Driving, and The Merry Ploughboy

Most of this day was spent driving.  I was hoping that we would be able to attend church in either Germany, or Ireland, but with limited flights out of Frankfurt-Hahn, I couldn't make it work.  However, I believe one of our most memorable moments of the trip happened this day (at least for me).

We drove from Rothenburg back to Frankfurt-Hahn, a three hour drive, caught our plane back to Kerry airport, and then drove the four hours to Dublin.  I had bought tickets for a show that I've tried to book before but had never worked into our schedule:  dinner and a show at The Merry Ploughboy.

The Merry Ploughboy is an Irish pub owned completely by musicians.  Let me repeat that:  it is OWNED by MUSICIANS.  Honestly, it's a wonder that it's even viable as a business, knowing how poorly musicians tend to mange things.  However, they have made it work.

The pub is just any old pub on the main floor, but the top floor is where the magic happens.  After walking up a flight of stairs, we entered a large open room, filled with tables and a stage.  We were a few minutes late, seeing as the GPS couldn't quite find the place, but we were seated and our orders were taken right away.

I know it might be ridiculous to do this, but I have to mention the menu. Here were our options:

For starters, either a salad entitled "Goat's Cheese" which was (according to the menu) Bluebell Falls honey, thyme & garlic goats cheese, pickled baby beets, dressed organic mesculan, and sourdough croute; a homemade seafood chowder served with Irish brown bread; or root vegetable soup (also served with brown bread).

Oh goodness, my mouth is already watering.

And then for the main courses (unfortunately, we could only choose one):  Irish angus beef, Irish sea trout, Limerick chicken, or shank of lamb.  And all of these had delectable descriptions as well.

And for dessert, there was no choice:  Irish Bramley apple pie with cinnamon anglaise.

We probably would have been happy with just that, seeing as you can't eat anywhere in Ireland without leaving completely satisfied, but there was still the show.

What I love about this place is that it's not random Irish persons playing music that might or might not be typically Irish (and where we are expected to order several rounds of alcohol while listening).  It was Irish musicians, playing Irish music.  Some of the music we knew, some we didn't.  And you never know who will be playing what instruments on any given night, but they make the ensemble work however it goes.

It was a good hour of music.  Such good music.

And just when we thought it was over, junior (teenage) Irish dancers came out and entertained us for a long while:

I mean, c'mon, what more can you ask for from Ireland?

When it was all over, many people stayed.  I couldn't blame them.  The room was so warm and toasty and inviting, and the Guinness was flowing.  However, we had had a long day...and we don't drink...so we were off!