My best memory of Ireland is the kindness, and friendliness of the Irish. When I’d say excuse me to walk past someone, they’d reply, “Ah you’re grand” . I loved overhearing conversations between people. I was touched by the kindness and friendliness and helpfulness of the cabbies. Americans in my experience, were treated as cousins by the Irish. And because of the history of Ireland, many of us are, (I have always been proud of my Irish heritage) along with Australians, and Canadians. I didn’t decide to take a lot of pictures of strangers until we were two days from leaving Ireland and many of the photos I got were from the car, looking out the window. Many of my “subjects” didn’t know I was taking their photo; ALL of the people I asked, say yes then thanked me…Certainly not noteworthy photographs, but they touch me and when I look at the photos, I smile.
Children of an old Friend
I met this kind woman along the coast where her home faced the sea. We spoke for a while and I learned she’d spent most of her adult life in the States and moved back to Ireland, and her family home after the death of her husband. I brought her back to meet our family.
I met a very nice man when I sat down on the steps to rest. Turns down he was the Lord Mayor of Dublin. He generously agreed to get his chain and pose with my son for a photo in front of his home.
This gentlemen was a bartender at the pub we went to during our “food tour”. He’s married now. 🙂 His wedding was two weeks away during our trip.
I liked walking “against traffic” sometimes and getting photos of people walking toward me. This photo was taken in Dublin, near Grafton Street– a street of shops where vehicles were not allowed.
Our tour guide at the Grange. Such a wonderful place.
The Village of Gallway is a beautiful place.. And the last many of our ancestors saw of Ireland as they set off for America, Canada or Australia during the Famine. This gentlemen was our cab driver from the hotel on the coast to the village. She generously agreed to pose for a picture.
A street in Gallway
During our walking, I came across this girl up in her place conversing with a woman on the street. She saw me and laughed, leaning back but then agreed to a photo from the strange American.
Her Friend, down on the street below
This photo came out blurry but I kept it anyway. These little “imps” decided to charge all visitors to the pub as Paul tried to enter.. A Pub in Ireland serves food as well as Guiness
This sweet face was one of the three little imps but was happy to have her picture taken.
I spotted this family in our hotel restaurant in Gallway. It was early in the morning, but they were all dressed and eating. I was struck by the way the parents worked together to help their three young, and closely spaced children eat breakfast. They were on a short holiday in Gallway and kindly allowed me to take their photo.
On the train ride back to Dublin from Gallway, I took this picture of an elderly man on the train..
This young mother, on the train from Gallway to Dublin, entertained her children with a deck of cars. I got several of them. They also had an i pod (I believe) and watched a movie for a while after the card game.
On the road to Blarney Castle, we stopped for diapers for Frankie. From my car seat I snapped several photos of people walking in and out of the store my niece had run in to, to purchase “nappies” for Frankie.
On the Beautiful grounds of Blarney Castle, these children decided to kiss each other as I imagine the steps up to the stone were too many. I had so much fun watching them play
This gentleman walked past me while I waited for family members to climb the steps and kiss the Blarney Stone. I asked for his picture and he agreed with a smile.
This little Cherub was a pure delight and deign to gift me with a small grin. What I really wanted to do was pinch those little cheeks but thought her mom might wisk her away if I tried. Made me homesick for my Izzy
This little Miss is the older sister of the little Cherub above. She was a doll and I’d enjoyed watching her play with her siblings on the grounds of Blarney Castle.
I’m going back to Ireland some day soon; hopefully when Paul retires in 3 years. I’ll be saving money for that trip. I plan to start on day one with solitary walks and get as many photos of the faces of Ireland, then France, then Germany. I DEF. plan on visiting Gallway again.
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