Staying at the 200-year-old Little Cottage was a dream. The history, the sentimental details throughout the cottage, the farms, and the animals everywhere were mesmerizing. The beauty completely touches every one of your senses. And the blanket of stars that appear, after the gorgeous sunsets, was enchanting. The cottage was everything and more! A 10+++!!!
Now, I must tell you about the owners: John and Linda. I was fortunate to have met them when I arrived (because it was much later than I expected). John and Linda have to be two of the most AMAZING HUMANS I've ever met!! They were so gracious and caring and made sure I had everything I needed and then some. After chatting a bit, John invited me to the village's 230-year-old Celebration of the "Hunt" (the oldest tradition in Ireland). I couldn't pass up such an honor of being invited. I scratched my plans for sightseeing and the next day, went into the village and met the most WONDERFUL PEOPLE and their gorgeous horses. I even met John and Linda's son and grandchildren. Everyone was dressed proper in costume, polished to nines and the horses were groomed immaculately. As the Hunt began, one of the villagers took me under her wing and we went to all of the areas where we could watch the horses perform incredible jumps over stone walls and fences. We were so close to them that I could feel the ground shake and hear their grunts as they took off! Talk about EXCITING!! As we walked through the fields and farms, I was given the most incredible history lesson about Ireland from Dorothy: stories that you couldn't read in a book. I was captivated!!! As the day went on, we met up with John and hiked through the woods, to the top of the mountain, with the Cross. We could see 360°, from the east coast to the west coast. I was in paradise, in a land so rich and fertile, I couldn't believe my eyes. When the Riders, with their stunning horses, joined us, along with the hounds, I stood there in awe, soaking in every moment. I was more than amazed! This adventure, these friendly Irish Folk, the beauty of the land, the deep-rooted history... was PRICELESS!! They say people come into your life for a reason. I truly believe that I was meant to meet John and Linda, so I could take a beat and become centered, enjoying the magnificent world God created in Ireland!
So, at the end of my stay, all I could think about was how much the world NEEDS to know about this hidden Gem: the 200-year-old Little Cottage (in Ballynahinch, Tipperary, Ireland), the Owners John and Linda, and all of the wonderful people from village!! Don't miss the chance of a lifetime...and make sure you join in on a glorious toast with some smooth Irish Whiskey!!! PRICELESS!!
To John and Linda: thank you for including me in your WONDERFUL CELEBRATION. I will cherish this adventure, for the rest of my life!!