On the M1 from Dublin to Carrickmacross
This day was a day of contrasts. I started out running late, but had a chance to enjoy the beauty of a spring morning in Amsterdam. Once I got to work the stress and craziness hit and I was stressed. I had to leave for the airport, but had the timing down. Never works out like you plan. I just made my flight. It was a good flight though. I was able to read some and had a quick cat nap. I arrived in Dublin and got through the airport with little fuss or muss. Things were looking up. As I walked to the rental car I remember that Ireland is a left hand drive country. NO problem! I did it for a couple of years (almost 18 years ago) when I was station in the UK for the Air Force.
Bridge over the River Boyne
I had also survived driving the narrow Irish roads last December for a week in Cork and Kerry. I did scare my husband, Brian, a few times.
I got the rental can and as I was setting the navigation and I got a call for a reference. I was happy to be able to give a good reference for a fabulous person. With that done , I was not off and running. The drive down the M1 to Carrickmacross was very nice. The rolling green hills of Ireland always make me feel at peace. Spring has started here in full force. The pastures were all lush green and some fields were freshly plowed for planting. Along the road there were strips of daffodils showing off their yellow bonnets.
Main Street in Carrickmacross
I exited the M1 and started to snake my way into the rural countryside of the Mid Lands.
When I arrived in Carrickmacross the St Patrick’s Day parade had ended, but the streets were still full. I checked into the hotel, grabbed my camera and headed out to get a few shots before the precious daylight faded. I walked around and found a couple of churches and a convent. In the grounds of the convent there were more spring blooms to admire.
As I wondered around, I spotted Elvis in a take-away shop. It explained his still full figure after being dead for so many years. There were still a number of people milling about from the parade. The large number of young people gave me an idea of why I had seen a couple of youth center/organizations.
Guinness Anyone?
I managed to meet some of the members of this years best band (2nd year in a row apparently) and snapped a picture. As I was moving on a guy said “take my picture”. When I asked why he said “I’m a superhero and I’m Irish”. He grabbed his drunken buddies and I took the picture. They asked where I was from and when I told them the US they whooped it up a little. Then I told them I live in Amsterdam and they went crazy with excitement. They think it is incredibly cool you can smoke pot there. Even though it is illegal here they manage to find a way. In the end Craig, Craig, Jack and Joe moved on with some girls that showed up.
I headed back to the hotel for dinner and a couple of pints. I had a great meal and the pints made me feel much more relaxed. Overall it was much more low key than I expected. There were loads of people out and celebrating. You saw multiple generations together. Parents have their kids with them in the pubs. It was fantastic. I have to assume that in a larger city it would be more rowdy and loud. I did notice a small carnival behind the hotel. All in all it was a nice end to a very mixed bag of a day.
