This past week has been very busy with visitors, holidays, and traveling!  My brother and sister are in Ireland this week.  They spent the first part of their trip in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day.  St Paddy’s was very lively in Dublin.  There were so many tourists around the city, and the streets were packed on Sunday for the parade.  It was a great experience to be in Ireland for the holiday, but if I had to do it again I may go somewhere a little less overwhelming in Ireland.

 The day after St. Paddy’s, my brother, sister, and I left on a road trip to go see where my grandfather grew up.  We rented a car and drove out to Roscommon in Country Carrick.  This was one trip I will never forget.  We arrived at the Carrick National School which is built on the land that was owned by my grandfather’s family.  There was a house next door so we went up and knocked on the door.  An older woman answered and we told her who we were and how our grandfather grew up on this land on his farm.  She told us that she knew him and his family!  She then invited us in for tea and we spent the afternoon talking to her and her friend, Brian about our family and Roscommon.  They had lots of interesting stories to tell and things to say about our relatives.  Brian even sang us a few Irish songs like “Danny Boy” and “Molly Malone”.  Then Brian took us to see where our grandfather’s house was.  It is no longer there but there is an older house which the County Counselor is restoring.  The Country Counselor is in charge of the county.  We met him as well and he also invited us into his house for tea!  He knew of our grandfather’s family too.  He had lots to say and showed us some census documents signed by out great, great grandfather John.

I was amazed that these people dropped everything that they were doing for the day just to sit down and talk to a few perfect strangers.  I have never felt more welcomed.  And I have never felt so connected to my Irish heritage.  This is definitely an experience that I will never forget. 

Location: Dublin, Ireland