I had thought to sleep late this morning; however, when the sun rises bright and cheery in Ireland, one must get up to greet it in thanks as its joyous mood may be brief. There are rain clouds in the distance, perhaps to spill some water this afternoon, but as for now, the sun’s happy rays are illuminating everything in its path; a happy rising. My thoughts, are too, filled with sunshine as I bask in the glow of yesterday’s sights replaying in my mind. I am not a writer by trade but am of the opinion that not even the most skilled author, poet, or wordsmith could begin to attribute the proper words to describe what I have seen. I am not all together sure the words exist. Nor could the photographer capture the radiance and power of this place in a mere photograph. It is not a critique of either profession, just a personal observation. For I have read about these intriguing places and seen countless gorgeous pictures of them, but in comparison to seeing it with my own eyes, they cannot compete. They do serve their purpose as their writings and photographs have brought me to this place to experience its greatness. I am thankful for them and will continue pouring over books and pictures, but the reality, first-hand, is indescribable.

Between the cities of Dungarvan and Waterford is the Waterford Greenway. Set along a disused rail-line, the route stretches forty-six glorious kilometers linking the two areas via a car-free pathway for cyclists or by foot showcasing some of Irelands most stunning and historical locations set along the backdrop of the Comeragh Mountains. Among them a 400m-long tunnel, various bridges, ocean-sculpted beaches along the copper coastline, Viking sites, old railway stations, and medieval ruins to name a few. We started out from Dungarvan on our rented bikes we picked up from a company that operates out of a blue shipping container situated in a parking lot at the beginning of the greenway. I opted for an electric bike, of which I have no regrets as I would not have made it otherwise, Audra a regular lady’s bike, and Kevin a regular bike with a tag-a-long for Ellery. We paused frequently for breaks along the journey sometimes to take in the views or to stop for food at the various coffee and snack shops that are sprinkled along the route and sometimes, to rest or fix the tag-a-long that had either Ellery or Kevin angled sideways in their seats. We walked through the very dimly lit 400m-long tunnel as it was safer to walk than ride, and marveled at the extraordinarily high, nature made, rock walls covered in thick vines, moss, and ivy with fairy doors placed among the green along the corridor.

We made it 22km before turning back due to tired legs as most of the ride, despite extensive research implying otherwise, was uphill. Regardless of the relatively short distance we journeyed, it was breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The only mishap was on the return, when I careened my bike into a wall. Kevin and Ellery were too far ahead to realize what had happened and thankfully an extraordinarily kind gentleman, visiting his daughter while on holiday, stopped to right my bike, fix the chain that had broken, and got me back on my way. Audra and I soon caught back up with Kevin and Ellery, as they were engaged in conversation with a delightful gentleman who lives off the route in a cottage surrounded by the most gorgeous flowers and gardens. We declined his kind invitation to come in for tea and for my rest and recovery from the tumble and resumed our trek back to Dungarvan slow and steady.

Despite being sore and tired upon reaching the bright blue shipping container to return our bikes, we headed up into the Comeragh Mountains to explore Mahon Falls. Filled with scenic views and narrow roads, we wound our way up to the falls pausing now and again to wait for sheep to move out of the path or make room for a car heading the opposite direction. We parked in the small parking area and hiked the twenty-minute rock-laden path to majesty, glory, paradise, all the above. This is where my words fail me. I cannot describe the overwhelming beauty, power, and shock of this view. I know, we took many pauses to capture it with photographs, none will do it justice, and to stare at it in silence, dumbfounded because we did not know what to say. The falls themselves were breathtaking but the views surrounding the falls were beyond even that. One could see as far out to the great waters of the Atlantic Ocean and up close, the sheep and goats that lined the fields of the mountains, some perched at great heights on cliffs while others roamed nearby the walking path amongst the boulders and rocks.

After the trip back down the mountains, we returned to Dungarvan and stopped in at The Moorings, another restaurant overlooking the harbor, for food and drink. This place was lively, and the food was off the charts. Kevin tried monkfish for the first time, and absolutely loved it. I think this place has taken over top billing as his favorite place we have eaten. Audra, Kevin, and I tried squid rings, prepared much like onion rings but with squid instead, which, much to my surprise, I quite enjoyed. Ellery is sticking with food she knows and loves and there is nothing wrong with that. We ended the day back at the cottage with ice cream and tea, falling into our beds much earlier than, has been, the normal during our stay.

Although it is hard to say what the best part of the day was for everyone, I am confident for Ellery, it was the fairy corridor along the greenway. She was charmed by every tiny fairy door we came across and is perplexed that despite the numerous homes she saw, she has yet to see a fairy. For Kevin and Audra, I’d wager, the falls tucked up into the mountains and all the views and wonders that came with it. As for me, I could not begin to choose as each brought its own joy and delight. However, there is much more to see in the sunshine of today and I am eager to search it out, but only after I finish my cup of tea.