Seasonal sensory experiencing: Spring edition
I don’t know about you, but I’m so happy and excited that spring is here! The return of the sun and flowers is a warm welcome. I also had the extreme privilege to take a trip to Ireland in March. We got to explore Dublin, Galway, and the Aran Island of Inishmore. Therefore, most of my seasonal sensory experiencing will probably be focused on that trip because it was AMAZING, but I’m hoping to share some other things from my local area as well.
Sight
National Art Gallery of Ireland
One of my favorite things that we got to do in Dublin was visit the National Art Gallery. It was so beautiful and peaceful inside with such extraordinary artwork. My favorite that we got to witness was Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs by Frederic William Burton. It is only viewable for one hour on Thursdays and an hour on Sunday for a total of two hours a week due to light harming the watercolor, and we were lucky enough to get to see it!
Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs by Frederic William Burton
Dún Aonghasa on Inishmore
As far as the immense beauty of nature goes in Ireland, Inishmore took the cake. We got to ride bikes across the island, and took a small hike up to Dun Aonghasa, the tallest cliff on the island. The views were breathtaking, you could practically see the whole island from up there and look out across the vast sea. It was terrifying and breathtaking all at once.
Views of the island on top of the cliff
Cliff overlooking the ocean
Wildflower Weekend at Eagle Creek Park
We took a stroll through Eagle Creek during their Wildflower weekend!
Virginia Bluebells
Roundleaf Ragwort
Eastern Redbud
sound
The ocean
I loved getting to stay by the ocean and hear the waves in Galway!
Birds chirping
I love the spring time and getting to leave my windows cracked open and waking up to the bird song in the morning. We also had the lucky privilege of a robin to choose our front porch to nest this spring!
Traditional Irish Music
Obviously we wouldn't be in Ireland without getting to listen to some traditional music!
touch
Plants and the soil
Like a lot of folks this time of the season, I’ve been putting a lot of my focus and energy into our native garden. I love seeing the plants come to life and bloom. It is also such a treasure getting to tend and care for them. Our natives have been doing so well we were able to transplant our Aster and Goldenrod. I’m hoping to expand our garden to take over most of our yard. No more mowing!
Wild Geranium
Blue Flag Iris
taste
Coffee from Coffeewerks + Press
One of my favorite things in Ireland, specially Galway, was getting to try Coffeewerks + Press. They are one of the top 100 coffee shops in the world, ranking at 32! Some of the best coffee I've ever had. My go to order was an oatmilk flat white!
Irish Coffee
And while at the bar, my go to order was an Irish coffee! Not the biggest whiskey fan, but its pretty good in coffee!
smell
The ocean (again)
I don't believe I need to go into great detail with these, but it was so nice getting to smell the ocean and surround my sense with it.
Rain
It's equally been beautiful getting to experience the beauty of spring, including the amazing smell of rain. Did you know that humans are more sensitive to the smell of rain than sharks are to the smell of blood? Crazy, right?!