Driving in Ireland

Just home from another lovely visit to Ireland, and thought I'd share some insight on one of the most asked questions about Ireland....."What's it like driving in Ireland?"

First, let me admit, I've never driven in Eire.  Dear Hubby has assumed that task with great skill and devotion.  However, I must agree with many who have said that driving is easy - it's being a passenger that takes a strong stomach!  One strong, manly firefighter even told me he "screamed like a girl" when it was his turn to leave the wheel and become a passenger.  So, here's my attempt to explain in pictures.  Come along as I take you on a little journey from my side of the car in the splendid Emerald Isle.  These are from Clonmel to Killarney, to Ballina, then out to Achill Island.  Enjoy!!!

Castle views....

and narrow lanes

and that breathtaking Green Whrrrrrrrr!

Landmarks

 and sharing the roadway...

wondering how SatNav (GPS) knows this road???

Traffic,

See the slot cut by the side mirrors into the hedges?

and pulling in your shoulders as you pass...

scenic views...

and Turn Arounds!

Ruins round every bend

and more GPS shortcuts!

Rain, Sheep, and Roads that Rise Up to Meet you!

Views that take your breath away....

and thinking these sheep are the luckiest creatures on earth!

and finally, a reward at the end of the journey!  What a view!

Ireland, a Land of Beauty

Howdy!  It's been a long while since we've posted here, but I think the wait was worthwhile!  Dear Hubby and I took a nice long trip across the pond during the month of September.  We shared good food and good times with dear friends, and came home with another 20,000 photos of the lovely Emerald Isle!  Many of them are in a charming watercolor or illustration style.  As you can imagine, it will take some time to get the best of them edited and listed for sale, but here's a preview!  Hope you enjoy them as much as we loved taking them!

Available for sale in the Wee Irish Gallery section of our Zibbet shop!

 

We're adding new pics daily, so stop on by for a look...and a virtual cuppa!  Slan!

Music Monday with Up and Over It

Music with a handy little twist!

Music Monday with Orla Fallon - Simple Love

Orla Fallon embodies everything I love about Ireland. Her haunting voice, her beautiful nature, her kind and giving spirit - all reflect the best of the Emerald Isle. Here is just one of my favorites.



You can see Orla in person in the USA this fall. Check out the tour schedule for a show near you!

The Boys are Back in Town!

Can't control the excitement folks!  "My boys" are back in the USA!!!  The High Kings - "Rousing Irish folk balladeers are back in the US on a folk n' roll tour to promote their hit new album Memory Lane".   Available on Amazon & on iTunes.

So, in honor of their amazing talents and my high regard....how about a contest?   Winner will receive a Memory Lane album or a pair of tickets to an upcoming show!  You decide which way you'll enjoy the craic!  Just leave a comment here to be entered into a random drawing  on St. Patrick's Day!  Check out the tour dates for a venue near you!

(Winning concert tickets based on availability after 3/17/11; alternate prize will be Memory Lane CD)

...and now, for a SERIOUSLY Irish Dish

As hearty and filling as can be - YUM!

Dublin Coddle
Serves 6

1 pound bacon slices
2 pounds pork sausage links
2 large onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic
4 large potatoes, thickly sliced
2 carrots, thickly sliced
1 large bunch of fresh herbs, tied with string
black pepper
apple cider
Lightly fry the bacon until crisp. Remove and place in a large stew pot. Brown sausages lightly in the bacon fat. Remove and add to pot. Soften onions and whole garlic cloves in bacon fat, then add to pot with potatoes and carrots. Put bunch of herbs in the center of the pot. Sprinkle with pepper. Cover with cider. Cook 1 1/2 hours over medium heat, do not boil. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Check out our cookbooks & recipe cards in our Wee Irish Gallery.

The Irish Pub by The High Kings

Happy music for a happy day! Enjoy my favorite lads Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy, Finbarr Clancy and Martin Furey - The High Kings. They will be performing at the Minnesota Irish Festival in St. Paul on August 15, 2010. We're flying up from Texas, and hope you can join us there!

Happy Music!

Life's been a bit tough around here lately.  And now the heat is upon us!  It's only June and it's been near 100 degrees and dry for weeks.  I thought I'd add one of my favorite musical moments for a guaranteed "pick me up".  This is The High Kings, an Irish traditional group.  They are fantastic musicians and fantastic folks!  They've just dedicated this song to my husband....the man that invented Beer!!  Enjoy!

Cool Irish Soaps

What's not to love? Irish Cream and Irish Beer soaps? I stumbled upon these products this morning & just couldn't wait to try them. Thought I'd share the love with you!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43394326

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=43007630

Spring has Sprung!

Well, Spring is here, and as usual, daylight savings time has thrown me for a loop! Catching up a bit & getting into the creative mood again. We are currently working on several new projects. Satin bookmarks--personalized and perfect for wedding favors, birth announcements, anniversaries, or any special occasion. They are inexpensive yet beautiful & useful. We're also working on glass tile coasters featuring some of our favorite photos. Please stop in for a visit often and see if any of these new items will work for you.

And last, but certainly not least, here is the grand finale of our Irish Recipe feature.
Irish Soda Bread
5 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 Tbls baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
2 1/2 cups buttermilk
Optional add ins:
2 1/2 cups raisins
3 Tbls caraway seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9x5" pans
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda & salt in large bowl. Cut in butter using 2 knives or pastry blender until the mixture is the texture of cornmeal.

If making Caraway Raisin option, add them to dry mixture now.

Add buttermilk and egg and stir until just blended.

Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 50 to 55 minutes until golden brown. Coll on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from pans to cool completely. Slice & Serve. Delicious!!!!

I Love EVERYTHING Irish

This time of year, everyone is Irish! Who doesn't love St. Patrick's Day? It's had me thinking what it is that's so appealing. Of course the unspoiled beauty of the land itself is enough to take you there - in person if you've a bit of Irish luck. But the thing that draws you back again is definitely the people! They are the most charming and agreeable folks I've ever known.

We have been blessed with Irish friends from the most famous to the quiet village folk. Without exception, they are kind, witty, and wise. They open their hearts and share their gifts with the world. They sing and play or write like no others. I believe it is because of their open hearts. Most of us are too afraid to stand up and sing. They learn at an early age that the reward is so much more than any embarrassment could possibly be. They challenge fear and plunge headlong into whatever their calling. They encourage each other and share in the joy. The craic is truly mighty! To be in the presence of their multi-generational celebration is wondrous. Take for instance my personal favorite group, The High Kings. Their songs are old ballads loved by their fathers. Their new harmonies and energy make them favorites with kids from 2 to 99! To witness them and their fans first hand is truly a privilege.

I'm thankful for the bit of Irish blood I have, and especially for the many Irish friends that I love. God Bless Ireland!

Irish Potato Candy Recipe

Thanks for stopping by. Grab a cuppa tea & stay for a chat.

We'd like to thank you for your interest by offering this free recipe. You can also purchase a cute printed version of this recipe at www.weeirish.etsy.com.

Tanks a million!

Irish Potato Candy

Ingredients
4 Tbls butter, softened
1/2 package cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 cups flaked coconut
2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Directions
In medium bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Slowly add vanilla and confectioners' sugar, continuing to beat until smooth. Mix in the coconut (mixture will be thick, use your hands if necessary). Roll into small odd shaped balls, and roll in the cinnamon. Place onto a cookie sheet and chill to set. If desired, roll in cinnamon again for a darker color. Makes about 4 - 5 dozen, depending on size of your "potatoes".

Notes: I like to run the flaked coconut through the food processor first so it's less noticeable. The thick mixture will be about the consistency of Play Doh and is a perfect recipe to share with your little ones. Start a child friendly tradition!