Even though our trip to Ireland was planned only three months out, I think its roots began decades ago with a book I was fascinated with at my grandmother’s house. I was around 10 years old when I first discovered a big red book that contained the history of Obion County, TN where my father was born. The Obion County Historical Society spent countless days collecting family data, paper records and library searches to put together family histories. My maiden name is McGaugh and our family genealogy in the book begins with “William McGaugh was born in Ireland in 1720”. It continues with William moving to SE Virginia (as did many of the Irish) and eventually settling into Tennessee. It mentions the building of the “McGaugh” farm which my uncle continues to live and run. It contains births, marriages, jobs, moves and deaths (some very young). The book also has my name listed which as a kid it’s pretty exciting to see your name published somewhere other than a yearbook. Even though I really didn’t understand the layers of determination, grit, hardships, and survival just one arm of my family endured, I always carried a respect and curiosity to one day see the lands on which we occupied.
Fast forward to my late thirties and starting the dialogue with my family that I wanted to plan a big trip when I turn the big 4-0. My older girls had been asking when they could get their passport as many of their friends are from other countries and travel back often. We started discussing some destinations such as Australia, England, France, Mexico or a Caribbean Island. All of these are great choices, but I wanted a place that I could connect in some meaningful way. That’s when I made the suggestion to visit Ireland. I sold the girls on castles and cheese. Luke liked the idea of beer and whisky, but didn’t want to bring a one year old. I didn’t like the idea of being away from my baby for two weeks, so if that was the only objection…I would figure out how to maneuver all ages across a couple of small countries. The more I googled, the more I fell in love. Castle after castle, lush green hills, quaint seaside towns, hearty stews & shepherd’s pie, Celtic music, Outlander tours, and of course, our origins.
So, I guess you could say that our Ireland trip was 30 years in the making. We had some tweaks and turns as you would expect with a family of six, but eventually it came together. Trip planning usually begins with “Where are you going? Our (mostly my) decision was a family trip to Ireland. Sometimes, people will follow up with “why did you choose the destination”? We choose Ireland because it’s where we have family origins, it looks magical in pictures, it seems kid friendly, it has lots of history, and we are a cheese loving family. And I will admit I am a stubborn, strong willed Scots-Irish woman who was determined to make what some called a crazy idea become an amazing adventure that would provide previous memories.
Tune in for the When, What, and How it all worked out…
