While Randall was walking the Ring of Kerry I took myself down to Ballina and Killaloe, a twin township on the River Shannon in County Clare. I enjoyed a four day art course with two 16 year old girls who were preparing their portfolios for their final year of school and several other people from around the region. The location was above the Wooden Spoon Bakery which turns out the most amazing array of cakes and breads a day. As well they also made the most tempting varieties of bruschetta. Of course the aromas from the bakery drifted upstairs to tantalise us.
Julie was the artist running the classes and although she put us through torture at times, her bubbly personality, her many stories and her morning tea treats from the bakery below altogether made a fun and fulfilling time. I also enjoyed some great discussion with other students over lunches and dinners and was particularly impressed with the range of little eateries (other than pubs) around the village, which took time to discover.
I was looked after well by my host Anne who requested a report and show and tell of my work each day. When it came time to return to Dublin I was quite reluctant to leave my village life. However I returned to Dublin for 5 days to take in more of the sights of Dublin, an historical walking tour of Dublin conducted by a history graduate from Trinity College which was excellent, the theatre and of course a closer look at Grafton Street.
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