It has been a challenge to keep up to date with the blog, but then, I am sure you have noticed.  We have been so busy seeing the sights, I have not had a minute to sit and collect my thoughts to keep you all informed.  As Arnold said "I'm back"....touring has slowed and I am determined to catch you up on our activities.  So let's get started.  Dublin in our rear view mirror.  We are on our way to Longford, definitely not in the guide books.

Part of the purpose of our trip to Ireland was to explore our family roots.  The exploration team includes, Johanne, my Mom and Dad and me.  We have a reference book to guide our journey into County Longford and the village of Keenagh.    The reference book is a family history written and published in the late 70's by a cousin.  On the way to county Longford, we stop for a visit of a Stonehenge like site called Newgrange & Hill of Tara.

This extraordinary location just makes one wonder..... how did a simplistic civilization, at least by our standards, build such an aberrant structure?  One that is so very much like those found in Great Britain some 1000 miles away.  There are many circles and tombs in and around this area.  An archaeological wonder to be sure  When you visit Ireland, make this sight part of your journey.  You will leave with many more questions than answers.  You will also leave with a strong feeling that you have just been to a place with great spiritual power.  I can't explain how this connection works.  You must feel it in person.  One hour away from Dublin by car, light years away in spirit.

Speaking of spirits, we had an appointment with a ghost.  The ghost of family past.  Mr. George Belford,  Here are some historic facts.  In 1852 we know  that George got married at the Keenagh Church of Ireland to Jane Moore.  They had many children, the eldest of which, William Leopold Belford, left Ireland for Port Credit, Ontario in 1869 at the age of 17.  We are going to Keenagh to retrace the steps of our forefather, to see if we can find out anything more about them.  Seriously, we hope to find the church, visit it, read a few grave stones....that's all!  This will feel successful.  It is not a walk down memory lane, more like a pilgrimage to honour the past.

County Longford is farm country.  During the 1800's, Keenagh was like the rest of Ireland and the UK for that matter.  In other words, it was ruled by Lords.  They owned the land and leased it out to the parish.  Goods and services, along with rent, were paid for the right to work the land.  Lord Kingstone was kind and generous landlord.  He also ran a very successful mill.  So much that the Royal canal was extended to Keenagh.  This canal was the central transportation route for industry  throughout Ireland.  Today the Royal Canal is making a comeback as a tourist route for house boats, cycling and hiking. It runs from Dublin to Longford.

Arriving in Keenagh, the first place we see is the church from our reference guide.  It is not in great repair, we think it may be the sole domain of those that are buried around it.  One window is boarded up, adding to our feeling that the parish has moved on.  We wander around the building and cemetery.  To think that my Great-great-great-great grandfather and grandmother visited this church every Sunday so many years ago.... we turned to leave just as a woman pulled into the parking lot.  Emily Jones is her name.  She is the caretaker of the property, organ player and even delivers the service once a month.  Emily is a slight woman and very quick, both physically and mentally.  I shared our story and asked if we could go inside.  She was delighted to be part of our quest, opened the front door and told us to take our time, that she would be busy with the lawns for the next hour.  She also informed us that the boarded up window was being replaced and the service was performed every Sunday.  The church lives!

 We did the full tour of the church feeling the historic connection of the place. After about 20 minutes, we offered our thanks to Emily and asked her if she could look at a picture of a house that appears in the reference guide.  The picture we are referring to, is the home of George back in the 1800's.  Our thinking.... it's a small town, maybe Emily would know where it is.  She looks at the photo, turns it slightly from right to left,  her face is filled with shock!  She says" that is my house"!!! Wow, what are the chances of that happening.  Emily was not meant to be at the church this afternoon, normally she cuts that grass in the morning, but it was too hot so she waited until the afternoon.  Chance allows our meeting.... now we discover she lives in our ancestor's home.  What a coincidence.  Luck of the Irish.  She invites us to come by, once she completes her work.  We just stop to take a picture.   Awesome.

The church visit complete, we stop in the village for a beverage at the local pub.  While talking with the owner we find out that her mother is somewhat of a local historian.  Soon, calls are made with an appointment with the mother, Marion Armstrong,  on the horizon.  Marian had known a Belford from Longford, a town 8 miles away.  She also knows the Moore family as that name is part of her family history.  We end up back at her farm to view some materials related to her family tree.  The chickens and goats are just as interested as we are.  They greet us as we arrive and follow us around until we  wave good bye, promising to stay connected.   What a day.

 The Pub. Inside and out.

Our day finished with a night in Roscommon, at the Abbey Castle, our lodgings for the night.  IT turns out, it is also the Republican Party of Ireland's convention location for the election of their new leader.  The place was packed to the rafters.

We had a great room with a view of the 12th century Abbey ruins.The owner is most friendly, giving us a personal tour of the premises. What a place, we feel like royalty.

Tomorrow we head to the Wild Atlantic Coast by way of Galway.

Be Well

Slainte