I actually booked the Mermaid Garden to meet Paraic and was surprised and sad to learn upon my arrival that he was away on vacation. And while his youngest son was very kind, giving me a ride from and to the ferry and letting me borrow wellies because I’d forgotten my shoes, it seemed like he was unused to playing host. I felt awkward sometimes in the house. Breakfasts were still good thanks to Rachel, and I so enjoyed long walks with the sweet pup Tip, but warmth was a bit lacking, I suppose because Paraic and the rest of the family weren’t there. I was hoping for stories about the island, history and folklore, and a real Irish welcome, so I was admittedly disappointed after everything. I am grateful to Raemonn and Rachel who filled in, and still glad I came thanks to friendly folk I met and beautiful landscapes all around, but I do think my experience was atypical.