You are likely aware of it but I absolutely loved the book John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs, by Ian Leslie. You don't even need to be a Beatles fan to appreciate their very deep and unique connection as explained in the book, it's a great read.
In all your trips to Cork, Kinsale and Dingle - have you ever gone to Ballymaloe? We adore it there. Have gotten to know the Allen family well over the years, and we enjoy the grounds and the area immensely. Highly recommend. Love Kinsale too. Wasn't a huge fan of Cobh though.
The Breac House looks lovely. Waking up to that view must be so soothing. We've only been to Ireland once and loved it - but it ruined drinking Guiness anywhere but there. Just tastes so much better fresh and well poured. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Beautiful time to visit the Baltics.
I enjoyed this. I think you might have two minor spelling errors. I could be wrong. You have yourself as two words and western with an extra s. Sorry. I would want to know.
Happy Saturday! Your newsletter continues to include references to things that are relevant to me, or that I have seen, eaten, or read in the past. Today’s is no exception. I remember the Saveur article about Dingle, in fact I still have that issue! Your essay made me want to go ther yet to book that trip but it’s still on my list.
Having family from the Dingle peninsula I traveled there years ago and met long lost cousins. I was in a great pub and met another young traveler from Germany. German was my second language and English the same. We spent the evening over great beers, me speaking German and he responding and speaking English. To this day one of the great experiences on a year long adventure in Europe .
The thing is, once west of Cork, one must swap in some Murphy’s and Beamish, so as not to appear a heathen! Hahahaha, love the Guinness in Ireland, and this is timely, as we are headed to Dingle and the Kerry Way in September.
That is a Full Meal Deal, Michael: a little lamb, a little travel, a little restaurant eulogy, a little books and culture, and a little McCartney. Random thoughts: I would still own my restaurant, which I loved, if the difficulty finding staff had not been such a booger. I don't think we've yet cracked the restaurant survival code. I tried everything in my small town, including my own "university" as I called it, just hiring hard working people, and teaching them how to prep and cook on the line. The staff maw was never satisfied. Alas. Sorry you lost some ones you loved. Every time that happens, we lose a bit of irreplaceable cuisine and genius. Eventually, like the poor dumb souls in Idiocracy, we'll be reduced to Cheetos and Gatorade. But not yet! There's still lamb. Those chops were huge. I wanted to pick up a bone and gnaw away. And books! The first book I gave my husband 30 years ago was Raymond Carver's A New Path to the Waterfall. We love our Oregon-born poet. And finally McCartney. We're both left-handed June 18 babies, with sunny dispositions. But only the most boring of people are cheery 24-7. Loved the dark playlist. Into every guitar, a little rain must fall. My fav McCartney of late (listened to over and over on long car rides) is his symphony, Standing Stone. It would have been a great listen on that long journey south into Ireland. Enjoy the rest of your travels. Best to Ann.
I so love this post. Thank you. Kinsale is a marvel isn’t it? Book marking Breac. Dingle looks super interesting. I also enjoy the coast of County Antrim, NI. There’s nothing like the light of the northern coast.
I have a bottle or two of Dingle whiskey sitting on my bar cart. I’m attending a writer’s conference in Toronto today, so it might apropos to have a we dram at cocktail hour.
I made my first (and, so far, last) visit to Ireland in 2018 for friends' 20th anniversary party. We left Killarney for Kinsale, which everyone called "Ahh, Kinsale." A fine and worthy appellation! Thanks for giving it its due!!!
You are likely aware of it but I absolutely loved the book John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs, by Ian Leslie. You don't even need to be a Beatles fan to appreciate their very deep and unique connection as explained in the book, it's a great read.
Never heard of it! Thanks!
In all your trips to Cork, Kinsale and Dingle - have you ever gone to Ballymaloe? We adore it there. Have gotten to know the Allen family well over the years, and we enjoy the grounds and the area immensely. Highly recommend. Love Kinsale too. Wasn't a huge fan of Cobh though.
I haven’t, but Ann has. She says it’s great.
The Breac House looks lovely. Waking up to that view must be so soothing. We've only been to Ireland once and loved it - but it ruined drinking Guiness anywhere but there. Just tastes so much better fresh and well poured. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Beautiful time to visit the Baltics.
I enjoyed this. I think you might have two minor spelling errors. I could be wrong. You have yourself as two words and western with an extra s. Sorry. I would want to know.
Hi Leigh, I AM grateful, always for fixes thanks! Will fix as soon as I get out my computer.
Happy Saturday! Your newsletter continues to include references to things that are relevant to me, or that I have seen, eaten, or read in the past. Today’s is no exception. I remember the Saveur article about Dingle, in fact I still have that issue! Your essay made me want to go ther yet to book that trip but it’s still on my list.
Thanks for another fun Saturday read!
Just loved this. Thank you for something other than the obvious <3
Having family from the Dingle peninsula I traveled there years ago and met long lost cousins. I was in a great pub and met another young traveler from Germany. German was my second language and English the same. We spent the evening over great beers, me speaking German and he responding and speaking English. To this day one of the great experiences on a year long adventure in Europe .
Consider reading Old Gods Time by Sebastian Barry. I think it’s his best book.
The thing is, once west of Cork, one must swap in some Murphy’s and Beamish, so as not to appear a heathen! Hahahaha, love the Guinness in Ireland, and this is timely, as we are headed to Dingle and the Kerry Way in September.
That is a Full Meal Deal, Michael: a little lamb, a little travel, a little restaurant eulogy, a little books and culture, and a little McCartney. Random thoughts: I would still own my restaurant, which I loved, if the difficulty finding staff had not been such a booger. I don't think we've yet cracked the restaurant survival code. I tried everything in my small town, including my own "university" as I called it, just hiring hard working people, and teaching them how to prep and cook on the line. The staff maw was never satisfied. Alas. Sorry you lost some ones you loved. Every time that happens, we lose a bit of irreplaceable cuisine and genius. Eventually, like the poor dumb souls in Idiocracy, we'll be reduced to Cheetos and Gatorade. But not yet! There's still lamb. Those chops were huge. I wanted to pick up a bone and gnaw away. And books! The first book I gave my husband 30 years ago was Raymond Carver's A New Path to the Waterfall. We love our Oregon-born poet. And finally McCartney. We're both left-handed June 18 babies, with sunny dispositions. But only the most boring of people are cheery 24-7. Loved the dark playlist. Into every guitar, a little rain must fall. My fav McCartney of late (listened to over and over on long car rides) is his symphony, Standing Stone. It would have been a great listen on that long journey south into Ireland. Enjoy the rest of your travels. Best to Ann.
Lovely, thx Kathy. And a June 18 lefty!
This is the weekend for the HUGE market at the open air museum outside Riga. Arts and crafts. And stalls of foods and foods and more foods. The link should be available in English. https://lasi.lv/par-svarigo/latvija/bus-krasna-tirgosanas-brivdabas-muzeja-tradicionalais-lielais-gadatirgus.43181
Happy trails! Loved your beautiful Irish pics. Looking forward to hearing about your Baltic adventure. NYC is hopping, LGK!
I so love this post. Thank you. Kinsale is a marvel isn’t it? Book marking Breac. Dingle looks super interesting. I also enjoy the coast of County Antrim, NI. There’s nothing like the light of the northern coast.
Especially this summer light!
I have a bottle or two of Dingle whiskey sitting on my bar cart. I’m attending a writer’s conference in Toronto today, so it might apropos to have a we dram at cocktail hour.
Absolutely!
I made my first (and, so far, last) visit to Ireland in 2018 for friends' 20th anniversary party. We left Killarney for Kinsale, which everyone called "Ahh, Kinsale." A fine and worthy appellation! Thanks for giving it its due!!!
Wonderful description of your trip to Ireland. And I have been listening to the Slate Culture Gabfest for 18 years. So so sad!