Small Town, Ireland

Small Town, Ireland

My first visit to Ireland was in December of 2024, tagging along on my wife’s work trip. We began in Dublin, continued by train to Cork, and then spent a long weekend exploring the Ring of Kerry by car.

Dublin was beautiful—and easily the busiest stop of the trip. Our first destination was the Guinness Storehouse, a lively introduction to the city and its energy. That first evening brought two delightful surprises: live music in every pub—seriously, every pub—and Christmas decorations that transformed even the smallest spaces into something magical.

 

The next day took us south to Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city. With its slower pace and familiar charm, Cork felt more relaxed than Dublin, yet no less warm. The music continued, the conversations lingered, and the holiday spirit carried on—just at a gentler tempo.

Then came our long weekend on the Ring of Kerry, where we stayed at the Sneem Hotel, using the small town of Sneem as our base. The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile scenic route famous for its breathtaking landscapes. Rolling green hills dotted with sheep, mirror-like lakes, dramatic coastal cliffs—all strung together along a narrow, winding road where two-way traffic sometimes felt like wishful thinking. And yes, we were driving on the left side of the road!

The Inspiration: Cahersiveen

Somewhere along the Ring of Kerry, we passed through a town called Cahersiveen, located in the southwest of Ireland. With a population of just over 1,300, it captured something timeless.

As we drove through, I snapped a photo of Main Street—a quiet stretch lined with small shops, colorful storefronts, and the welcoming charm that defines rural Ireland. That photo became the inspiration for this puzzle.

To me, it represents the heart of small-town Ireland: intimate, vibrant, and full of warmth. I hope this puzzle brings you a glimpse of that moment and a sense of place.

Thank you for traveling with us—
~J & C