Today we drove from Ennis to Kinvarra. Our plan today changed several times. First we thought we would drive and stay in Doolin, but when we got there the town was so quiet we continued onward. Then we decided we would go to Galway or perhaps even as far Clifden. We stopped in Kinvara, a coastal town just south of Galway for something to eat. We found a nice little pub called Keough’s where a delightful bartender named Kate took great care of us. As we sat there, Niko informed us that he did not want to go any further. He had had his fill of driving for the day. Instead, he went out and explored our options for lodging and came back with keys to a room in a new hotel just across the street.

Our choice to stay in Kinvarra across the street from Keoughs was inspired. As the night fell, Niko and Sam were able to snuggle in and rest, and I was able to go over to the bar at 10 pm, to listen to traditional Irish music. The evening at Keoughs will long be cherished in my memory. Keoghs is a small pub. There is room for maybe 25 people to sit. There was a gentleman playing the flute, and penny whistle, a woman on the guitar and a woman singing. As the evening progressed, the band members would invite a favored guest in the pub to sing a song. By the end of the evening almost everyone in the pub, except me, had sang an Irish ballad. It was a perfect moment. I kept wanting to get up and run over and force Niko and Sam out of bed to join in the experience, but I was afraid I’d lose my stool in this crowded pub. So I sat where I was, and drank it in and gave thanks for this pure and perfect moment in Ireland