My Irish Year 2025-2027

Many schemes in Ireland take longer than intended, and mine is no exception. A while ago, I made a plan to spend a year in Ballyvaughan County Clare, painting flora native to Ireland and specifically to the Burren. I contacted the innkeeper of my favorite place in Ireland and asked for his help finding a cottage with enough space to paint and lodge an occasional guest or two. He did—just down the road from his B & B, Cappabhaile House, and about a ten minute walk to Cappanawalla mountain, one of the taller peaks—not quite the right term, as it’s just under 1,000 meters—in the Burren. I realized as I made this plan that it would be easier to go in three month stretches over two years than for a solid year. I had shows scheduled, and many personal obligations, not to mention a husband who would have to take care of the ranch by himself while I was away. And so, I began my year in late January of 2025, to be concluded in July of 2027.