BACK HOME FOR SOME SUMMER

The journey home went incredibly smoothly after the threat of an Aer Lingus strike receded. Yes, the news from last weekend was not what I wanted to hear. But fortunately the bus, flight, bus, and train to Plzen, were timed as if they'd been planned for minimum waiting times. 
The temperatures in Ireland are still unseasonaly cold which makes me feel happy to be back as the summer here begins to take off. 
However, I have put together this short movie of some of the music, and dancing, I experienced on the trip. The lighting was pretty poor in most of the venues but the sound is unaffected. Enjoy

The Last Day in Killarney

The Grand Galway Hotel

Once again I found a music night and managed to get to sing a song. The banjo player on the left, from Scotland could play a mean tune. 

Colourful shops 

Celtic crosses at Muckross Abbey

The Lakes of Killarney

Muckross House

Torc Waterfall

Even though there wasn't so much water, the Torc Falls, just near Muckross House looked quite impressive.

Just to prove I was there

When morning came I decided to hire a bike instead of going out to Dingle on the bus. The day was fine for the most part, finishing up warm and sunny. It seems that this is a really great area if you're interested in biking or walking. A pleasant day out. D

Good trip to Killarney

From Galway, the bus to Killarney went smoothly, albeit rather a long time. Had to change in Limerick, which is a place that  seems to have one claim to fame. I asked some people about the place but the only reply I got was. 'There was a young man from Kent, whose.........'. If you still dont know what I'm getting at, try googling Limerick. 

At The Fiddler's Elbow

But last night in Galway I managed to find a good pub where there was some music. The Fiddler's Elbow is off the tourist track so not very crowded and some great music. It was just like I was back in Manchester where I spent many happy hours in such places. Not only that, the songs were the same ones. I was among the guest singers!!! Sang a song I hadn't sung for about 10 years. Playing a banjo is like riding a bike but remembering words is a completely different thing. It didn't matter, they were still appreciative. I went with a crowd from the hostel and one of them, a German girl, sang The Galway Shawl which she had never sung before with words downloaded from the internet. Of course, a few sips of Guinness were taken.

Singing the Galway Shawl

I played the 6 string guitar banjo in the picture above. No problem to play the guitar chords.

Paddy's Palace. Killarney

Now in Paddy's Palace which situated near the centre of town. Took about 4 hours by bus with an hour to wait for the connection in Limerick. Nice place.

New Street in Killarney

There are some fantastic hills surrounding this town, so hopefully there are some trips to be made.