Land of the Leprechauns

Tiny footprints, fairy dust, signs of mischievous play... often led my brothers and sisters and I on a magical hunt for the leprechaun every Spring. 

The excitement of leprechaun hunting usually began on St. Patrick's Day. Irish folklore was brought to life first thing in the morning at our house. Mom could be heard in the kitchen as she was preparing breakfast... cheerfully singing Irish songs or reciting an Irish blessing. Because many of her ancestors came from Ireland, the Irish influence was very much a part of her home life growing up. I have fond memories of visits to my grandparents' home as a youngster and having grandpa sing Irish songs to us kids in his deep brogue voice. 

Mom made every holiday magical and St. Patrick's day was no exception. It was as if she became a child again herself! She made the day fun with tales of leprechauns, good luck, wearing the green, and filling our minds with imaginations of finding the "pot of gold". 

It was always the "pot of gold" we kids were on the hunt for. 

After school, we would scour the front and back yards for clues of little people. Clues in the willow tree and on the path to the barn yard would surely lead us to the "pot of gold"! If we were lucky enough to see a rainbow that day, it would even be easier. You know there is a "pot of gold" at the end of every rainbow!

I don't ever remember finding the "pot of gold" but it was the fun of the "hunt" that is forever engraved in my mind. And, lucky for me, as I grew older, I realized my "pot of gold" was actually... home. A home that was filled with love, security, acceptance, togetherness, fun, work, imagination, exploring, discovering, faith, and family. 

The Mr. and I went to Ireland a few years ago, and I discovered for myself the wonders and beauty of the place of my ancestors. 

I had often dreamed of going to Ireland to see: 

1) the land of the little people, 
2) lush green valleys, brooks, and rock walls, 
3) steep cliffs in mystic mists, 
4) castles of long ago, 
5) secret gardens and passages, 
6) hidden treasures, 
7) mystical figures. 

It wasn't hard to see that Ireland had all that... and more! But I found the people of Ireland were the real treasures of this beautiful country. I've never been to a more friendly, welcoming country than Ireland. The food was delicious and our "bed and breakfast" experience was better than any other European country we had been in. In fact, the atmosphere and accommodations were exceptional.

One of my favorite places to visit was in Southern Ireland... Home to Blarney Castle and gardens. It was there that we explored the Rock Close, a beautiful emerald green garden filled with secret passages, waterfalls, and hidden treasures. We may have even got a glimpse of a fairy!

Blarney Castle

Secret Garden

Dolmen - "The secrets of this megalithic tomb portal are lost in the mists before history began. Was the great rock rolled or was it lifted? Why does it still sometimes rock?"

"What magic and mysteries has it guarded over the millennia?" 

"We cross the portal with care - and wonder."

Wishing Steps - "For hundreds of years, the Blarney witch has taken firewood from our Estate for her kitchen. In return, she must grant our visitors wishes."

"If you can walk down and back up these steps with your eyes closed - some suggest walking backwards - and without for one moment thinking of anything other than a wish, then that wish will come true."

The Fairy Glade - "Any faerie folklore of Ireland are famed the world over for their mischief and charm. They have of course been here longer than any of us and it is our duty to keep them safe in this special glad."

"They do, however, have a native cunning, so if you spot one, don't let it be fooling you."

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop