Irish Post Script

Post Script from Ireland .................,

Looking back on my initial research and google-traveling the information highways, post-it tabing pages from library books and tablet downloads, I failed to consider one important factor that came to me on the flight home - culture, lifestyle, and tradition.

I observed a very different lifestyle while there, and frankly it was reminding.  Reminding of a time when we preserved rather than disgarded. When what we had was built to last and we kept it longer. A time when we purchased what we needed and surplus was not thought of.  Traditions were revered. What our grandparents brought over was cherished, retained and handed down.  These represented our culture - the years of hard work, saving and vision that included yester-year in the tomorrow.

That being said, I think the reason I found few pieces of furniture is because they are retained. They aren't salvaged or discarded. Although I would have liked to have found a nice piece to send home, I like more that the old pieces are resting in homes and amidst the decades of family history.

Irish Eyes R Smiling

 

Perhaps I should have titled this entry - Irish Eyes R Droopin.  After the trans-Atlantic flight across the "Pond" over and back, I am truly droopy.  There is no doubt that it was WORTH IT !

Ireland has been in my top five places to visit, and I would visit again in a heartbeat.  Before I tell of the antiquities I spotted I will share a few photos to set the mood.    



In Ireland, they say everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day - while I was not there on THE day - it was close enough. The shops and town folk were busily readying their stores, pubs, and polishing the tea carts for the 17th of March.   







I was not aware that tea in Ireland was such a mainstay. So a "Tea" I had to try. A lovely tea it was.      

  I was now ready to explore Dublin and the Antique shops I'd researched. But wait ....,  I maneuvered through the cobblestone streets and alleys orientating myself to the grid- system, and learning to look a little higher on the building corners to find street names. Signage is in Gaelic and English (thank goodness).  My first stop was at the Grafton Street shops.  I was delighted to find so many shops in one location. Browsing the first few shops I enjoyed the complete organization and neat rows of antique china, statuary, jewelry, hats, stoles and vintage clothing..., but no furniture.  Around the corner I made my way to some more shops, and spied a small curved chair - ornate in design; velvet stuffed seating and backing - THIS I surmised was the place I'd been looking for  - alas- its the ONLY chair in the shop - but it was adorable.  I carried on weaving my way around corners and on the "Lift" taking me to the second floor of the Powerscourt shops. Aha ! Furniture !

                   MASSIVE FURNITURE

Taller than me - you can't tell it, but I was standing waaaaay back and using my zoom to take this picture. Maybe that's why Ireland calls them the "little people" - the furniture is so BIG. But it is

beautiful. Just look at the intricate detail on this piece   Loved shopping in Dublin - but really no luck with furniture. 

On to Killarney.

   Not much furniture in the shops, but I did chance upon two antique cash registers in perfect condition.  A small stool caught my eye, but alas, the proprietor informed that it wasn't for sale.  Euros in hand, tale tucked, I did what any red-blooded American gal on a shopping trip would do ...., I headed for the pastry shops.