Photo Friday: Encounters in Ireland

I've had more than my fair share of good animal encounters here in Ireland.  Here are just a few photos from the last two weeks...

These guys were munching grass on the Hill of Tara...

As the sun was setting along a little country road, this swan went out for a swim...

And we came upon this swan family with three signets, too.

One of the birds at the Ireland School of Falconry...

My traveling companion, Leslie, with Killary, the hawk we took out on the Hawk Walk...

Not all of the animals are flesh and bone.  Look at the dog on the back of this deer from the Market Cross in Kells...

And on the Hill of Tara there's a church with this scene... a family praying including the dog under the table.

What better place to graze than at an old Abbey?  This lovely cow was munching on grass at Fore Abbey amongst the wild iris. 

Happy Friday!

Thanks to all of you who joined me from DeliciousBaby.com's Photo Friday. 

A Limerick in Praise of Fish & Chips

There once was a Gypsy in Eire

whose hunger burned like a fire.

She ate some grand fish

with tartar and chips

and with vinegar she doused her pyre. 

It takes quite a bit these days to make me write poetry (aren't you glad!), but a really good plate of fish and chips here in Ireland... now that brings out the Yeats in me.  I've had the pleasure of eating fish and chips on several occasions here in Ireland.  Delicious!  So far, the best places I've found for a plate of fried goodness...


The Creamery in Bunratty: light, crispy, and darn good fries... er, chips.  The portion was quite large and could easily feed two as well.  The Creamery is a charming pub across the street from Bunratty Castle in Co. Clare.

The Cellar Bar in Dublin (pictured):  gorgeous fish lightly battered in tempura batter, fantastic chips, and all served with the most delicious minted peas in the world.  The chef is not keen on being known for his fish and chips, but I say, "Own it!"  You'll find the Cellar Bar in the basement of The Merrion Hotel in the heart of Dublin.

Welcome to all of you who are joining us from WanderFood Wednesdays!

Where in the world have you eaten fantastic fish and chips?  

And do you also write limericks?

Sitting in a Pub

The pub is called the Dylan Thomas.  It’s in Ennistymon, Co. Clare at the Falls Hotel.  For a hotel bar, this one is pretty nice.  It feels fairly Irish, too – whatever that means.  But the music… oh, the music!  Co. Clare is the center of Irish traditional music with towns like Doolin, Kilfenora, and Ennistymon that boast some of the country’s finest musicians who seem to ooze music from their very pores. 

So, I’m sitting here… absolutely in heaven.  Fantastic music, spirited people, a pint of Guinness… all in a place named for a poet.  There’s nothing finer in the world.