It took me a long time, a very long time, to fall in love with Ireland. I was young and foolish, when we first arrived, and I longed for the familiarity of the country I grew up in, the people I knew well, and a life faster-paced. But, slowly, oh so slowly, this serene country grew on me…like moss taking over a field.
Today I appreciate what I once did not. I love how at every turn something arresting catches my eye…like this field near our home. Notice how the land rolls softly at crooked angles, emerald green. Imagine cow bellows being carried softly on the breeze, and leaves rustling loosely in the wind. See the old trees huddled together, while one brave one stands tall and stately on its own. And sense the darkened cotton-ball clouds rolling overhead.
If you will, take a moment…blot out the words…and just look at the photo. Drink it in. Does it make you feel serene? I hope it does: then you too will share a tiny bit of what it took me a long, oh so long, time to realise: Ireland is an extraordinary place. Slán.
Additional Notes, Related Articles & Credits:
* WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Serene
** Want to stay at an Irish farm? Check out this article from The Irish Independent newspaper!
In an Irish Home 
[…] In an Irish Home Serene […]
Hi Chris. Thank you very much for linking me to your blog post. I hope you are well in The Netherlands. I had the great pleasure of visiting Amsterdam for the first time this summer. What a beautiful country. Be well. Kim
Hi Kim, lovely words! And I’ll add that it is a better place with you here with us xx
Linda…you are so good! Big hugs to you today. xoK
Dear Kim, you have found the secret to a successful life, peace, gratitude and love. Good on you. I love your blog and it is the only one I follow except The Wild Geese. Have a serene 🎄.
Suzee McKee Irwin
Suzee…you have no idea how honoured I feel to hear you are following my sweet little blog. I hope I do not disappoint you. As for having found the “secret” to a successful, peaceful life filled with gratitude and love…I am a work in progress. You truly have made my heart light today. Thank you so much. Happy Christmas to you…as we say in Ireland.
Kim, I could not bring up the article about staying at an Irish ☘️ farm. Is there some other way to get it? Thanks
Suzee…thank you for letting me know. I too tried and couldn’t get to the article, so I have reposted it. You should have no trouble now. If you do, however, the article is from http://www.independent.ie and is entitled: 10 Best: Irish Farm Stays. Let me know if you have continued troubles. Kim
Nice post
Thank you!
I had always wanted to visit Ireland prompted by the beautiful scenery. Finally in my early 60’s I made it. I was not prepared for the profound love I felt for the country, the people, the way of life, the pace of life, the breath taking country side, (Dingle, the sheep, the stone walls) even the VERY narrow roads. 😉 I long to be surrounded by the attitude of self reliance I felt in Ireland. When I go to my “happy place” it’s not a tropical island it is Ireland. Thank you for your posts.
Oh, Suzi…what a lovely message. I am so happy you visited In an Irish Home and that you dropped me a note. I’m glad, too, that you came to Ireland. Dingle is a particularly beautiful part of Ireland. I know those VERY narrow roads well…they used to scare the heck out of me too..:-0! Be well. Kim
What a wonderful description of Ireland and in particular, Dingle, your reader Suzi sent. My great grandfather Constantine Callahan came from Dingle I’ve been told. Kim, it is encouraging that you used past tense about your fear of narrow roads. After nine trips to Ireland I am still a white knuckle driver. I am positively itchy to get back to the lush Emerald Isle tho’. Looking forward to more chats and Kim, believe me we are all works in progress.
Constantine! Isn’t that a regal first name for an Irishman? My great-great grandfather was Abraham…another dignified name. As for the narrow roads: I’ve been wanting to do a blog post, with video, of the tiniest road I’ve ever driven on {and it’s right near my home}. Maybe I’ll do it! Be well, Suzee. Hope to chat again soon.
Gorgeous! ☘
Thank you!
Lovely post! Glad you take the time to enjoy our beautiful countryside. 🙂
Thank you. I get out every day…if possible! Hope you do too.
I try too indeed but am fortunate to have a most fantastic view from my living room for the days when I cannot!
Oh! Lucky you!! I used to be able to see the sea from my family room and kitchen but then the trees at the bottom of our garden grew too tall. Now I can only see the sea from the upstairs bedrooms. Still…I’m thankful for small things!
So, so beautiful!!
Thank you, Cynthia!