On visiting Kilmacurragh in Early April 2023
We leave the main road and travel
Up a lengthy driveway in rural Wicklow
Leading up to Kilmacurragh
Sneaking along the narrow road
Single lane only
Careful driving towards the house
Modern toilets come into view.
Ample carparks, lots of open green spaces
Refurbished outdoor coach houses.
Now coffee dispensing rooms
Noisy chatter, Happy RTAI campers within
Carrot cakes and scones
Celeriac Soup, Guinness beef pies, Chicken pies too
Healthy sandwiches freshly made.
Suiting discerning palates
Salads green and finely dressed.
Friendly smiling waitresses
Floor service only applies.
My pie arrives,
Glass of water too
Quickly scoffed,
Now In need of coffee fix
Full strength Americano ordered.
Oh, What satisfaction
Now to walk the hallowed grounds
Rhododendrons a plenty
First cousins, the azaleas now in bloom
Oak trees feeding many species.
Monkey puzzles with ladies on top
Myrtle trees reminding us of Grecian links.
With Myrlos our Greek herb of love
Fragrant Eucalyptus has us all sniffing.
While Redwood’s size has us all agog
With its internal beehives, full of life and buzz
Fair Kilmacurragh Gardens,
With your lovely Queen Anne House
We love all your arboreal excellence
Your plants, shrubs and walled garden
As you begin to restore and recreate
Your own and Irelands glorious past.
Mick O Callaghan April 2023