Ireland is my ancestral country on the Hodges side of my family. It is a place I’ve now visited three times, each for very different reasons.
The first time I visited Ireland in 2014 was sadly for my great uncle Willie’s funeral, which you can read about on this blog. It was a sobering occasion with weather to match the mood, but it ignited a deep love and affection for Allihies in me that I know will never now go away.
In 2016, we flew to Ireland for an entirely different, altogether more joyful occasion. This time, the family was gathering to celebrate my great uncle Tommy’s 80th birthday. And in 2017, I went back on my own for a well-needed break. It was the perfect holiday – quiet, secluded, peaceful. I spent time in Allihies with Uncle Tommy and explored the Beara Peninsula more thoroughly.
Ireland is in my blood. I will always return to the Beara Peninsula. It is my home, where my roots are. It makes me incredibly happy to be there. I hope to share more stories from this beautiful country soon.
‘When I die Dublin will be written in my heart.’ – James Joyce. The secret to visiting Dublin… I’ll let you into a little… Read more
‘All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots… Read more
