Musings on a Trip to Ireland by Kay Thomas

Several years ago, I wrote a book of essays, A Smidgen of Irish Luck, about my travel to Ireland simply because I found extraordinary where there is ordinary, engaged in conversations in the oddest places and adjusted to the inevitable raindrops like a local.

The book took off in popularity as everyone has a bit of Irish in them and can relate to a first-timer's passionate feeling for a sense of place.

I claim no Irish roots; yet I was inspired by the music, literature and general feelings of loving life among the Irish.

Should I be surprised that a visit to the Emerald Isle would be so meaningful? For me, it was a solo traveling adventure, although I was with a small group tour (Overseas Adventure Travel). I learned to step out and found that not only my travel mates, but the Irish, too, were anxious for me to engage in experiences that I would  take away as “forever” memories.

One about-to-rain afternoon several of my fellow travelers and I were sauntering down a Londonderry side street taking in the multitude of sights when a cheerful couple of younger men beckoned us to come inside for a pint. They talked us to pieces with stories about the history of the pub and how it was a regular stop-off for American WW II naval men when they were ashore. The walls were covered from top to bottom with memorabilia from the States. “Go, Bruins.” Two hours later we were leaving old friends behind after a delightful chat. We dodged the daily pouring of rain, too, arriving back at our hotel just in time for dinner.

That story repeated over and over my entire three weeks in Ireland from Belfast to Dublin and small towns in-between.

It's a country that I long to return for deepening my well mentally and spiritually, and with a little luck of the Irish, in May I will be back on my own off the beaten path.

A Smidgen of Irish Luck is available on Amazon.

Kay Thomas lives in the Genesee Valley. After a successful teaching career, she is pursuing her lifelong love of writing. She writes a bi-weekly column, AND ONE MORE THING… for the Livingston County News, Geneseo, New York. Find her blogging at www.kathomaswriter.com.  Travel with Kay is filled with her adventures around the world along with practical advice. Her social media presence on Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/Kaythomaswriter and on Twitter and Instagram @Kaywriter.