Overjoyed to see the weather shape up from rainy to sunny once again, we enjoyed a cup of coffee while Keeva gave us the full tour of her mother, Martha’s property.
Edison (left) and Milo (right) are big fans of the small apples that grow on the property.
Milo has quite the haircut. We’re not sure he sees much through his bangs!
Keeva’s mother, Martha is a professional stone carver. We toured her creative spaces— a short walk from the main house.
Bags packed, we headed down the road to park the van in a safe location in the small costal town of Strandhill.
Van parked, we all hopped in Keeva’s mother’s car and headed off on a notable adventure to Coney Island!
Coney Island is a 400-acre tidal island named for its large rabbit population (Coney means “rabbit” in English).
Being a tidal island, access by car is only possible at about half-tide or less. The stone pillars pictured above guide cars across the sand flats to Coney Island.
We wasted no time hitting the beach in search of the treasures. Hadleigh was quick to make a furry friend and to gather some “fab” bits from the shore.
We walked from the beach a few hundred yards to the Michael J Ward, the only pub on the island.
Our friend from the beach and “Patty” joined us at the pub.
A particularly special next stop ahead, we made our way off Coney Island before the tide would trap us there.
Our first van “service” stop at a campground in Strandhill.
Back on the road again!
Passing through Ballina, Knockmoore, and Pontoon, we appreciated a bunch of beautiful scenery on our way to… Castlebar, within County Mayo— the Richard family homeland!
Arriving at Hadleigh’s cousins’ home in the countryside, Hadleigh’s uncle “Michael P” was quick to show us his beloved hens (and chicks) and to investigate our campervan.
Parked in Claire, Michael, and Michelle’s driveway, this is the view from our campervan. Off in the distance, beyond the cows sits renowned Croagh Patrick. A famous mountain we plan to hike tomorrow.
A very warm welcome from Michael, Claire, and Michelle.
After enjoying a wonderful homemade chicken curry meal that Claire prepared, we were off to the “Punch Bowl.” Michael Richard (Hadleigh’s father) claims that the Punch Bowl has the best pint of Guinness in all of Ireland.
A small countryside pub, this establishment sees few visitors but has remarkable staff. Bartenders Luca (on duty) and Niall (off duty but also present at the bar) were quick to make us feel right at home. Even allowing Hadleigh and I to pour our very own pints of Guinness!
Hadleigh, her cousin Michelle, and I had a splendid evening with Luca and Niall. As three of five customers that stayed still closing time, we stayed to lend a hand sweeping up while playing music and having a “grand” time. Luca was even kind enough to give us all a lift home after wrapping up his 10 hour shift.
Tomorrow, we work off these creamy pints the old fashioned way!
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