Let's Walk to Town

Oh it's not far,  just a kilometer or so down the road.

After a hearty Irish breakfast looking out over what was now called "our view" we decided to don the walking shoes and head down to the village of Enniskerry (Ford of the Stones).  The walk wasn't long and there were so many wonderful things to see along the way.

I am an explorer...

an adventurer.  

I cannot travel thinking only of the destination.

I am always a little nosy and not afraid to stop

to peer inside dwellings along the way.

I often venture off the charted path,

and I always stop to chat with the locals.

I breathe in what nature places in my path

The clock tower presented St. Patrick's Day 1843

knowing just around the turn I will come to where I belong.

   Beside a stony ford on the Cookstown River I found the charming village of Enniskerry.  A place described as a typical Irish village was first established in 1841 .   



And every cottage has a name.

Do matter what door we approached we were openly invited to enter. 
 Each question was eagarly answered.

I spent the day looking at buildings built so many years ago and still in use.

A place to read.

The Carnegie Library established by the Carnegie Trust in 1911.  It is still in use as a branch of the Wicklow County Library.

A place to gather.

Powerscourt Parochial Hall built in 1855 (a hundred years before I was born) is used for community activities.

A place to worship.

St. Mary's Parish Church.  Designed by Patrick Byrne, built on land donated by the 7th Viscount Powerscourt and consecrated 1860.

A place to purchase what is needed.

and...
 just in case you need a bit of refreshment.

A very nice wine shop if you desire something to take with you, and we did.

But if the need for something cool is immediate there is the town

Pub.

And you know the saying...

"When in Rome...."

We had such fun talking with the owner,  bartender and  waitress we were invited to return later in the evening to hear a "popular Irish band".  I said to the owner, " I do love Irish music".

"This is not you typical Irish music.  There are no fiddles.  There will be a bit of rebel music played", he replied.

I looked at him and smiled, "Oh I have a bit of the rebel in me".

We left and turned to walk back up to Powerscourt where we were expected for tea.

There was one place left to stop and explore,  St. Patrick's Parish Church.

Built of Wicklow granite with a copper spire, the Protestant Church built by the 7th Viscount was consecrated in 1863.

There is always time for walking around the cemetery.

"Pass on all's well"


We made it back to the hotel just in time to freshen up and join everyone for tea.

This was overflowing with savory bites.
Sweets to be delivered moments later.

Did we go back to the Pub, you ask?



Absolutely!

Slainte'!