As I drove into work this morning, it never ceases to amaze me the number of bozo drivers who think they are in a real life version of Gran Turismo.

It was only a week ago that I was in a serene place with stunning picturesque scenery, sound of the earth standing still and air as fresh as a daisy.

This place is Sligo, Ireland. 

Sligo, a quaint town tucked in the Northwest corner of Ireland, is located in County Sligo, with a population of 20,000. It’s roughly 230 kilometers or 3.5 hour bus ride from Dublin, the nearest airport hub.

Sarah, my childhood best friend, is the impetus for this long journey.

After 10 years living in the Cayman Island, Sarah and her family made a jaunt to live the simple life.

Rural Ireland is known for its gorgeous greenery, majestic castles and rustic walking trails.

Sligo – affectionately known as Yeats Country – is proud to be the place where poet W.B. (William Butler) Yeats spent most of his childhood and found inspiration for his poetry.

Getting to know Sligo means visiting local attractions including Lissadell House and Garden where Yeats spent his childhood summers and befriended sisters Eva Gore-Booth and Countess Markievicz, the first woman elected to the British House of Commons.

Sligo is loosely translated as “shelly place” referring to the plethora of shellfish found in the river. And I certainly had the good fortune to taste fresh oysters and fish prepared by my host Chef O’Keefe.

As my hosts drive me to the bus station, I take a deep breathe absorbing the fresh air, enjoy the idyllic backdrop and reflect on how finding solace in beautiful Sligo.

Once word gets out about this paradise, rows and rows of travel buses will ascend to the Land Of Heart Desires.

Thank you Sarah, Mark, Charlie and Yogi for welcoming me into your home.

Smooches xo