From the pitch black outside, the warm glow and raucous music of the pub was quite a shock. The pounding of the bodhrán, the light melodies of the tin whistle and fiddle, the stomping of feet and clapping of hands at once made me cherish the moment and feel as if I’d gone back in time. A hundred years ago, had people gathered at this very same pub, listening to this very same music? A few young lads spontaneously broke into traditional dance in front of me. The commitment of these people to their culture while at the same time welcoming outsiders like me is their greatest gift.

I walked home, the crowd dispersing down blackened streets, disappearing into fields and cottages. The night sky was bright, but there were no other lights. It could have been any century. But it could only be Ireland.

(c)Tina Donvito

Sights:

The Cliffs of Moher http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie

The Burren http://www.burrennationalpark.ie

Lodging:

Aille River Hostel http://ailleriverhosteldoolin.ie

Ocean Road

Doolin, Co. Clare

+353 65 707 4260

Food, drink and entertainment:

Gus O’Connor’s Pub

Fisher Street

Doolin, Co. Clare

+353 65 707 4168