makes a living as a writer and musician. You can find his podcasts at GralienReport.com and his books at Amazon.com

Being the first generation daughter of an Irish immigrant, Ireland has been a place I’ve dreamed about often. It was at the top of my paranormal bucket list. I never had the opportunity to visit my father’s homeland until recently when my wonderful husband surprised me with a trip. It was a birthday/anniversary/Christmas present…for the next five years or so.

My trip was spectacular. I spent time in majestic castles and ancient ruins, as well as the 200 year old stone cottage where my father and his twelve brothers and sisters grew up. Historically and personally, I hit the jackpot.

Ireland is a small country, approximately equivalent to the size ofOhio. Still, traversing the Irish countryside in just over a week was to be a formidable task. I had to adjust to driving on the wrong side of the road in a car with a steering wheel on the right. The roads were extremely narrow, speed limits in metrics, and the signs all written in Gaelic. But the scenery was captivating.

I pretty much white knuckled my way from Dublin to Galway, suffering a slight anxiety attack (or two) as I made my way north to County Mayo. But the adventures I had along the way were well worth every new gray hair that appeared on my head. Ireland and its breathtaking beauty blew me away. I was utterly bewitched.

The first stop on my itinerary was County Offaly in