The Best of our Year in Ireland

For the last few weeks Adam and I have been spontaneously shouting out things like "We get to shop at Costco again!", "We get to see Parker!", "Real Mexican food!", and "We will have a garbage disposal again!". Silly I know, but it is the little things that have us excited about our return to the US. 

Of course the same thing is bound to happen on the other end. You always want what you can't have I guess. So I thought I would reflect on some of the things we have enjoyed and seen over the year that I know we are going to miss.

The Cork City English Market

Barry's Tea

McVities Digestive Biscuits (I prefer the dark chocolate ones!)

Extensive selection of Haribo candies

Father Ted, A hilarious Irish situation comedy about 3 crazy priest and their house keeper.

Being able to walk into town everyday

Stitch and Bitch at Abbot's Ale House

Traditional music and a pint at the Sin e.

Murphy's Irish Stout (you would think Guinness, but Murphy's is better!)

Republic of Telly (Irish News Satire and sketch comedy show)

Jedward "S'up John?" "S'up Edward?"

Good brown bread

Being just a short car ride away from some of the most beautiful scenery in the world

TAYTOS! (I love Salt & Vinegar!)

Exploring Ireland's West coast

Easy travel to Europe; and visits to London, Denmark, Belgium, Prague, and Berlin

Access to all sorts of European beers

Banoffee (Banana and toffee Pie with a biscuit crust and cream!)

Exploring numerous castles and forts

Marks & Spencers yummy pre-packaged salads and foods

Cork City Firebirds Roller Derby

Picking up the Irish slang and saying things like "yer man" "given out to ya" "takin' the piss" "will we?" "feckin' knackers"

Learning about and watching GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) sports like football and hurling

Adam and my father playing Old Head, one of the most famous and amazing golf courses in Ireland

24-7 Friends and/or Two and a Half Men on tv

Making the acquaintance of some very lovely sheep!

And above all, our wonderful new friends, who helped make Ireland feel so much more like home!