Day 20 - Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking festival
As I went to Mass last night, I had a great sleep in and didn't get up until nearly 9 am today. I did all my usual morning stuff and then headed down to Val's for my coffee.
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| The weather is a bit overcast and the tide is in. |
Meanwhile I had a text from Marie saying come over and we can do something today. So I headed over to Callura - the name of her geographical area near Tullygarvan.
She was happy to take me out for the day and we had a discussion about where we might go. We sifted through a few different places until Marie suggested Lisdoonvarna - because the Matchmaking festival was on. I was very happy to agree to that!
So we set out in her car and our first stop was the school in Ennistymon where her children attend.
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| School badge |
It was all locked up, but right next door was the old Mercy Convent and what a sorry sight it was to see, especially with Mercy Day coming up on Tuesday! Marie had many memories of that school, as that was where she went to school, and she could name the different rooms and of course the Chapel, where all the graffiti now stands.
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| Mercy Convent Ennistymon |
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| Mercy Convent Ennistymon |
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| Mercy Sisters Cemetery |
Apparently the story goes that the building was struck by lightning, but there were only a few Sisters living there. Eventually the only ones left moved to Galway and the Diocese sold the building and land to a builder/developer. And the big financial crash happened and it was just left to rot away. How sad! There is talk now that another builder might redo it and make into short term accommodation. Given that they've just built a whole big new school next door, that land could have been a vital part of the new building, and allowed room for some playing fields. Such is life!!
Anyway, we moved on from there and had to drive through Ennistymon to get to our destination. As Marie was driving, I was able to film that corner from hell. It was Sunday arvo, so it doesn't really show it in all its glory. But it gives you a bit of an idea.
Ennistymon Corner
It was a lovely drive to Lisdoonvarna, which was only a further 11 kms on. We parked in the car park at the Burren Smokehouse, which was just as well as the town was absolutely chockers.
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| Marie at the Burren Smokehouse |
It was a bit of a "touristy" place and we didn't stay long...
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| Mural at the Burren Smokehouse |
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| The Salmon of Knowledge |
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| Psalm for a Salmon |
Then came the serious business of the day - a good old pub crawl. Lisdoonvarna was hopping and there was music everywhere. The Matchmakers festival only happens in September and is known for its live music. Apparently the Matchmaking is just a bit of a side kick!
The first pub was the Ritz
Outside the Ritz
They had a DJ playing Country Style music and inside there were heaps of dancers...
Putting on the Ritz
Then we headed on to the next Pub - The Savoy - and it was packed. We couldn't get a seat anywhere, but the music was great. And it was live. One of the patrons we saw dancing was Willie Daly - locally known as The Matchmaker, who featured on Day 7 of this blog.
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| Willie Daly at The Savoy |
Dancing at the Savoy
There is a bit of controversy in Ireland about how many of the pubs have been taken over by the Ukrainian refugees. Wille Daly couldn't hold any musical sessions in his own pub, because it was next door to a pub where the refugees were being housed, and apparently the music was upsetting the children. I'm sure there are many sides to this story - I'm just reporting what I have heard from multiple people since I arrived.
Back to the pub crawl!!! You might be interested to know at this stage, I had not indulged in one alcoholic drink, but that changed at the next pub.
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| Look carefully at who owns this pub!!! No relation, apparently! |
It was a music free venue at that time of day, so we went in just to have a drink. I was going to have a Smithwicks, but they had their own version of a red ale, and it was lovely too.
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| Burren Brewery - Red Ale |
We were keeping our eye on the time, because Marie had to take Ellen to music practice for her orchestra in Ennis. But on the way home we went via the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon.
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| Falls Hotel in Ennistymon |
I had been past it many times, but never been in and it was just lovely. They had a carvery that finished at 4pm, and we just made it. The food was delicious!
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| View from the Falls Hotel |
So, that was my big day out, and I really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed all the local knowledge that Marie shared and her company as we drove along. And I just loved the life and vibrancy of all those people just enjoying themselves.
Thanks Marie for a great day.
So glad you had a lovely day with Marie. Your pics are gorgeous as usual. My ancestors built the Vale of Avoca hotel in Charlton, Victoria, so I could imagine your heart skipping a beat when you saw your family name on a pub. Loved the poem about the salmon 🤣. Enjoy 🇮🇪
ReplyDeleteThere are heaps of Curtins around here and Marie keeps saying we're not related!! Must be some connection way back when!
DeleteThat corner is so busy and squishy, I can see why you don’t like it. I expected to hear Irish jigs in the dancing videos but it was all country, looks like fun. Did you ask for a free beer at the pub, you being a relative and all? Col
ReplyDeleteActually I loved the music, but like you o thought there might have been more traditional music. I thought you might get up and do a jig Col!!
DeleteI definitely would have.
DeleteI can just picture it!
DeleteGreat to see the old style culture still strong- a memorable day for you Moira. Kerry & I shared a moment of nostalgic jealousy in the chapel yesterday. Continue to enjoy. STH Perth.
ReplyDeleteYou would have loved it Teresa. This is the real Clare culture shining through. It's such a lovely experience. Glad your are enjoying!
DeleteVery sad about the convent left to wreck and ruin - it looks to be a beautiful building. I am so impressed - a pub crawl!! It has such a wonderful feel about the whole festival. Almost felt my feet tapping along.
ReplyDeleteCertainly the corner from hell! xx
The convent is such a tragedy, especially when there is a housing shortage over here. The pub crawl was great because each one was different. And I didn't even have a drink until the end!!
DeleteNothing like spending time with a local when you’re traveling. You get a whole different perspective as well as the joy of not feeling like a tourist!? We have had lovely sunny weather this first week in the Netherlands but it looks like the week ahead is bringing rain rain & more rain 🙃 That’s ok we didn’t come for the weather and were very surprised with all the sunshine. Katie
ReplyDeleteSo true Katie. A little bit of local knowledge makes all the difference. Our weather is supposed to be overcast and getting cooler wh possible rain. Ah well.. I've been very lucky so far!!!
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