English Style (w/updated video)

Eleven days of nonstop Irish activities. During our busy schedule the group was given one free day. I was most delighted to spend my free time riding English style in Killarney, following a morning carriage ride. At the Killarney Stables I was given a helmet and a pair of riding boots, then I was paired-up with Rae, a beautiful blond Connemara who let me know early on he had a hearty appetite. He was gentle but there wasn’t much relaxing with him because I had to keep reminding him, with a pull of the reins, that it was not snack time. His last attempt at the sweet stuff made me laugh… he charged into a large leafy green bush. A buffet for him! I steered him back to the trail then he calmed down after that.

I had the pleasure of riding with three ladies from Greece, three ladies from Ireland, and two guides. The only stressful part of the ride was learning along the route that we had to cross a busy street. My worries were unfounded because one of the guides went first; wearing, a neon crossing-guard style vest, she stopped traffic, allowing us to safely cross. It was a dreamy afternoon with on and off sprinkles and deer sightings. Most interesting, the bunnies we passed were not in the least bit startled by trotting horses. I suppose they’ve seen their share of horses, without any consequence. The jackrabbits in my neck of the woods bolt at the slightest provocation, but unlike the bunnies in Ireland, they are hunted by coyotes.

Something happened after our ride that further convinced me I must spend more than two weeks in Ireland next time… while waiting for my taxi, a lady, and who I would guess to be her daughter, approached me and asked me if I needed a ride somewhere. What gracious hospitality! Kindness toward tourists was a theme across Ireland. Courteous people with witty tongues. A place where I could happily blend.

I learned that one can apply for citizenship if they have a grandparent born in Ireland. I would give it a go, but my last native-born grandparent left a few generations ago. Darn!

Carriage ride through part of Killarney National Park (video updated from original post):

The driver was a funny one. Another common theme across Ireland. I sat up front with another lady (she on the right and me on the left). The Driver said he couldn’t sit in between us; he’d get too excited. She scooted toward me, then whispered, you’re safe now. We both had a laugh. Later, when I asked him what his favorite thing to do in Killarney was, he smiled then said, “Drink two pints.”