I have a question for those of you who didn’t make it to Ireland this year because of the “happenings.” What did you miss most about Ireland? Please use the button below to send me the part of Ireland you miss the most. I'll gather the responses and create a new post with your content.

I was rummaging through the cardboard box on my computer that contains several thousand photos from the past few years seeking that one frame that summed it all up. I learned two things. First, I’m not much of a photographer, but I sure can take a lot of pictures! Second, it’s a hard question for me to answer. My rummaging through the pictures and associated memories brought up more questions than answers.

Do I miss the green? The blue? The gray? Do I miss the plaice? The cod? The chips? 

Do I miss the Smithwick’s while sitting on the pier at O’Sullivans Bar in Crookhaven? Do I miss the beer while sitting in the Bunratty Inn in Schull? Do I miss the beer while eating the fish and chips at the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen? Do I miss having a beer with Martin? Do I miss the beer? Some would say yes. 

Do I miss the visits with old friends on the Mizen? Do I miss seeing my grandparents’ now dilapidated holiday home? Do I miss walking the scenic paths at the Mizen Head Signal Station followed by one of Rose’s tasty dessert creations? Do I miss the walk overlooking Dunlough Bay on the way out to the three O’Mahoney castles on Three Castle Head? Do I miss walking “the loop” around Colla? Do I miss Ali in her converted horse trailer serving coffee and treats? Do I wish I knew how to spell Ali’s name?

Do I miss the lattes at Brosnan’s? Do I miss the Cadbury Flakes at Brosnan’s? Do I miss the sausage rolls at Brosnan’s? Do I miss walking into Field’s in Skibbereen for our groceries? Do I miss walking along the harbour in Schull watching the kids throw rocks in the water?

Do I miss the screeching gulls? The noisy crows? The sheep? The horses? The cows? The farmers spreading the cow manure on the fields on warm June days and the overpowering smell that follows?

Do I miss the tired knees that follow a busy day being a tourist in Schull?

You see; it’s all so wonderful. How do I pick something that I miss more than something else? It’s hard. Like picking your favorite dog. Your favorite child. Your favorite in law.

What don’t I miss? Car rental agencies. They’re evil, and they suck.

What do you miss?