Beyond the Blue  Door ~ Dreams & Memories of the Wild West of Ireland

Nothing like a wee bit o' procrastination! When I first read about the Wild West of Ireland contest I knew that it was something I wanted to do. I had ideas of an album of photos of my travels to Ireland with captions about the many wonderful memories I have of travelling in Ireland. However, I have so many photos and wasn't having an easy time of uploading to the site, so I knew that I had a story to tell and this be it!

I first travelled to Ireland the summer of 1973. 20 years old and fancied myself as quite the savvy young lass. My family had friends who lived outside Belfast and had invited me to stay with them when I got to Ireland. Well now, as your know the 1970's would be an odd time to visit the North of Ireland but it turned out to be an amazing trip. My hostess took me to so many beautiful places We visited some of the towns and villages of County Mourne. Newcastle where the Mountains of Mourne do actually 'sweep down to the sea.'

Visiting the lovely seaside town of Bangor with two young ladies that I met through my family friends. You never have to worry about being a "tourist" in Ireland because someone will surely take you "under their wing" ! Strolling through the Bangor market was a wonderful way to spend the morning.

We also drove to Dublin as my first visit to Ireland had to include this visit.

Unfortunately, I didn't keep a diary of my visit and through the years many of my memories have become vague. But, I will always remember my "first time" in Ireland!

Fast forward thirty years and my lovely daughter, Ashley, was attending University in London. During my visit to see her in the Fall of 2003 we took a long weekend trip to Dublin. We saw the sights in Dublin with Trinity College being one of our favorite places. Seeing The Book of Kells was something I will never forget.

One of my favorite memories is the beautiful corner of Ireland of Glendalough. Here it is easy to see why Ireland is  loved by so many. The splendid landscape of two dark and mysterious lakes and the deep valley covered in forest. The monastic site founded by St Kevin in the 6th century is one of the most important Monastic sites in Ireland. I found myself stepping back in time and dreaming of a time long ago.

Of course, visiting Avoca Handweavers was a "must" on our itinerary. I still snuggle under the spice Donegal throw when I sit and read in front of the fireplace. Ashley bought a lovely lambswool throw in shades of blue for her flat in London.

Ashley and I were very close. We had been bitten by the "travel bug" when she was 14 years old. She and I travelled to Montana and Wyoming visiting Yellowstone National Park. We learned that as a mother ~ daughter team we shared a love of history, nature and travelling the back roads of wherever we went.

Fall of 2005 found us once again in Ireland. This time for a six day five night fly, drive and B&B adventure. I flew into Shannon from Chicago and Ashley joined me from London. I made the smart decision to upgrade to an automatic car and Ashley had earned her British drivers license so we were set for an amazing journey. It was still a bit scary at times driving on the left side of the road, especially when we spent a day exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Oh the memories.......The beehive huts, Inch beach, Dingle, Conor Pass, tasty food and drink and laughter at a pub.

So many places we visited! Ennis town and the ancient friary, Killarney with a visit to Ross Castle brought us back to another time, a time of warring tribes, forts built by skilled stonemasons and Ogham script was devised. On to the Cliff's of Moher we travelled. Then to Galway travelling via the Burren. Lots of fun we had in Galway with the best meal of fish & chips at McDonagh's.

Our last day was spent visiting Kylemore Abbey. Another gem in the amazing land that is Ireland.

This is where the "Blue Door" is. When I look back on the many memories of Ireland this photo reminds me that just beyond that door is a land of mystery, majesty and the land of my forefathers.

Ireland is special to me for many reasons but I think the most compelling thing about Ireland is how my love of the country grew and how I was able to share in the discovery with my beautiful daughter, Ashley.

Ashley died February 26, 2010 and I am forever changed. I cherish the time we spent together, especially our time in Ireland. Ireland is a special place that no words can describe and both Ashley and I were able to discover some of it's many charms.

I would like to return to the "Wild West Of Ireland" to see more of the land I love, to scatter some of Ashley's ashes along the Atlantic coast and to dream and make more memories.

Tell us why YOU want to experience the ‘Wild West’ of Ireland, and you might win a free 9-day trip there, courtesy of Wild West Irish Tours and WOW Air. Get the details!