Spring has sprung and with it the desire to get moving, get outside, see friends and family. Some are headed across the pond including the lucky winner of a week at a 4 bedroom house in Kinvara County Galway. This was the coveted silent auction item at the Black Velvet Soireé held in February. Others will be in Ireland on “A Roots Search” and others will be there to just enjoy the sights, the people, the music and all else Ireland has to offer. We highly recommend following one of the several themed trails: The Wild Atlantic Way and Ancient East are fine examples. Enjoy!!!
Speaking of trails, The South Shore Irish Heritage Trail has some fabulous offerings as well. Here we highlight just two:
The Easter Rising Monument, a beautiful tribute to the brave Irishmen and Irishwomen who began the final struggle for Irish freedom, is perfectly “situated” in Cole Parkway overlooking Scituate Harbor. Spend time reading the magnificent inspiring words and appreciating the universal human desire for liberty. On a sunny day enjoy the views, have a picnic (plenty of benches around) or enjoy lunch is one of the many restaurants in the harbor. Seafood, of course, is fabulous but there are many other choices from tapas to full course meals and everything in-between. What could be better than homemade ice cream for dessert? If so inclined, follow the water and walk towards Scituate Light, a beautiful and famous lighthouse where two teenage girls used their wits to scare away the greatest naval power of the day back in 1812. Currently the lighthouse is missing its lantern room. A new one is expected to replace the old one this summer. Come back to these pages to learn about the festivities.
The Maritime and Mossing Museum on the Driftway is well worth a visit. The mossing trade beckoned the Irish to Scituate where the immigrant Irish could support a family. On display are the tools the mossers used and examples of why “Irish Moss” was important. Many are surprised they they use Irish Moss daily. Tooth paste, ice cream, and more ordinary products contain carrageenan, Irish moss. While there check out the Humane Society exhibit. Many Irish were involved with rescues here in Scituate and throughout the South Shore. Next we’ll take look at the wonderful Lifesaving Museum in Hull- and The Hull Public Library housed in the summer home of John Boyle O’Reilly, Poet, Editor, Irish Hero. These are not to miss spots along the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail.