My new love affair is with Ireland. I realize this comes as no shock to anyone who is reading this. I am smitten in a very BIG way. Usually, any place I visit, I tend to like…or love. But Ireland is different in many ways.
We went to Ireland to attend the Tbex conference…to learn, meet new people, connect with online friends, and figure out the rest of our lives. Oh, and to celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary. We managed to accomplish most of our goals.
This was our first visit to the land of 100,000 welcomes, but it won’t be our last. Before I share our favorite thing about our time there, let me tell you about the conference.
A handwritten welcome note with a box of chocolates was waiting in our hotel room. YUM!
Thank you, Scotts Hotel and Claire!
Tbex signs blowing in the wind on the streets of Killarney.
Tbex (Travel Blog Exchange) was held in Killarney. Six hundred people from around the world attended…bloggers, travel writers, photographers, podcasters, and tour guides. The many sponsors were detail oriented…reminded me of my Clinique days where every t was crossed, and every i was dotted. The entire town was involved…seriously. Look at those flags; they were everywhere.
The opening party was held at The Killarney Racecourse…green for days. This has to be one of the most beautiful racecourses I have visited. Food, drink, demonstrations, music, and dance were provided. And transportation by Kerry Coaches.
A beautiful horse dressed for the Tbex party.
From start to finish.
Private performance by Celtic Steps
This was a highlight! Inferior photo, but you get the idea. They were amazing! If you ever have the opportunity to see this show, DO IT!
The conference had exciting breakout sessions, opportunities to visit with sponsors, and delicious FOOD. The lunches were unbelievable.
Salmon with Hake…pretty fancy.
Dessert…perfection.
Every plate was left clean.
The closing night party was held at J. M. Reidys, a local pub. From the outside, you would never imagine that 600-plus people could fit inside. I think it is some magical building that grows as it needs to. We were in Ireland, after all. Four bands were scattered through the building—lots of music.
The following day we were on a coach on our way to Limerick and more adventures.
Whisky tasting at Flannerys
Whisky tasting was new to me. I discovered I liked Powers the best. I don’t think that’s a good thing…
We had a full day with a small group of new friends, which was nice. I have finished my first article which should be published in November. Not spilling the beans yet.
Street art in Limerick.
He does have a Hello Kitty tattoo.
My favorite part of our time in Ireland was getting to know the local people and spending time with hubby. The conference was great, but the chance to sit down and converse with locals was the highlight for both of us. A HUGE GODWINK (I know…) came from a local woman. She said she had a gift. Let me tell you, she DID! I have chills typing this.
Statue of Monsignor O’Flaherty. 1898-1963
This tribute to Monsignor O’Flaherty brought tears to my eyes. During WWII, he and his colleagues saved 6500 lives in Rome. His nickname was the Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican. Gregory Peck portrayed him in the movie, ‘The Scarlet and the Black.’
He was awarded several medals, including Commander of the British Empire. He was a local boy.
The annual red deer rut in Killarney National Park
We were surprised to come across so many red deer. October is the yearly rut, and we often heard them before seeing them.
Happy camper
Old standing in older Ross Castle
Can you tell I am smitten? Friday, I leave for Paris. It’s bittersweet as that was one of J.W.’s favorite places. If you are on I.G., you know what I am bringing with me. He would be pleased.
Thank you for taking the time to visit, and if you leave a comment, a double thanks.
Peace out, as J.W. would say.
What lovely photos. I’m so happy to hear you had a grand time! Happy Anniversary <3
Hi Jackie!
Thank you for visiting and commenting. We did have a grand time! To be honest, this country affected me in a way I wasn’t expecting. We have to get you over there girlfriend. Seriously.
Can you believe it has been 14 years?!
xoxo
So glad you had a happy time. I have only been to Ireland twice, both times to Youghall/ Cork area. I too was smitten. I won’t mention the butter again
Hi Janet,
Thank you for reading through my longgg post and commenting. OMG…best butter ever…those cows are magical.
I could easily live in Ireland, rain and all. I am looking forward to returning. I’d love to visit the Cork.
xoxo
Omg Barb, this is so very beautiful! Very happy for and your husband to have had such a special anniversary. Ireland sounds like a dream! Much love,
Andrea
xoxo
Hi Andrea!
Thank you for visiting and commenting! It was a wonderful experience for sure. Just the little bit we saw was stunning. I could easily live there, rain and all.
We spent our anniversary in Dublin…very nice.
love and hugs,
Barb
Love the photos and along with your commentary adds to my desire to visit that beautiful country. So glad it affected you so much!
Hi Lori!
Thank you for reading and commenting! Ireland (at least what we saw) is spectacular! So many shades of green. BIG food, every meal was huge. One night we thought we’d have a small bite in a pub and it was enormous. Land of BIG food. The people are so kind. I really don’t think there are strangers there.
I could live there easily.
xoxo
Love to read about your travels. Ireland sounds like a wonderful place and my maiden name being McGuire I am sure my roots are there someplace. I am so glad that you blog about your travels so we can feely like we were there too.
Hi Dee,
Thank you for visiting and commenting! I appreciate you! You must have a wee drop of Irish blood with a last name of McGuire. We have fallen in love with the country. I hope you have the chance to visit someday. For me, it was life changing and that is something I don’t often say.
xoxo
Ireland and then Paris… you do realize you lead a charmed life?! 😉 Can you put me in your suitcase next time?? Seriously, I still have homesickness for Ireland after 3 years!! It’s the beauty of the landscape for sure, but much more so the people. We had the blessing of hosting our Irish friends here in our home last summer, and now it’s our turn to pop back in on them I think. Daughter and I are plotting and planning…
Have fun in the city of lights!!
Hi Christi,
Hehe…Paris came up suddenly…a nice surprise. If I could put you in my suitcase, I would! What fun we would have.
I thought of you while we were in Ireland. I’ve traveled a lot but this country is something else. Love the people!
How wonderful that your Irish friends visited you. Yes, you need to visit them!
I see you and your daughter in Ireland (you never know, we might see each other there).
Thank you for visiting and commenting.
xoxo
These are wonderful pictures Barb and your commentary is full of details that I almost feel there. Ireland is a country that I very much want to visit. I love following you on Instagram and now on you blog.
Hi Brenda!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it! Oh you would love Ireland…there is something magical about it.
Move it up to the top of your list.
xo