See that road sign there on the left of this image? It points to Blarney Castle. This little town square is almost in the shadow of the old ruin. Well, maybe not a ruin. The place isn't habitable but it's sure well preserved given the hoards that come to kiss its stone. There were more Americans, Canadians, and Australians walking these streets as I meandered about than Irish. Tourism's a MAJOR industry on the island.
Regardless of the stuff we come to see, Blarney's a great example of what's just beyond the snapshot frames of the 17th century stuff. It's where townsfolk come to shop in 21st century wagons. I like that. This could be Lancaster's town square, or the centers of Blue Ball, Paradise, or Intercourse. Well, maybe not. In fact, our squares are gridlocked with Amish horse carts. Hmmmm....
Odd I travel to the olde sod to scratch my ancient Irish roots and find towns that are more modern than my own. There's some kind of lesson there, right?
1 comment:
Spent a fair bit of time in Ireland back when there was still many problems in the northern parts with the IRA. Still found it to be a wonderful place with especially friendly people. I'd go back there in a flash.
Really like what you did with this image.
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