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Frimpong The Travelling Bear | profile | all galleries >> Frimpong's trips 2004 -2012 >> Frimpong in Ireland - by Máire Uí Mhaicín tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Frimpong in Ireland - by Máire Uí Mhaicín

Back in Ireland again!

This time my kind hostess is Máire,
and from the moment she took me gently out of my box
I knew we’d get on very well.
She was concerned that I’d had a contretemps with the Customs authorities
as they had indeed decided to open my box,
but with my usual bear charm I was able to show them
that I carried no contraband with me on my journey.
How I wish I’d been able to point out to them that I come from distinguished Irish lineage.
My name in Irish would be Frimpong Mac Mathúna
or Frimpong Ó Mathúna.
Mathúna derives from the the old Irish word Mathghamhain
which means Bear!
A further coincidence is that Máire’s husband bears the surname Ó Mathúna
so I was in fact coming back, like many others of the Irish diaspora,
to the land of one of my forefathers.

Fáilte go hÉirinn is indeed a Welcome to Ireland for this descendant of the Irish Bear Clan.

For those of my friends who might like further up to date information about Ireland
Máire suggests that you might like to take a quick look at this PAGE
to get an accurate statistical description of facets of life
in both the Republic of Ireland and the North of Ireland currently.

Máire and her husband are for sure my distant cousins
and I’m really happy to have such wonderful relatives.
I suggest you to visit Máire’s photo-galleries. She has a talent for capturing details of beauty and her photos show her positive approach to life.


Click HERE, please,
to jump directly to Máire’s pages.


Out of my box and out for a a drive.
Out of my box and out for a a drive.		 Hic!
Hic!		 My first pint of the visit
My first pint of the visit		 Ah! Sleep at last
Ah! Sleep at last
Setting off on a bear expedition
Setting off on a bear expedition		 At the Bear Internet Café!
At the Bear Internet Café!		 With Phil : a lady whose life revolves around bears
With Phil : a lady whose life revolves around bears		 Relaxing....
Relaxing....
A little of exercise to keep fit!
A little of exercise to keep fit!		 Goodbye Phil!
Goodbye Phil!		 With Sarah and Rachel
With Sarah and Rachel		 Wearing and waving the Irish colours
Wearing and waving the Irish colours
Meeting Tracy
Meeting Tracy		 Checking the sports results
Checking the sports results		 Pretending to be a sea-urchin in Dun Laoghaire
Pretending to be a sea-urchin in Dun Laoghaire		 Peter and I
Peter and I
Frimpong by Peter
Frimpong by Peter		 Oh I do like to be beside the sea!
Oh I do like to be beside the sea!		 Playing with heavy artillery
Playing with heavy artillery		 Looking out for James Joyce
Looking out for James Joyce
In Dun Laoghaire
In Dun Laoghaire 		Peace and calm on Dublin Bay
Peace and calm on Dublin Bay		 Looking to James Joyce Tower over Scotsman's Bay
Looking to James Joyce Tower over Scotsman's Bay		 I wasn't meant to be a hard hat guy!
I wasn't meant to be a hard hat guy!
A pirate? Me? Not at all.
A pirate? Me? Not at all.		 An astronaut? Mmm... I wouldn't mind trying that.
An astronaut? Mmm... I wouldn't mind trying that.		 Frimpong the famous newscaster with his two reporters, Thomas and Bláithín
Frimpong the famous newscaster with his two reporters, Thomas and Bláithín 		Testing out an early communications system
Testing out an early communications system
Overseeing Thomas constructing a tower
Overseeing Thomas constructing a tower		 Having a go at Ten Pin Bowling
Having a go at Ten Pin Bowling		 Keeping an eye on the scores and the scorers
Keeping an eye on the scores and the scorers 		Trying out my bearsized Audi
Trying out my bearsized Audi
Another relation discovered!
Another relation discovered!		 Trying out the Equissage
Trying out the Equissage		 Discussing Equissage with Ivor
Discussing Equissage with Ivor 		Behind the scenes at the Horse Show
Behind the scenes at the Horse Show
Oops! Let's get out of here!
Oops! Let's get out of here!		 Shh! The practising is most important!
Shh! The practising is most important!		 Observing a handsome grey
Observing a handsome grey 		My first picture from Galway
My first picture from Galway
Dia dhuit, Pádraic Ó Conaire !
Dia dhuit, Pádraic Ó Conaire !		 Taking a closer look
Taking a closer look 		Adhraím thú , Lucy!
Adhraím thú , Lucy!		 A tricycle made for me!
A tricycle made for me!
By the Spanish Arch
By the Spanish Arch		 A visit to Druid Theatre
A visit to Druid Theatre		 Outside the bars of the New Electric Ballroom at Druid Theatre
Outside the bars of the New Electric Ballroom at Druid Theatre 		All books here for €1!
All books here for €1!
No oysters but the scallops were lovely!
No oysters but the scallops were lovely! 		By Buttermilk Lane
By Buttermilk Lane		 Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe
Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe		 I will find it hard to leave Máire and Ireland behind me...
I will find it hard to leave Máire and Ireland behind me...
Taking a close look at Sand Sculpture
Taking a close look at Sand Sculpture		 These girls are not only pretty, they can also make a great cappuccino!
These girls are not only pretty, they can also make a great cappuccino!		 Enjoying the cappuccino....
Enjoying the cappuccino.... 		Getting a taste for Sauvignon Blanc
Getting a taste for Sauvignon Blanc
A rest by the Salmon Weir Bridge
A rest by the Salmon Weir Bridge 		Sitting on the Salmon Weir Bridge with the Corrib flowing downstream
Sitting on the Salmon Weir Bridge with the Corrib flowing downstream 		Proudly wearing the Claddagh Ring as a necklace
Proudly wearing the Claddagh Ring as a necklace		 Frimpong with Catherine in Fallers of Galway.
Frimpong with Catherine in Fallers of Galway.
Held up!
Held up!		 Helping Máire to navigate through the mist ...
Helping Máire to navigate through the mist ...		 Frimpong Ó Mathúna on a real Irish bench...
Frimpong Ó Mathúna on a real Irish bench...		 In the Samhain Garden, Brigit's Garden
In the Samhain Garden, Brigit's Garden
Having a closer look at the Samhain sculpture
Having a closer look at the Samhain sculpture 		Achieving maturity in this special chair
Achieving maturity in this special chair 		Don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me!
Don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me! 		Thinking deep thoughts amid the Standing Stones
Thinking deep thoughts amid the Standing Stones
In the Lughnasa Garden, Brigit's Garden
In the Lughnasa Garden, Brigit's Garden 		Making a wish in the wishing tree...
Making a wish in the wishing tree...		 Hanging about in Brigit's Garden
Hanging about in Brigit's Garden		 Approaching the whispering chamber
Approaching the whispering chamber
At the ring fort
At the ring fort 		Trying the whispering pipes
Trying the whispering pipes 		Walter Macken remembered
Walter Macken remembered		 Meeting Dara who welcomed me warmly to Brigit's Garden
Meeting Dara who welcomed me warmly to Brigit's Garden
Chatting with Jenny
Chatting with Jenny		 Birds? But I cannot see any!
Birds? But I cannot see any!		 Sitting on the Garry Hynes bench
Sitting on the Garry Hynes bench		 Dreaming by an old barn....
Dreaming by an old barn....
Sitting on a stack of turf or peat
Sitting on a stack of turf or peat		 The home of Máire's childhood
The home of Máire's childhood 		With Monica at Sleepy Hollow
With Monica at Sleepy Hollow		 With Patricia at Sleepy Hollow
With Patricia at Sleepy Hollow
I was so exhausted on this long walk that I had to sit for a minute to take a rest
I was so exhausted on this long walk that I had to sit for a minute to take a rest 		This little stream holds a special place in Máire's childhood memories
This little stream holds a special place in Máire's childhood memories		 Checking out the wild blackberries.....
Checking out the wild blackberries.....		 Meeting Margaret...
Meeting Margaret...
My first glimpse of the famous Autograph Tree
My first glimpse of the famous Autograph Tree		 Sitting on the sundial.jpg
Sitting on the sundial.jpg		 Reading the key information to the autographs
Reading the key information to the autographs 		Of course I carved also my name in a corner...
Of course I carved also my name in a corner...
Having a conversation with Maecenas
Having a conversation with Maecenas		 Carrot cake and cream with Máire
Carrot cake and cream with Máire		 Getting a quick glimpse at the deer in the deerpark.
Getting a quick glimpse at the deer in the deerpark.		 Thoor Ballylee.
Thoor Ballylee.
Thinking of W.B. Yeats at Thoor Ballylee.
Thinking of W.B. Yeats at Thoor Ballylee.		 Sitting on Burren Stone.
Sitting on Burren Stone.		 With Oscar in Galway
With Oscar in Galway		 A little tribute to my Mentor....
A little tribute to my Mentor....
Getting a little carried away with Mary, Máire's friend.
Getting a little carried away with Mary, Máire's friend.		 Excuse me, Madam; do you know where I can find Mr. Oscar Wilde?
Excuse me, Madam; do you know where I can find Mr. Oscar Wilde?		 Oh, here he is!
Oh, here he is!		 Hello, Mr. Wilde!
Hello, Mr. Wilde!
En route to the Festival of World Cultures...
En route to the Festival of World Cultures...		 Inspecting Lucy's creations at the Festival of World Cultures
Inspecting Lucy's creations at the Festival of World Cultures		 Trying out Finian's Macbook...
Trying out Finian's Macbook...		 Helping Deirdre to administer exams.
Helping Deirdre to administer exams.
A little touch of Italy in Ireland...
A little touch of Italy in Ireland...		 Dinner with Geraldine
Dinner with Geraldine		 With Geraldine at Mamma Mia
With Geraldine at "Mamma Mia"		 My last days in Ireland
My last days in Ireland
Getting well wrapped up
Getting well wrapped up		 Slán le Máire
Slán le Máire

comment
Pawel09-Feb-2009 19:59
Great gallery!
Fantastic music!
Pauli 18-Jan-2009 01:52
Love to see Frimpong going to France...
Ian York02-Sep-2008 23:49
Good to see that he had a great time on the Emerald Isle
Linda Willets02-Sep-2008 01:43
Fun gallery.
houseofcors01-Sep-2008 01:59
Fun theme well done. Entertaining!
Denis Vincelette31-Aug-2008 01:38
You have a very high quality of travel and photos Frimpong ! Thank's to Maire for this visit in Ireland ! A great gallery with a lot of very interesting points .. and funny photos !
Alex Uchôa31-Aug-2008 01:05
Very creative and well executed idea. big vote!
Guest 30-Aug-2008 06:53
Great idea!v
Frank Brault28-Aug-2008 14:36
Frimpong you had a spectacular visit to Ireland with Máire! This is a wonderful- fun album. -V-
marie-jose wolff27-Aug-2008 21:44
I am sure, Frimpong, you had a wonderful journey in Ireland, the esmerald island, with Màire as an hostess! V
Guest 27-Aug-2008 21:03
Ba mhaith liom dul leat.
Go n-éiri an bóthar leat.
Thar cinn!!!!!Go hálainn.!!!!!!
12327-Aug-2008 14:29
Wow, Frimpong the tavelling bear gets around often. Equally often the furry wonder gets on the populars. This kinda of puts things in perspective. Pbase is a great cyber travel 2 and Frimpy is in a league all of its own. Awesome trip. BV
Patricia Lay-Dorsey27-Aug-2008 04:40
This is one of my favorites of Frimpong's many journeys. Great work, Maire!!!
Johnny Rasmussen27-Aug-2008 00:53
Wonderful gallery. I think Máire did an excellent job.
Pat Shawyer26-Aug-2008 14:52
What a wonderful holiday for Frimpong !
This is a wonderful gallery, beautifully shot, Well done Maire and Frimpong !
Mairéad25-Aug-2008 22:18
Dia Dhuit Frimpong. Looks like Máire treated you to a great time here in Ireland.
Slan go foill.
Jean-Paul PLUME25-Aug-2008 19:48
Sacré Frimpong! Te voilà maintenant arrivé en Irlande. Tu retournes donc sur la terre de tes ancêtres... Je pense que tu as beaucoup de chance d'être acceuilli par Màire et son mari et que ton séjour se passe à merveille, j'en suis certain. Tu dois parfois bien t'amuser avec Màire car elle a beaucoup d'humour...
Nicki Thurgar25-Aug-2008 16:29
lol! I've watched Frimpong's travels in the past! Pleased he's met you too, Maire! :o)
Jason Anderson24-Aug-2008 23:41
What a lucky bear to visit Maire! Looks like you saw all the sights and met tons of interesting people. And what terrific photos to remember your trip by :o)
BignFat Photography24-Aug-2008 20:44
Looks like you had a grand time in Ireland with Maire.
Be Good. We'll see you on your next Visit.
Bruna K.24-Aug-2008 19:50
Máire and Frimpong, this gallery makes me feel like visiting Ireland immediately.
Joyful and gracious, pictures, Máire and so interesting too.
Gail Davison24-Aug-2008 14:45
What a fab gallery. Máire is a great lady so I have no doubt she'll have shown you the highlife. I'm waiting for the 'secret' gallery of Guinness and whisky nights. LOL
royalld24-Aug-2008 13:15
Frimpong, I just viewed your gallery as a slideshow... it was a wonderful way to begin my morning. What a terrific adventure you are on! Please keep adding to the gallery as your grand journey continues.
Phillip Normanton24-Aug-2008 10:51
Máire certainly took you to meet lots of friendly Irish folk, I bet you had a fantastic time (despite the hangovers)! :)
Sheena Woodhead24-Aug-2008 09:58
Oh Maire these are wonderful! It looks like Frimpong had such a good time in Ireland, you were certainly an excellent hostess. Love the 'green' presentation too. Perfect. V.
Johnny JAG24-Aug-2008 07:14
You are so lucky to have Maire as a cousin, looks like you had a great time in the emerald isle.
Isabel Cutler23-Aug-2008 14:19
Looks like Ireland is very bear-friendly. I'm looking forward to sharing the rest of your visit with you. (I especially liked that picture of you in that bear-sized beach chair!).
Isabel
P.S. I wonder if Máire Uí Mhaicín will tell us how to pronounce her name. It fascinates me!
Jola Dziubinska22-Aug-2008 22:33
Great, Frimpong visiting Máire in Ireland! That will be a visit full of art and adventures :)
Michaval22-Aug-2008 20:56
Ohhhh! Qué envidia me das, Frimpong. Siempre probando las mejores cervezas, vinos y whiskies, además de estar en compañía con bellas señoritas. Bravo.
Milos Markovic22-Aug-2008 20:20
Wishing to you and Máire wonderful time together and looking forward to enjoy in your new adventure, Frimpi.
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