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A raindrop fell and hit our windshield. Then another one and a few minutes later the rain was pouring down on our little rental car as we drove through the lush nature that is Ireland. We had landed at the airport in Dublin early that same morning and although it had rained frequently since our arrival, it came merely in short bursts and the majority of our car ride was spent soaking up sunshine that shone through the leafy crowns of the oak trees that we passed. We had already made a stop at Kildare Village, a designer outlet only an hour drive from Dublin, where we devoured delicious crepes sold from a small kiosk and drank iced coffee that soothed our dry throats. We also managed a visit at the Kilbeggan whisky distillery situated in County Westmeath where the clear blue sky, the 19th-century waterwheel and the white facade of the 250 year old distillery was reflected in the river Brosna. Safe to say I did not drink, however, my passengers were very pleased with the variety of whisky they managed to try while on our guided tour. Still full from our crepes at Kildare Village we passed up on the opportunity of eating at the restaurant “The Pantry Restaurant” included in the distillery and went on our way to locate sleeping quarters for the night. We drove alongside lake Lough Derg and got all the way to Portumna, where we stopped to take photographs of the amazing double rainbow we spotted. We had surrendered to the thought of having to sleep in the car and dine on pastry from the Aldi-store we found while wildly arguing over the route we had chosen. But we were overheard by an older gentleman who had once lived in Sweden working with horses and still remembered some of the language that we spoke. He invited us to his pub in the midst of the village for drinks, where he then shared his life story of fame and fortune competing in horse back jumping. After some talking, and quite a few beers, he recommended the Oak Lodge Bed & Breakfast run by an acquaintance of his. Conveniently also within walking distance, since obviously none of us could drive any longer. Once installed we fell asleep almost instantly in our welcoming room with a private entrance, newly starched bed sheets and fresh flowers in every corner. Only to wake up to a full english breakfast the day after. We took a long stroll in the beautiful weather that morning, soaking in the ancient feel of the Portumna Castle and Gardens and in awe of the amazing scenery, staring at signs stating there is a 3000 pound fee for those who do not pick up after their dogs. We talked about the old man, decided to stop by his pub to say thank you and goodbye before continuing our road trip through the gorgeous scenery of Galway county into to the breathtaking coastal landscape of the Connemara.