"With over 2.3 million travelers flocking to the home of Saint Patrick’s day in the month of March, in 2018, I was lucky to be one of them! Give it a read to see how the last minute adventure unfolded."
Ireland, the land of a thousand welcomes. The only vital belongings you need when traveling to this green grassed gem is a “hello", a teethy smile and you’ll be on your way! Oh, and a good beer tolerance as the Irish really do enjoy their Guniness. Or in my case, Whiskey.
Two weeks being surrounded by the culture, the festivities and the accent (ahh, I’m melting just typing this) made me feel all warm and giddy inside. I was ready to look beyond my glasses and view the country as a local, and goodness me, I was excited. The world famous Saint Patrick's Day festivities was quickly approaching. My heart was skipping a beat and I was thirsty for some Jameson.
I left London Gatwick Airport with my hand luggage which eventually ended up at the hold of the airplane as it was far too heavy. I was nervous yet again, as I was traveling solo but remained calm to give the impression I knew what I was doing. The smooth boarding process left me in a comfortable seat and I noticed five London University students surrounding the shared space. I happened to grin and the gesture was pleasantly returned. They were a talkative bunch and their presence urged me to become friends with them.
Without looking too interested and keeping it ‘cool’, I happened to laugh at one of their conversations, it contained some banter, which I enjoyed. This resulted with one of them asking if I was Irish! I wish! They were hoping it would be true as it was their first time traveling to the country. It wasn’t long before our friendships became a little stronger when they realized I was in the same ‘boat' and that we all seemed to have no idea where we were going. We stuck together making sure we were helping one another and later exchanged contacts to prepare ourselves for Irelands biggest celebratory day.
Upon arriving at a perfectly situated hostel in the heart of Dublin, I just knew that my time spent here would be most memorable. And I was not wrong. I laughed at many of the decisions I made, especially choosing to stay in a 16 mixed dormitory in a city I had never been to before. Bonkers! But I did it and let me tell you it was one of the best decisions I have ever made whilst traveling. Or maybe it was the "luck of the Irish"! As I walked into the room, I befriended three American girls, two of which are currently teaching English in Spain. They were down to earth, smiled lot and were interested in my travel journey so far.
And so the day arrived!.....waking up extra early, we got dressed in our green outfits. Between us we wore clovered stockings, wigs, fairy lights, glitter glasses and held Irish flags towards the sky. Due to Saint Patrick's Day falling on a Saturday, there was an increase in passengers traveling through Dublin Airport. There were over 2.3 million travelers exploring the city during the month of March, so just imagine streets being crowded with like-minded travelers, pubs full of possible friends and foreigners attempting to do some Irish dancing in the nightclubs.
During the course of the day and evening, the weather prediction was a snow storm. But that sure didn’t stop the group of 20 young students bar hopping around the over-hyped, well known area of Temple Bar. No Storm Emma or Beast of the East could ever put a dampener on the Irish Saint Patrick's day celebrations!
I had always thought that Temple Bar was just a bar, but in fact it’s an area full of everything you need for an incredible night out! However, I do urge you to walk around the area when the sun is shining as you will find some worthy cultural attractions such as street art and food & book markets.
During the weekend, I was not only experiencing Saint Patrick's day but a 'Feisanna’. Feis is pronounced as Fesh. It means a Festival. This word means gatherings of not just Irish dance but events in other Gaelic arts which include the Gaelic language, art, poetry and singing. These events are usually crowded and organized chaos where talented individuals of all areas come together to feel appreciated. Walking in these crowded streets, my ears followed the way to a young lady singing acoustic music, my eyes followed a sign to a clairvoyant and my toes followed the rhythm of the Irish dance. Learning the language of Irish dance is a bit like stepping onto another planet where wigs, black tights, poodle socks and loud shoes making rhythmic noises is the norm.
Dubliners are incredibly friendly and they will always find a common ground with you no matter your country of origin. They are storytellers who have a great sense of humour and are always willing to create some banter amongst the company they are with. I found that even though I seek to ‘look like a local’, I tend to sneakily bring out my map, and while looking a bit puzzled, I always seemed to have someone approaching me asking if I needed help.
When traveling I always strive to spend my time in the most unusual places, however, Ireland has too many incredible attractions which cannot be missed! Places such as The Cliffs of Moher, The Aran Islands, Fishing village of Galway, Trinity College Library (The Book of Kells), The Titanic museum in Belfast and road tripping through the World Atlantic way.
Once my newly made friends departed on their own personal missions, I was fortunate to spend time with my aunt who traveled to the country from South Africa to take part in the European Masters dancing competition in Northern Ireland. Our days together were spent visiting the bakery, ‘The Queen of Tarts’, hopping on and off the tourist bus, visiting art galleries and the Guinness Storehouse. The home of Guinness is one unforgettable experience. The brewery covers seven floors surrounding a glass atrium shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. Even if you don’t particularly enjoy the taste, there will always be someone there willing to drink it for you!
We then trekked up north to a little town of Donegal, Ballybofey. The north of Ireland is the least explored, making it a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. The untamed mountains are known for their challenging peaks, gentle slopes and crystalline lakes. Truly rural and unspoilt. Although I was surrounded with such beauty, I was lost for words and admiration when my aunt took to the dance floor. When she flowed in dance, it was as if it were the only way her body knew how to speak. On stage her personality, her sensuality burst through into the most vibrant picture. It was like my blood just filled up with adrenaline, enough to make me tingle and to start move my body. Since this day, I have added a new goal to my bucket list: To attend dance lessons and to learn different types of line dancing.
After raving about the land of the Irish, I think it is evident that the aura of the country is special and it was like traveling to a place without ever leaving home. I am now the owner of a traditional Claddagh ring (Look it up, I think you would love the meaning) and a Garnet necklace, which means; 'Feet on earth, head to the sky’.
So do I have Cork roots? Was I once born in another lifetime in a little town called, Derry?
I believe so. And I believe everyone would feel the same after visiting this country.
I know a piece of me has been left in Ireland and, as a result, I know I will return.