County Mayo, Ireland. I am sitting next to my husband with my mug of Guiness, the beer with a bite. I am in the cozy front room of the pub crammed with music lovers. The most amazing musicians I have ever heard are treating a spell-bound audience to a storm of Irish trad music. Toe-tappin' knee-slappin' Irish tunes...
There are 5 or 6 musicians gathered in the corner. One woman was so incredible with her instrument I was sure she will win a prize if she hasn't already. Her instrument was similar to a fiddle, sorry I HEAR good music but I'm not an expert on the instruments.
These Irish musicians were so good, I had to blink to make sure I wasn't actually hearing the famous CHIEFTAINS in person. Of course the pub is named after Matt Malloy, who plays the flute with the Chieftains.
I was just awe-struck, in music heaven. My dream come true about how I imagined Ireland...and I smiled at my husband. He was tired and it was past his bed-time but he knew I was in heaven...he stayed as long as I wanted.
Ah, and every time I hear the Chieftains at home on my new Ipod, I feel a great longing to return to the pubs of Ireland...no place like them on earth.
When the musicians take a break, you can hear the warm burble of a mixture of accents in this Westport Pub...mostly Irish, Scottish, and British accents, with a smattering of American accents.
Yes, that was my #1 magical moment in Ireland. I was swept away on the tides of the Irish trad music, transported into the vibrant, musical, spirited soul of the Irish, who have withstood centuries of everything from famine to war and still held tight to humor, music, and family.
<If you choose more than 1, bad kharma will follow you and you will always get stuck with the middle seat on the plane for the rest of your life.
<b>MY #1 MAGICAL MOMENT:</b>
Matt Malloy's Pub, Westport, County Mayo, Ireland. I am sitting next to my husband with my mug of Guiness, the beer with a bite. I am in the cozy front room of the pub crammed with music lovers. The most amazing musicians I have ever heard are treating a spell-bound audience to a storm of Irish trad music. Toe-tappin' knee-slappin' Irish tunes...
There are 5 or 6 musicians gathered in the corner. One woman was so incredible with her instrument I was sure she will win a prize if she hasn't already. Her instrument was similar to a fiddle, sorry I HEAR good music but I'm not an expert on the instruments.
These Irish musicians were so good, I had to blink to make sure I wasn't actually hearing the famous CHIEFTAINS in person. Of course the pub is named after Matt Malloy, who plays the flute with the Chieftains.
I was just awe-struck, in music heaven. My dream come true about how I imagined Ireland...and I smiled at my husband. He was tired and it was past his bed-time but he knew I was in heaven...he stayed as long as I wanted.
Ah, and every time I hear the Chieftains at home on my new Ipod, I feel a great longing to return to the pubs of Ireland...no place like them on earth.
When the musicians take a break, you can hear the warm burble of a mixture of accents in this Westport Pub...mostly Irish, Scottish, and British accents, with a smattering of American accents.
Yes, that was my #1 magical moment in Ireland. I was swept away on the tides of the Irish trad music, transported into the vibrant, musical, spirited soul of the Irish, who have withstood centuries of everything from famine to war and still held tight to humor, music, and family.
Jun 4th, 2007 | 03:46 PM
#2
Joined: Jun 2004
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With eight visits completed and the ninth just days away, 'tis a MOST unfair limitation.
I could mention the story of my Bunratty Folk Park photo, from my first trip --
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34990643
Or, how relatives, friends and sometimes, even strangers always ask, "And how long are ye home for?"
But, if I MUST chose only ONE:
In April of '01, we wandered into a music shop on College St, in Killarney and discovered a CD by a local based singer/songwriter named Ciaran Wynne that was incredible, particularly the stunning ballad, "A MOTHER'S SONG". Upon returning home, I emailed the address in the liner notes, requesting info on more music. That email initiated a running electronic conversation and set up a Feb 2002 meeting in Kildare.
In April of '03 we met up again, in Killarney. Ciaran gave us a copy of his newest CD and invited us to a performance in Kildare, scheduled for three nights later.
We had DETAILED plans, of course -- none of which included a 'side trip' to Kildare, but back at the B&B, my wife pointed out where Ciaran had thanked US in the liner notes!
We rerouted our travel and were in Kildare the following Thursday night.
Part way through the first set, Ciaran introduced us to the home town crowd, as his "GOOD AMERICAN FRIENDS", and dedicated "A MOTHER'S SONG" to us.
Memories of scenic wonders will fade, with time, that's why we keep RETURNING -- to refresh and recharge our spirits.
But memories of that Thursday night in a crowded Kildare pub will last a lifetime.
Bob
I could mention the story of my Bunratty Folk Park photo, from my first trip --
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34990643
Or, how relatives, friends and sometimes, even strangers always ask, "And how long are ye home for?"
But, if I MUST chose only ONE:
In April of '01, we wandered into a music shop on College St, in Killarney and discovered a CD by a local based singer/songwriter named Ciaran Wynne that was incredible, particularly the stunning ballad, "A MOTHER'S SONG". Upon returning home, I emailed the address in the liner notes, requesting info on more music. That email initiated a running electronic conversation and set up a Feb 2002 meeting in Kildare.
In April of '03 we met up again, in Killarney. Ciaran gave us a copy of his newest CD and invited us to a performance in Kildare, scheduled for three nights later.
We had DETAILED plans, of course -- none of which included a 'side trip' to Kildare, but back at the B&B, my wife pointed out where Ciaran had thanked US in the liner notes!
We rerouted our travel and were in Kildare the following Thursday night.
Part way through the first set, Ciaran introduced us to the home town crowd, as his "GOOD AMERICAN FRIENDS", and dedicated "A MOTHER'S SONG" to us.
Memories of scenic wonders will fade, with time, that's why we keep RETURNING -- to refresh and recharge our spirits.
But memories of that Thursday night in a crowded Kildare pub will last a lifetime.
Bob
Jun 4th, 2007 | 04:27 PM
#4
Joined: Jan 2006
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I have one very magic moment.
My "real" name is Irish, and figures prominantly in much-loved Irish song. As my heritage is Irish, I traveled to Ireland with a friend to celebrate a very important birthday. On the day of my actual B-day we bicycled around the Dingle Peninsula on bikes we rented at Foxy Mike's (pub and bicycle shop), and had a great day. After the ride, we returned the bikes and stopped in a different pub for a bit of refreshment before going back to our B & B to change for dinner. It was a local's place; a few families gathered to enjoy the end of the day, and over in the corner was a gentleman singing Irish songs---the soulful, longing ones---in a lovely tenor as they should be sung. Hardly anyone was listening. I am absolutely sure that my friend did not go up and say anything to him---we were across the room from him, over by the bar ordering our pints.
But as we walked to our table, guess what song he sang next?
I have never heard "my" song done so beautifully.
My "real" name is Irish, and figures prominantly in much-loved Irish song. As my heritage is Irish, I traveled to Ireland with a friend to celebrate a very important birthday. On the day of my actual B-day we bicycled around the Dingle Peninsula on bikes we rented at Foxy Mike's (pub and bicycle shop), and had a great day. After the ride, we returned the bikes and stopped in a different pub for a bit of refreshment before going back to our B & B to change for dinner. It was a local's place; a few families gathered to enjoy the end of the day, and over in the corner was a gentleman singing Irish songs---the soulful, longing ones---in a lovely tenor as they should be sung. Hardly anyone was listening. I am absolutely sure that my friend did not go up and say anything to him---we were across the room from him, over by the bar ordering our pints.
But as we walked to our table, guess what song he sang next?
I have never heard "my" song done so beautifully.
Jun 4th, 2007 | 08:03 PM
#5
Joined: Oct 2004
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The hour or hour and a half I spent with my daughter sitting above the cliffs near the Black Fort on Inis Mor. It was an incredibly beautiful day. And, for almost the entire time, we were the only people around. Magical, indeed!
Jun 4th, 2007 | 08:26 PM
#6
Joined: Aug 2003
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Sorry Melissa, I really don't like RULES, because I AM Irish and we frequently don't abide by the rules 
So, I will translate you MOMENT to one PLACE - Connemara. We have visited the area at least four times, always staying close to Clifden. It fulfills your requirement for teh "magical memory of Ireland still delights your soul and lingers in your memory:.
Here are the pictures:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...dpzno&Ux=0
Regards Ger
So, I will translate you MOMENT to one PLACE - Connemara. We have visited the area at least four times, always staying close to Clifden. It fulfills your requirement for teh "magical memory of Ireland still delights your soul and lingers in your memory:.
Here are the pictures:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...dpzno&Ux=0
Regards Ger
Jun 4th, 2007 | 08:53 PM
#7
Joined: Feb 2003
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Gosh, I made my 11th trip to Ireland in April. My first was in 1970 with my dad and older sister. That trip was my dad's first trip back since 1953. He was so happy to be brining 2 of his daughters back home. I've been going back ever since (my mother lives there now) and I have life-long friends there-friends I made as a young CA girl in a very small town in Co. Roscommon...there were not as many tourists to Ireland back then.
I have so many memories....but, since I can only pick one I will just say that I am so glad I made that trip with my dad....its not just one memory but more a feeling....I was able to give him a lot of joy on that trip...he was very worried about my sister and myself having a good time...he was thrilled to see me making friends and loving it there. We stayed with his bachelor brother who had never left Ireland.
My dad died in 1987 and we never went back together again (though he wanted me to make a trip in 1985 and I did not go). My dad did go back to Ireland many times after that but we just never got to go together again.
In 1988 I took my dad's ashes back to be buried there and I decorate his grave when I go back. I am so thankful for that trip in 1970...it gave me quite a love affair with Ireland.
Sorry this may not fit "Magical moment"
Shadow
I have so many memories....but, since I can only pick one I will just say that I am so glad I made that trip with my dad....its not just one memory but more a feeling....I was able to give him a lot of joy on that trip...he was very worried about my sister and myself having a good time...he was thrilled to see me making friends and loving it there. We stayed with his bachelor brother who had never left Ireland.
My dad died in 1987 and we never went back together again (though he wanted me to make a trip in 1985 and I did not go). My dad did go back to Ireland many times after that but we just never got to go together again.
In 1988 I took my dad's ashes back to be buried there and I decorate his grave when I go back. I am so thankful for that trip in 1970...it gave me quite a love affair with Ireland.
Sorry this may not fit "Magical moment"
Shadow
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Jun 5th, 2007 | 06:50 AM
#10
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Out of the three weeks' total and many wonderful moments spent in Ireland, the first one that came to mind when I read your question was the following: after hiking 3 miles to the end of the Cliffs of Moher and back, for a total of 9 miles that day, when we got back to the visitor's center for the Cliffs, there was no one there and we ordered some apple pie. When we told the waitress that we'd walked to the end of the Cliffs and back, she brought out the whole bowl of cream and let us ladle on as much as we wanted. It was a perfect way to end a long day of hiking.
Jun 5th, 2007 | 02:01 PM
#12
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Melissa,
I can say that most every moment I have every spent in Ireland has been both magical and memorable. How am I to pick but one?
Still yet, if I must choose only one it would be:
July 2005 - Emo, Co Laois - Hillview Cottage - Hillview Farm- We had just come from registering for our first International Summer School in Monasterevin and found our way to our self catering cottage. The proprietor's son delivered a message from some friends who lived North of Dublin to call them when we arrived. I had just said to one of my traveling companions, "We must pull on our boots and find a phone to call" when he noticed a shadow cross the window next to the door. A knock on the door found me opening it with a puzzled look only to find my friends, instruments and a welcome basket in hand, standing on the the opposite side!
I had just started to explain that we had been leaving to call when teh husband said that his wife had looked up suddenly and said "They are at the cottage, lets go!" She said she had a psychic click and just intuitively knew we were here.
We had a fantastic evening of Music and laughter, coupled with Whiskey, Irish Mist, enough tea to fill Boston Harbour, again, and finished out the evening with "A song for Ireland" and "Amazing Grace" sung in Cherokee by myself and one of my traveling partners.
Sadly, we have lost contact, though I still send out emails on a quarterly basis to see if we might reconnect. However, I still look over all of the pictures from that night and when I do, I can still hear the laughter and the music.
Slan Beo,
Bit
I can say that most every moment I have every spent in Ireland has been both magical and memorable. How am I to pick but one?
Still yet, if I must choose only one it would be:
July 2005 - Emo, Co Laois - Hillview Cottage - Hillview Farm- We had just come from registering for our first International Summer School in Monasterevin and found our way to our self catering cottage. The proprietor's son delivered a message from some friends who lived North of Dublin to call them when we arrived. I had just said to one of my traveling companions, "We must pull on our boots and find a phone to call" when he noticed a shadow cross the window next to the door. A knock on the door found me opening it with a puzzled look only to find my friends, instruments and a welcome basket in hand, standing on the the opposite side!
I had just started to explain that we had been leaving to call when teh husband said that his wife had looked up suddenly and said "They are at the cottage, lets go!" She said she had a psychic click and just intuitively knew we were here.
We had a fantastic evening of Music and laughter, coupled with Whiskey, Irish Mist, enough tea to fill Boston Harbour, again, and finished out the evening with "A song for Ireland" and "Amazing Grace" sung in Cherokee by myself and one of my traveling partners.
Sadly, we have lost contact, though I still send out emails on a quarterly basis to see if we might reconnect. However, I still look over all of the pictures from that night and when I do, I can still hear the laughter and the music.
Slan Beo,
Bit
Jun 5th, 2007 | 03:18 PM
#13
Joined: Feb 2005
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The first time I walked up a country lane out of the village of Baltimore, early in the morning, to the Baltimore Beacon, overlooking what I feel is the most beautiful unspoiled harbor on earth and sat there and felt that my ggg granfather made had made the same walk. I have done it nine years in a row and will do it again in June of this year. Hope to see you Bob. Have fun
Jun 5th, 2007 | 09:05 PM
#15
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Hi Bob...our April trip was fantastic!! I was swamped when we got back (still aam). We are leading a custom tour through CIE Tours (anyone can do this and get a free tour, etc.). We are not "tour" people per se. We are doing this because over the years I've had so many people say they would like to go to Ireland with us...we have brought people before but never this many!! A tour is the only way to do this....we have 27 folks right now! This is just for friends and family and people we know mainly.
In April we went on a CIE tour for future tour leaders....we stayed at Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel near Dalkey (what a great place....want to go back),
The Sand House Hotel in Rossnowlagh in Co. Donegal...right on the beach...very relaxing, The Glenlo Abbey near Galway, very elegant, and Bunratty Castle Hotel -great for shopping at the Woolen mills, hanging out at Durty Nelly's and of course, Bunratty Castle.
We had a walking tour of Derry, went to the Belleek factory, a cruise on the shannon, and the Foynes flying Boat museum (these were the things I had not done previously). Loved the new Cliffs of Moher Center. Those were the highlights...great trip.
So, our tour goes in September!!
Am looking forward to your trip report....I will try to do one from the September tour!!
Have a wonderful time!!
Shadow
In April we went on a CIE tour for future tour leaders....we stayed at Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel near Dalkey (what a great place....want to go back),
The Sand House Hotel in Rossnowlagh in Co. Donegal...right on the beach...very relaxing, The Glenlo Abbey near Galway, very elegant, and Bunratty Castle Hotel -great for shopping at the Woolen mills, hanging out at Durty Nelly's and of course, Bunratty Castle.
We had a walking tour of Derry, went to the Belleek factory, a cruise on the shannon, and the Foynes flying Boat museum (these were the things I had not done previously). Loved the new Cliffs of Moher Center. Those were the highlights...great trip.
So, our tour goes in September!!
Am looking forward to your trip report....I will try to do one from the September tour!!
Have a wonderful time!!
Shadow
Jun 6th, 2007 | 12:14 AM
#16
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Itallian_Chauffeur:
Ah, lucky you...you passed the test. Nine trips to Ireland and you still chose just one magical moment... You will never have to sit in the middle seat of the plane again! =D>
Loved your story...Ciaran the Irish musician who dedicated A Mother's Song to you...I think you were meant to be in that pub in Kildare... In all my travels, I have rarely met people as friendly, open, and hospitable as the Irish can be... And never have I met a more musical people...
Ah, lucky you...you passed the test. Nine trips to Ireland and you still chose just one magical moment... You will never have to sit in the middle seat of the plane again! =D>
Loved your story...Ciaran the Irish musician who dedicated A Mother's Song to you...I think you were meant to be in that pub in Kildare... In all my travels, I have rarely met people as friendly, open, and hospitable as the Irish can be... And never have I met a more musical people...
Jun 6th, 2007 | 12:18 AM
#17
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enzian, that's a magical moment and truly a special birthday present! I love Dingle and could spend a month there on the peninsula. What was the pub where you were so fortunate as to hear your own special Irish song? If you remember the name of the pub, I am curious. Thanks for sharing. It must have felt like coming home.
Jun 6th, 2007 | 12:32 AM
#18
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<b>Ger: An OReilly</b> doesn't actually break the rules...rather, they are just given a wee twist! Connemara is hauntingly beautiful. On the list for my next trip to Ireland is Connemara and County Donegal, plus Dublin. I am determined to experience the mystery of Connemara. No one has ever been able to describe and explain Connemara to me. They just look at me, dreamy-eyed, and say "Ah, Connemara..." So I'm going to Connemara on my next trip and I'm going to translate Connemara into poetry, so that I can take a piece of her home with me.
My question is designed to encourage travellers to delve deeply into one special memory and share it with us, so we can be there too.. Rather than giving in to the temptation to print out a list of places, which will read like a guidebook.
Plus, if everyone only chooses one memory, it is fascinating to see what we end up with...which places? What kind of experiences?
My question is designed to encourage travellers to delve deeply into one special memory and share it with us, so we can be there too.. Rather than giving in to the temptation to print out a list of places, which will read like a guidebook.
Plus, if everyone only chooses one memory, it is fascinating to see what we end up with...which places? What kind of experiences?
Jun 6th, 2007 | 12:38 AM
#19
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CAPH52: On the cliffs of Inis Mor with your daughter...sharing some time away from the herds of tourists...that's what I love about Ireland. I'm not sure where Inis Mor is, but I love the sound of it...I think I don't need to know exactly where it is, I can imagine it... Probably I read about it somewhere in my 14 guidebooks on Ireland. But in your brief words I see you and your daughter will always carry that moment in memory.
Jun 6th, 2007 | 12:44 AM
#20
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Shadow, it fits "magical moment" and much more than that. Imagine your Dad worrying that his daughters wouldn't enjoy Ireland... Ireland slips into your heart and won't ever let go. I think you gave your Dad a very special gift with that trip to Ireland... I know it was special to me to see Ireland for the first time with my daughters, because my favorite Irish grandmother emigrated from Ireland, and I wanted to see her first homeland...it was so special to see it with my daughters and husband. Since I'm NOT originally from Ireland... I imagine the feelings your Dad had were even more powerful. I am pleased you brought "Dad" back home after he died, and I hope you found comfort in your loss.
