Travel plans for retirement
have been much-discussed
for the past five years .
Should we go to Milan, Malaga or Rome?
Or maybe all three?
So many destinations
to choose from –
we feel truly spoilt for choice!

But as Mammy often says,
“If you want to make God laugh,
tell him what your plans are!”
and her words are oh, so true!
My retirement coincides
with Coronavirus
and all my plans for travel
evaporate.
When we finally book our holiday
our destination is …
Donegal!

This feels like such a let-down!

But Ireland seems to forget
that it’s autumn now –
and we are treated to a week
of clear blue skies
and sun!

At St John’s Point we turn a corner
and are blinded
by mile upon mile
of silver, sparkling Atlantic Ocean
in the autumn sunlight.

Receding waves at Rossbeg and Portnoo
form a water mirror
so that the wet sand reflects
a cloudless, blue sky
perfectly.

Teal waves
tipped with white foam
chase and charge into the shore
at Glenn Cholm Cille,
crashing against black rocks
and casting fountains of spray
into the air in s l o w m o t i o n.

The steep, green-swathed valley
of Benwisken,
forms a natural cathedral
hewn out of the Dartry mountains
absolutely breath-taking!

So much beauty
on our holiday –
so many “wow-moments”
and occasions to simply gaze in awe
at the wonders of creation!

And as we drive home
I can’t help but think
there’s no place like Ireland.
There’s no place like home!

© Claire Murray, 5th October 2020