We took our four children and boarded a plane for Shannon, Ireland in June of 2003. We were going to take about one week to travel a southern loop around the island and then stay in a cottage on the Dingle Pennisula for a second. On our fourth or fifth day there while touring the south we were in one of the towns, perhaps Wexford, and I found myself standing alone outside of a shop.
The day had gotten off to a rough start. Everyone had their own idea about how we should spend the time. We had all scattered among the shops and I stood alone, somewhat frustrated that we couldn’t come to a consensus and my countenance undoubtedly showing it.
When along came a little old Irishman wearing a long top coat and a cap. He was short and frail with hair of gray, but eyes that twinkled. A lively Irish tune was playing somewhere from a shop’s speaker. The little old man stopped on the walk in front of me and executed ten quick steps of a jig, then with a nod and a smile resumed his course and walked away leaving me still alone, but smiling—only in Ireland.
Christine M. Grote 
Ow one day I will follow your example Christine, and head over to Ireland. This land is filled with magic and music, wondrous things happen over there.
I’m SO very glad that this little old Irishman lifted your heart 🙂
You’ll love it if you do. Get a small car.
The seed of a good reflective poem lies in this picture. His audience: the wind, the land and the sky. Will think about this today.
Let me know.
It’s a wonderful thing when you get exactly what you need.
Yes. So true.
I must say he gave you a blessing. And you gave him one in return:)
I’m not sure what I gave him. But he made my day.
I love this story and my heart is dancing a little jig in joy. Ireland has been calling, and now the call is even louder. Thank you for sharing! Someday I hope a little old Irish man dances a jig for me in my time of need. 🙂
I could come and try to dance a jig, but I’m not sure it would have the same effect.
Lovely, CM!
Nothing like a bit of a jig to put up back in our happy place.
I should try it myself more often.
I agree….Only in Ireland….You would never see that here in Texas… 🙂
No. But I suspect you see other things in Texas.
How lovely! Isn’t it wonderful when something you need comes along at just the right time? 🙂
Yes. A lasting memory.
We’re hoping to visit England, Scotland, and Ireland sometime this year. This post reminded me why I’m excited to see that part of the world.
hugs for sharing…hugmamma. 🙂
We want to go to Scotland someday. Take lots of photos.
… “along came a little old Irishman wearing a long top coat and a cap. He was short and frail with hair of gray, but eyes that twinkled…”
C.M, he sounds like a leprechaun!
I think he was a leprechaun.
Lovely post!
Ireland’s a destination for a lot of us, isn’t it?
It’s great to read a piece written from an outside perspective. Makes me appreciate home!
Somehow it’s hard to see the charm in where we are. You should never doubt it of Ireland. I’m glad to offer you a new look.
Great post – and oh, so true…only in Ireland. I hang out there as much as possible!
I wish I was able to hang out there. Right now just hoping to go back for a second visit.