The last Tuesday in January is Plan for Vacation Day, a holiday created by the U.S. Travel Association to encourage Americans to take and plan their well-deserved time off. More than ever, we could all use a vacation, and for those of us who live (and work) for travel or who have been missing family near or far during these pandemic times, today is the perfect day to close your eyes and dream or maybe even to optimistically plan for a herd-immunity world where we can travel safely again.
While I can’t wait to resume my frequent trips to New Jersey to see my family, when it comes to planning bigger, there’s only one place I am dreaming of this Plan for Vacation Day.
“I want to be in Ireland for the summer. It’ll be comin’ soon I’m on my way. I just can’t wait to hear the music and to see the craic goin’ down on Galway Bay.” – Padraig Stevens
There’s no place I miss quite like Ireland, and even missing out on one annual trip (that we know we are extremely fortunate to be able to take) has made me feel like a big piece of me is missing. We spent the bulk of quarantine Sunday evenings listing to Declan Houghton of the band Devri singing favorite songs live from his “Donegal Basement Pub”, allowing us to be transported, even if briefly, across the ocean to the place we’ve missed the most.
We’ve spent a lot of time looking at photos and talking to our almost-three-year-old about a place he’s visited twice but doesn’t quite remember. And now I am more than ready to start making memories for him in a place I love so deeply and that is such a huge part of who he is.
There is nothing like the excitement of boarding a plane from Boston to Shannon, a couple of Jameson and gingers on board, and if you’re lucky, a couple of hours of sleep. . . though who am I kidding? I don’t sleep well anywhere, especially on a plane, when I am excited for what’s next, and while trying to keep a little one entertained and quiet!
There’s no feeling like the one we feel when that plane starts to inch out of the dark of night toward a sliver of morning light off of the West Coast of Ireland, scattered beacons from villages below lighting up what’s left of the darkness. And when the wheels hit the runway, and (most of the time) the rain starts streaming down the windows, we may not wait until the fasten seatbelt sign is turned off to start getting ready to move.
There’s nothing like hearing words of welcome, Slán agus Beannacht libh go léir, as the plane eases into its gate and eager passengers await what’s next – family awaiting them in the arrivals hall or a maybe tour bus waiting to take them on their dream trip.
When the automatic doors of Shannon Airport open to the smell of turf and jet fuel and the softness of rain on skin that’s been parched by a trans-Atlantic journey, we stop and take in the deepest possible breaths. When we drive ever closer to Galway, there is even more light, and farm animals on our journey begin to wake. We pull into the driveway on an always chilly morning and are greeted with smells of bacon and sausage and cups of tea and a fire and the sweetest words, “You’re welcome home.”
And then granny and papa take the “baby” while we sleep. 
I’m looking forward to those beautiful, simple moments the most. I’m looking forward to waking up after our nap and re-acclimating ourselves to a space that’s become so familiar to me over time that’s it’s just as much home as my own.
I’m looking forward to heading into Galway town to soak up the vibrant sounds and colors and smells, to that first pint at Taafe’s or Tigh Neachtain, to the Galway Saturday market, to my favorite Indian restaurant in the world, Kashmir, or to try one of the other many amazing restaurants town has to offer.
I can’t wait for live music on every corner and in every pub we pass and to see my son’s love for music and dancing come to life in front of me.
In the days that follow, we’ll make the beautiful drive to Connemara, maybe stay a few days or longer. We’ll spend time doing nothing but taking in the mountain and sea views. There will be fresh seafood and beach walks and nights with feet by the fire, stories told and songs sung. We’ll introduce our littlest mountain climber to the paths his papa, and then his daddy, grew up climbing. I can’t wait.
Where are you dreaming of this Plan for Vacation Day?
Ireland is currently under lockdown, but you can read on some of my past visits below.
Afternoon Tea at the Meyrick Hotel
Dining in Galway – Ard Bia at Nimmo’s
Giant’s Causeway and North Antrim
Galway – Spirit One Spa and Sheridan’s Wine Bar
Kinsale, Ireland’s Gourmet Capital
