Inspiration | A Trip to Ireland
This summer we attended a family reunion in my parter’s family’s home town of Belmullet, Ireland. There, the aunts plied us with enormous breakfasts (turns out black pudding is harmless!) and the uncles charmed us with that iconic dark humor. The air in this seaside town smelled always of peat smoke, and it seemed as though everyone owned at least a handful of sheep.
The full Irish.
Aunt Anne’s spotless home on the coast of County Mayo.
After the festivities, we headed out on our own adventures, which centered on animals to please our little one, but ended up delighting us all. First, we headed to Ashford Castle, which had me swooning around its gardens pretending to be a Great Lady. There, we wandered the wooded grounds with our own personal falconry expert, sending our bird into the trees to follow from limb to limb until we called him back to the glove with a whistle.
Our Harris Hawk and host, Stoker.
Ashford Castle, looking out to the lake and its islands.
Just one secret path in its meandering gardens.
Then we went for a country ride near the Cliffs of Moher on three beautiful Gypsy Vanners at the Mountain View Horse Riding Centre, and attended a sheepdog demonstration at the Caherconnell Fort, which had us rapt at the smarts of five adorable border collies.
Throughout Ireland, I was struck by the balance of brightness and darkness—the bluebird skies that suddenly turned dark with summer gales, the light-hearted delivery of black humor that reminded me of great Irish literature, and the contrast of elements in the architecture we saw everywhere. Here’s a glimpse of what captured that balance between the bleak romance of the rocky isle, and the cheer and comfort sheltered within.
The Beauty of Stone
Ashford Castle on Lough Carrib.
Stone is an art in Ireland. I couldn’t get enough of the hand-built stone walls that criss-cross the countryside, so delicately made of such rough material, with creative flourishes here and there. I loved the centuries-old chisel marks, the lacy lichen blooms, and the occasional hank of sheep’s wool caught on their craggy surfaces.
2. Cheery Red Accents
The austerity of stone is enlivened frequently with bright red trim, doors, and flower boxes. What seems like an aesthetic gesture has deeper roots, however—when Queen Victoria decreed that the Irish paint their cottage doors black, they rebelled by painting them red, a color that had long signified the hand of a great warrior.
3. White Wash & Thatch
The stone masonry was also often brightened with whitewash, which produces a lovely glow due to its calcite crystals. Historically, limewash was a resort of impoverished families who could not afford paint, but it bonded well with stone and has antibacterial qualities. Today, of course, limewash is very popular in interior design, providing an elevated rustic finish.
Another classic of Irish cottages, thatched roofs are an heirloom craft (like the masonry walls) that provides durability and beauty. Thatched roofing can last up to 40 years with minimal maintenance.
An Ireland-inspired Mood Board
So here’s what I’m dreaming of now—some imported Irish charm and coziness via rustic wool textiles, industrial fixtures, slate pavers, limewash and bold red accents (plus a bit of emerald!)
Finally, I wouldn’t leave you without some recommendations! Check out the links below for what got me excited and what really made my trip:
My favorite album.
My favorite page-turning non-fiction.
My favorite pub.
My favorite town.
My favorite park.
My favorite shop.
Thank you so much for reading! Sláinte!