The greatest day in the history of Sligo travel

The day my friend Julia and I jaunted off to Sligo from Galway, we weren’t really anticipating 10 Days of Epic Fun. My housemates were perplexed. “What are you going to do in Sligo for 5 days?” We found so much to do, 5 days turned into 10. But more on Sligo’s surprises later.

Every now and then the gods transpire to create one of those days that will go down in personal travel history.

Before coming to Sligo, I had made contact with David O’Hara, operator of SUP for all (stand-up paddling). He’s genuinely one of the most enthusiastic, passionate people I’ve ever met, and he invited Julia and I out for a day on the water.

We showed up at the River Bonet with our new friends – David, Art, and Sonya. We were then introduced to Paul and Shambles, experienced SUPers who would serve as guides.

We suited up – me in an alpaca hat and a dry-suit – and began our peaceful paddle down the river. Conditions were perfect: warm, zero wind, and all the craic we could muster from our new friends. We were grinning and chatting and having the grandest of grand times.

When we hit Lough Gill, the wind started to pick up. A motorboat zoomed by, and I was told to aim my board into the waves. My stance was shaky, but I powered through, and was triumphant about the whole thing.

I might have gotten cocky, because then, while chatting with Paul, I got a little distracted. We were supposed to land on the Isle of Innisfree (made famous by the Yeats poem), but I was starting to drift a little far to the right. Paul was guiding me from one side and David was trying to coax me from another side, but my foggy hungover brain couldn’t absorb anything. I started drifting out to god knows where.

At that point, the wind was hitting me hard and I was paddling my little heart out to get to the island. Paul came with me, and we finally managed to land on the other side, but not without me JUST nearly falling in. On the other side of the island, disaster struck: Julia toppled over on top of her board and got her legs wet, and when Sonya turned to observe the situation, she fell the whole way in.

We sat on the Isle in the grass, laughing our asses off about the whole scene and the chaos that ensued. Honestly, if we had simply pulled up with a soft landing on the Isle of Innisfree, I don’t think the experience would have been so delightful (Sonya may have differing opinions). I don’t think I laughed so hard in my life.

That was basically the signal for us to hit the pub. We dried Sonya off (“Sonya, would you say you’re about 30% wet?” “I’d say I’m 80% wet.”) and headed to The Thatch Pub.

I thought we were just going to have a few pints, it being Wednesday afternoon and all. But then two musicians showed up – Cathy Jordan and Seanan Brennan. They started busting out the tunes, and before I knew it, I was experiencing the kind of Irish trad session I had dreamed about…totally impromptu, totally unexpected, unbelievably beautiful. These two are so talented that I was literally in tears during a few songs. (Cathy Jordan just released a new CD, by the way, All the Way Home. It’s a gorgeous listen.)

And as things seem to go in Ireland, everybody is a musician (I realized this after my roommate Richy showed up at a pub in Galway with a flute tucked into his sock, “just in case”). Shambles broke out the banjo and David’s wife busted out a guitar and then even the bartender joined in for a song.

I practically forced Cathy and Seanan to stay longer; I was awash in musical bliss and travel happiness. We danced and sang and I nearly fainted when I requested Sonny’s Dream and the whole pub erupted into song.

Seriously, those are the moments I live for.

When the whole thing was over, Julia, Art and I hightailed it back to Markree Castle where we were spending the night. (I had the Johnny Cash room. No biggie.) And of course when you show up at a castle and the bar is open for an American wedding, what else would you do besides crash it? So we did. And there were cupcakes, and shots of Jagerbombs, and blushing brides and handsome groomsmen.

I was so overwhelmed the next day, I couldn’t even write an appropriate Facebook status. So I drew a diagram instead.

Thanks to everyone who had a hand in creating my favourite travel memory of all time. World, it’s gonna take some magic to top that one.

  • April 23 2013
    Val (magnumlady)

    Delighted you had such a good time in Sligo!! Spread the word :)

  • April 23 2013
    Val (magnumlady)

    Delighted you had such a good time in Sligo!! Spread the word :)

  • April 23 2013

    I want to be you when I grow down. Or grow younger. Or however you would phrase it.

    • May 13 2013

      Hahahaha. Sometimes I worry that I’m living too quickly

  • April 24 2013
    Sofie

    Sounds like an amazing time!
    Especially the pub part. Spontaneous music and dancing: is there anything better? I think not!

  • April 24 2013
    Sofie

    Sounds like an amazing time!
    Especially the pub part. Spontaneous music and dancing: is there anything better? I think not!

  • April 24 2013

    I’d like to try the paddle boarding – and looks like you were pretty darned happy with your experience. What a trip Ireland has been for you.

  • April 24 2013

    I’d like to try the paddle boarding – and looks like you were pretty darned happy with your experience. What a trip Ireland has been for you.

  • April 24 2013

    wow SUP looks awesome!

  • April 26 2013
    Gypsy

    I lurk on your blog. Not in a creepy way …. well I guess lurking is kinda maybe creepy … but more because I think it’s lots of of fun and a good place to go when I want to remind myself of the carefree expat Canadian I’d actually like to be! I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. In a truly self-deprecating Canadian way I’d like to apologize for welcoming you into this pyramid scheme of appreciation. I justify it by telling myself the nomination is one step above a ‘like’. Offering you a free glass of wine would probably be better, but you’re in Ireland and I’m in Qatar … you can’t ship booze from here.

    Thanks for the giggles.

    http://www.gypsyintheme.com

  • April 26 2013
    Gypsy

    I lurk on your blog. Not in a creepy way …. well I guess lurking is kinda maybe creepy … but more because I think it’s lots of of fun and a good place to go when I want to remind myself of the carefree expat Canadian I’d actually like to be! I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. In a truly self-deprecating Canadian way I’d like to apologize for welcoming you into this pyramid scheme of appreciation. I justify it by telling myself the nomination is one step above a ‘like’. Offering you a free glass of wine would probably be better, but you’re in Ireland and I’m in Qatar … you can’t ship booze from here.

    Thanks for the giggles.

    http://www.gypsyintheme.com

    • May 13 2013

      Hahahaha, this comment made my day. Thanks, dearie! I’ll off to check out your blog. I think we’ll make great friends

  • April 27 2013

    Hi, we are the guys responsible for getting Candice doing our water! It was a pleasure to have this Newfoundlaner (I understand ‘Newfie’ is derogatory) in Sligo and to bring her SUP! It made us understand the similarities between our cultures, we genuinely hope to welcome more of you to our town and please feel free to get in touch via the SUPforall link above. You have one special Canadian there and she is a great Ambassador for your Country and Province.

  • April 27 2013

    Hi, we are the guys responsible for getting Candice doing our water! It was a pleasure to have this Newfoundlaner (I understand ‘Newfie’ is derogatory) in Sligo and to bring her SUP! It made us understand the similarities between our cultures, we genuinely hope to welcome more of you to our town and please feel free to get in touch via the SUPforall link above. You have one special Canadian there and she is a great Ambassador for your Country and Province.

  • April 30 2013

    this looks like a good time

  • April 30 2013

    this looks like a good time

  • April 30 2013

    this looks like a good time

  • May 03 2013

    OMG… the impromptu musical interlude is one of my biggest hopes and dreams if I ever get to Ireland! So cool! I have these visions of Mumford and Sons types belting it out in a pub somewhere…. dreaming, dreaming!

    • May 13 2013

      It was literally EXACTLY what I had been dreaming and hoping for, haha. I was disappointed on my first week of arrival because I hardly heard ANY Irish trad at all. But this made up for it all. :)

  • May 12 2013

    I loved Sligo too- but like you, everyone wondered why I wanted to go there and what I would do to fill the time. It’s a beautiful, underrated place! (and also where I have family roots.)

  • May 16 2013
    DA

    oh my gosh Candice, I am so excited.! You may think this is outrageous but I have been talking about going to Ireland this year 2013 to find my roots and do some searching. I can’t believe that I found you and the same bucket list…what!

    My folks are Newfoundlanders, my mother is a Walsh from St. Johns and my dad a Bay-Wop. lol. I am the youngest of 7 — the only girl at the end of the train. My grandparents, and mothers family all grew up at the Battery, below Signal Hill. Honestly, your similarities are of my family, kinda freaked me out when I saw you. Coincidence? Who knows. Anyway, I would love to connect. Long story short…connect some time, if you like. da@gmrinc.org

    My name is Dorothyann…or DA. I live in Cambridge, Ontario. Canada.

    Are you still in Ireland? I am actually blown away, I just had this conversation with a gal this morning in the States who is going to Ireland for 5 weeks to also find her roots. She was adopted by a couple in the States. Her name is Byrne (not sure of the spelling) Anyway, we were both talking this morning about finding our ancestors and connecting with our roots. Apparently, my mother said she still has family there.

    I said to this lady (Chris) that I was going to finding roots, etc and she aid the same thing. Her husband mentioned the Gathering and I said HELLO…I was just looking there because I wanted to go to the dance. They are heading there we laughed because I said, I was jealous but I am going. Can you believe it…I am watching American Idol and the name Candice keeps coming up and she won. Hahaha!

    I am so stoked!

    Blessings,
    DA

  • May 16 2013
    DA

    oh my gosh Candice, I am so excited.! You may think this is outrageous but I have been talking about going to Ireland this year 2013 to find my roots and do some searching. I can’t believe that I found you and the same bucket list…what!

    My folks are Newfoundlanders, my mother is a Walsh from St. Johns and my dad a Bay-Wop. lol. I am the youngest of 7 — the only girl at the end of the train. My grandparents, and mothers family all grew up at the Battery, below Signal Hill. Honestly, your similarities are of my family, kinda freaked me out when I saw you. Coincidence? Who knows. Anyway, I would love to connect. Long story short…connect some time, if you like. da@gmrinc.org

    My name is Dorothyann…or DA. I live in Cambridge, Ontario. Canada.

    Are you still in Ireland? I am actually blown away, I just had this conversation with a gal this morning in the States who is going to Ireland for 5 weeks to also find her roots. She was adopted by a couple in the States. Her name is Byrne (not sure of the spelling) Anyway, we were both talking this morning about finding our ancestors and connecting with our roots. Apparently, my mother said she still has family there.

    I said to this lady (Chris) that I was going to finding roots, etc and she aid the same thing. Her husband mentioned the Gathering and I said HELLO…I was just looking there because I wanted to go to the dance. They are heading there we laughed because I said, I was jealous but I am going. Can you believe it…I am watching American Idol and the name Candice keeps coming up and she won. Hahaha!

    I am so stoked!

    Blessings,
    DA

  • May 16 2013
    DA

    oh my gosh Candice, I am so excited.! You may think this is outrageous but I have been talking about going to Ireland this year 2013 to find my roots and do some searching. I can’t believe that I found you and the same bucket list…what!

    My folks are Newfoundlanders, my mother is a Walsh from St. Johns and my dad a Bay-Wop. lol. I am the youngest of 7 — the only girl at the end of the train. My grandparents, and mothers family all grew up at the Battery, below Signal Hill. Honestly, your similarities are of my family, kinda freaked me out when I saw you. Coincidence? Who knows. Anyway, I would love to connect. Long story short…connect some time, if you like. da@gmrinc.org

    My name is Dorothyann…or DA. I live in Cambridge, Ontario. Canada.

    Are you still in Ireland? I am actually blown away, I just had this conversation with a gal this morning in the States who is going to Ireland for 5 weeks to also find her roots. She was adopted by a couple in the States. Her name is Byrne (not sure of the spelling) Anyway, we were both talking this morning about finding our ancestors and connecting with our roots. Apparently, my mother said she still has family there.

    I said to this lady (Chris) that I was going to finding roots, etc and she aid the same thing. Her husband mentioned the Gathering and I said HELLO…I was just looking there because I wanted to go to the dance. They are heading there we laughed because I said, I was jealous but I am going. Can you believe it…I am watching American Idol and the name Candice keeps coming up and she won. Hahaha!

    I am so stoked!

    Blessings,
    DA

    • May 22 2013

      Hahaha, that’s amazing! I love it! Thanks for the comment. I see you’ve added me on Facebook — I’ll follow up there. :)

  • May 29 2013

    I’m so insanely jealous that you met Cathy Jordan. I grew up in an Irish music playing family and she was seriously the rock star of my youth. Obviously I need to get myself to Sligo! Enjoying your Ireland adventures :)

    http://shannonthemrs.blogspot.de/

  • May 29 2013

    I’m so insanely jealous that you met Cathy Jordan. I grew up in an Irish music playing family and she was seriously the rock star of my youth. Obviously I need to get myself to Sligo! Enjoying your Ireland adventures :)

    http://shannonthemrs.blogspot.de/

  • May 29 2013

    I’m so insanely jealous that you met Cathy Jordan. I grew up in an Irish music playing family and she was seriously the rock star of my youth. Obviously I need to get myself to Sligo! Enjoying your Ireland adventures :)

    http://shannonthemrs.blogspot.de/

    • May 29 2013

      I seriously didn’t realize she was such a huge deal until after meeting her! I adore her. Amazing person. She gave me her CD, and I’ve been loving it

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