Page 130 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2025 THAILAND

which existed till the 1920s, were a feared
and hated part of Irish history. Learning
their history made me realize how difficult
life was in Ireland and how lucky I am not
to be poor and to be able to travel.
Our final Airbnb was at Fenad Head
on the northern tip of the peninsula, over-
looking the Atlantic with sunset views as
gorgeous and unobstructed as those in
Derrybag. Again, we never left the house
after dinner because we were so capti-
vated by the changing light and the flock
of sheep right outside our window. On our
last night, though, just before the sun dis-
appeared, I whipped out my harmonica
and played my heart out to the surprised
sheep.
Having been to Ireland 11 times, I
thought I ‘d seen almost everything. Now I
know what I’d been missing: visiting Ireland
in the capacity of a local by staying in cot-
tages and being fed not in trendy restau-
rants but by a friend (who in this case
happened to be the King of Irish Cuisine).
There’s something to be said about staying
with friends and in Airbnb’s as opposed to
hotels where you always feel like a tourist.
Next trip maybe we’ll try Noel and
Dessie’s Airbnb, The Lime Tree House in
Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh, a
black away from town where we can watch
the local Gaelic football club. Or maybe
we’ll try a working Irish farm or rent our
own. I look at a map and realize there’s so
much in Ireland I have yet to discover, so
“Céad míle Cét,” which means “I’ll be back
one hundred thousand hundred times.”
Looking for inspiration on where to stay
and play in Ireland? Visit Ireland.com.

130 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025