My Life as an Irish American Girl

Back in October 2017, Ireland had a hurricane. Hurricane Ophelia. This year it was the Corona Virus. Which has caused lots of restaurants and bars to close. Some restaurants are doing takeout only. Schools are closed. It’s ridiculous how crazy people get when I never have seen anyone panic this bad over the flu. 

On Wednesday, March 11th, Dad and I packed our bags and Brendan dropped us off at the airport. At the airport, we found our gate. At first, our flight was delayed for thirty minutes then we boarded the plane. Then somebody on the plane got everyone panicked about the flight ban from Europe. I almost got off the plane. But dad talked me into staying. Glad I did. About two hundred people got off the flight. We had to also get off and re-board the plane. Dad and I got to sit where ever we wanted. Finally, two hours later we were on our way to Ireland.

On Thursday, March 12th we landed a few minutes after nine. Our bags came faster than usual. Aunt Lorraine and Eimear greeted us at the airport. When we got “home” Dad and I took a five-hour nap. We were exhausted. When we woke up, the four of us went food shopping. for dinner, we had our first curry. It was delicious. 

On Friday, March 13th, the four of us drove up to Northern Ireland to see beautiful Silent Valley. A quiet area is full of beautiful views of the mountains. On our way home we had Burger King for lunch. Aunt Lorraine made Chicken Kiev for dinner it was yummy. What a great day. 

On Saturday, March 14th Eimear, dad and I walked along the navy bank and then took the bus up to town. We had lunch at the Roma Restaurant. The three of us went to the mall and I bought socks and a new jacket. Dad treated us to ice cream. Not long after we got home, dad and I went out with uncle Philip and walked his two beautiful dogs. That day I did fourteen thousand steps. 

On Sunday, March 15th, dad, aunt Lorraine, Eimear and I drove to county Wicklow. Just south of Dublin. We got to see the height and view of the Wicklow Mountains. Absolutely beautiful. Glendalough was also really pretty. 

On Monday, March 16th, dad and I walked around the Castle Town River and up to town. He shared some history about his family that I didn’t know about. We did some shopping at the Marshes. I stocked up on chocolate and chips. Dad and I went to the Europa for lunch. One of my favorite restaurants in Dundalk. Instead of taking the bus, we decided to walk home. On our way home we stopped at the navy bank and I tried out the exercise equipment. Unfortunately, I got a big ugly bruise from one of them. But I survived. 

On Tuesday, March 17th, St Patrick’s Day, (my first time in Ireland for the holiday)it was extremely quiet. Due to the virus, many restaurants and bars were closed. But we made the most of it. In the morning, Dad, Eimear and I walked up to the back of my cousin’s wife’s parents' house, where there is a forest. Despite the mud, it was a gorgeous view with all the trees and the mountains in the background. Afterward, we went to the Europa for lunch since the Roma was closed. After lunch, the four of us drove to Lidl and went food shopping. Later that evening, dad and I went to walk the dogs with uncle Philip and aunt Anne. Then we spent a couple of hours at their house. What a lovely day. 

On Wednesday, March 18th, the five of us (Aunt Lorraine, Uncle David, Eimear, Dad and I drove up to Dú Rí Forest in county Cavan. Got to walk along the Cabra River. The view was spectacular. Afterward, we went to Supermacs in Monaghan. The best fast food place on earth. We drove home after a great day. 

On Thursday, March 19th, the four of us drove up to Slieve Gullion in Belfast, up in the north. At the top of the mountain, we saw a fantastic view of the beautiful green hills of Ireland. Afterward, we drove down to the Gyles Quay in Dundalk. A lovely rocky beach. Eimear and I hiked up this wall that brings you around to the water. A couple of hours later we drove to the graveyard. I got to see where my granddad and my other relatives were buried. I found the Gypsies Gravestones to be the most beautiful. 

On Friday, March 20th, the four of drove to New Castle in the North. I walked around the beautiful Tollymore Forest Park. The view was amazing. That was the highlight of the day. 

On Saturday, March 21st dad and I went up to town and did some shopping and walked around. Afterward my the five of us drove up to the Apple Green, where we had lunch at Burger King and then went to the souvenir shop where I got a couple of nice gifts for my friends. Dad bought me a couple of really nice things. Later that evening I had Chicken Kiev for dinner while the rest of them had take out. It was a productive day. 

On Sunday, March 22nd, we had a quiet day. It was Mother’s Day in Ireland. We ran some errands, then later that evening Eimear made her famous whole chicken and dad and I made our baked Smokey ranchero seasoned chicken. My aunt makes delicious roasted potatoes. 

On Monday, March 23rd, dad I went up to town. In Tescos Shopping Center we saw my cousins Gwen and her daughter Grainne. Unfortunately due to the virus, we couldn’t hug each other. But it was nice to say hello. Dad and I walked a lot that day. It was such a ghost town due to all the shops closed. Uncle Philip and Aunt Anne invited us to come dog walking with them. The walk was really nice. Even though my back felt like a knotted rope. That evening dad and I finished packing and then we had a late dinner. Since very few take away places were opened, we just got the Roma. Which was delicious. 

Despite having to cut our trip short, due to the virus and the demand of the government warning us that if we didn’t come home, we would be on our own. So my dad booked a flight from Dublin to Amsterdam making the final destination New York. 

Lord have mercy! What should’ve been a fast flight ended up with a crazy flight back to New York. First, we had something wrong with the plane, so we had to go back to the gate and sat there for almost two hours. Then we tried to take off again, didn’t work. We ended up back at the gate. So after a long haul, the flight got canceled and transferred to another KLM plane. But wait, we didn’t just get onto the plane right away, oh of course not. We had to wait what seemed like forever before we finally boarded and got in the air. I will say one thing, I am thankful we didn’t attempt to actually take off with the problems. Or I’d freak out. I also would like to add that no matter what airline you fly, unless it’s comfort plus, it’s not comfy. 

Panoramic picture of Silent Valley in Northern Ireland