Winding Down on the West Coast of Ireland

I flew into the Irish county of Kerry on Monday afternoon (14th May). Unfortunately there is a lack of internet access on the isolated West Coast and although my cousins have it in the house they are still using dial up and it’s making things very difficult for blog updating so I will be publishing this entry after my return to London.

I am staying in the town of Ballybunion. A place not renowned for good weather. It is where my mother grew up and it’s a lovely if somewhat quaint part of Ireland where the people are friendly but perhaps still a little guarded of strangers.

Ballybunion is famous for its pubs (there are about 14 of them in the main street!) seaweed baths and its castle which unfortunately is a shadow of its former self.

Ballybunion used to be a very popular seaside resort before the Irish and the rest of Europe discovered budget airlines and international destinations. Whereas families used to drive to Ballybunion they now head to the nearest airport and to countries like Spain and Italy.

In an attempt to attract back the tourists the town hosted the first ever "World Fleadh" last year where traditional Gaelic music was played during a six day festival though I feel Ballybunion's best days as a tourist destination are behind it.

On Tuesday morning I awoke to a big blue blanket of cloud above. There is a cold calm feel to this place as the mist rolled into town from across the sea and up the main street below my bedroom window.

I’ve been here a few times now however judging by the looks I received when I walked up to the bar and asked for a Guinness last night I am not considered a local yet!

My Australian accent is still considered a little exotic and is somewhat different from the usual American accents that pass by this place.

I stayed in a lovely Bed and Breakfast called Mountain View which is next door to JD’s (my cousin’s pub). It’s a 10 room B and B and I was the only person staying in the place this week.

I had no real plans for the week; however I was hoping to play some golf at the famed Ballybunion Golf Club. Unfortunately the weather prevented me from getting on the course this time.

The weather was dry enough on Thursday morning to allow me to walk around the cliffs here and take a few photos of the town for my blog. It’s certainly been cold - it’s the first time on this holiday I’ve had to add layers to my clothing - a t-shirt, shirt and jacket at all times.

I also managed to take a few photos of some members of the Irish family as well as a few shots of the town which can look lovely when the sun is shining. Unfortunately the sun’s appearance was rare during my visit.

The poor weather provided me with a great excuse to visit a couple of the pubs and I enjoyed a few pints of Guinness and managed to start on Birdsong, Sebastian Faulk’s powerful novel set before and during the Great War.

My brother Paul had suggested I read it before we went on the tour of the battlefields of France and Belgium however I was a little too occupied with Spanish studies at the time. With the forever present rain outside I had the perfect opportunity to start on the book and take pleasure drinking the famous black beverage.

Although my time was brief in Ballybunion I’m glad I managed make the trip. My cousins and my mum’s friends always make me feel welcome and there is always a hug, a handshake and a hot cup of tea whoever I visit.

I’m now back in London where the warm sun is shining brightly. Tomorrow is FA Cup Final day and it’s great to be able to watch the game at 3pm. It sure beats a midnight kick off at home in Sydney!

This is likely to be my penultimate blog entry and as much as I’m trying to avoid thinking of it I’m starting to get mentally prepared for the flight back to Sydney and a return to normal life.

I’m out to dinner with my friend Mai from Sydney tonight (Mai studied Spanish with me last year in Sydney and has now moved to London). We are meeting in Soho at 8pm.

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