Resident or Visitor?
- bevclyde45
- Sep 21, 2025
- 5 min read
21-09-2025
I’m settled enough here that I’m starting to question whether I’m a resident or just a visitor. Being a resident means being locally focused—my time is filled with everyday tasks like buying groceries, cooking meals, and finding places for dry cleaning and alterations. I’ve even searched for stores that carry my face cream (or a suitable substitute) and fashion that suits my style. This week, I engaged in these very normal activities typically associated with residency. Attending the Women’s Bible Study and enjoying coffee with the ladies afterward feels more aligned with being a resident than a visitor. Even watching the latest Downton Abbey movie seemed like a resident experience.
From Monday through Thursday, I truly embraced the resident lifestyle, and I’m not upset about it. I appreciate the people I’ve met here and am enjoying the process of peeling back the layers of Waterford. My church has played a significant role in this transition; if I hadn’t connected with the ladies in my Bible study, I might have gone back home (wherever that is) by now.
I’m also aware that there is much more to Ireland than my little apartment, my church, and Waterford. At Bible study, I offered to cover the expenses for any trips to nearby sites, motivated by two reasons. First, I realized I lack the confidence to drive a car by myself in Ireland. To see many of the country’s famous landmarks, I would need to navigate a complex bus system with multiple changes. Second, exploring alone isn't nearly as much fun as going with someone. The ladies were very kind about my offer, and I think they appreciated my desire to experience their country. While no plans were made at that moment, the very next day, one of the ladies invited me to join her and her husband on a trip to Cobh (Cove) and the Rock of Cashel that Saturday.
So, on Saturday, I became a visitor, soaking in the sights. We enjoyed a wonderful drive to Cobh, passing by numerous castle ruins along the way. Ireland must have more castle and church ruins than any other country. We even went by Lismore Castle, which is not a ruin, but is a magnificent structure—at least from the outside, as visitors aren’t allowed inside. You can visit the gardens, but we didn’t have time for that.
Cobh is a beautiful seaside town, with brightly colored houses cascading down the hill
toward the sea. The houses remind me of soldiers—or perhaps more appropriately, sailors—heading out to the water. Locals affectionately refer to the houses as a "pack of cards."
Cobh's most notable claim to fame is that it was the last port of call for the Titanic before its tragic voyage into history. While there is a museum dedicated to the Titanic in town, we decided instead to enjoy some tea and coffee and visit St. Colman's Cathedral. (To my friend Coleman McDuffee: an "e" might have kept you from being a saint.) Cobh also has a connection with the sinking of the Lusitania during World War I. The survivors and the bodies of the dead were brought to Cobh. If your ship docks in Cobh, you may not want to sail on it.
The cathedral is stunning, and according to a church official we spoke with, it features a magnificent organ and a 49-bell carillon, which is the largest in the British Isles—I hadn’t even realized that term was used in Ireland! After exploring this charming town, we climbed back into the car and headed to the Rock of Cashel.
Upon arriving at the town of Cashel, we had lunch at a local restaurant. We all had fish and chips which was delicious. The fish in Ireland is always good because it is so fresh. However, the Irish need to visit New Orleans to learn new ways to fix fish. The Irish appear to only fry fish or throw it in a chowder. Something different would be nice.
The Rock of Cashel is a significant site in Irish history, majestically situated to overlook the
Plains of Tipperary. It was once the seat of the Kings of Munster, a region in southwest Ireland. One notable king, Brian Boru, nearly unified Ireland in the 900s, adding to the site's patriotic resonance among the Irish people and their aspirations for a united Ireland.
Over time, the Rock of Cashel transitioned from a fortification to a place of worship. Among the remaining structures are Cormac’s Chapel, which boasts some incredible frescoes and the oldest stairs in Ireland (fun fact), and the Cathedral, whose roof was removed by an Anglican Archbishop. Apparently, he didn’t want to use that church anymore or let anyone else use it. While these buildings are no longer used for religious services, I observed evidence that people are still buried in the cemetery. This piques my curiosity about the qualifications for being laid to rest in the cemetery at the Rock of Cashel.
On the ride home (if that's the right word) we passed through many quaint villages with shops right up against the street. Thus, a delightful day of sightseeing came to an end. Having friends with me made this trip so special.
Friday night was Culture Night in Ireland, with every cultural organization hosting events and activities for the public throughout the whole country. Unfortunately, it was also a rainy night in Waterford, which likely meant that some activities would be canceled. Despite the weather, I decided to walk downtown and see what was happening. I wandered through the wet streets and popped into a few art galleries, but it quickly became clear that the rain had overshadowed Culture Night in Waterford.
As I started walking back to my apartment, I suddenly heard the sound of bagpipes. Curious, I followed the music and stumbled upon a bagpipe and drum concert. I settled in to listen, captivated by the performers, who ranged in age from a nine-year-old drummer to teens and adults playing both drums and bagpipes. This was a wonderful example of the community’s effort to keep Celtic culture alive.
Despite the weather, I found joy in this unexpected cultural experience on a rainy Culture Night. It left me pondering whether I was participating as a resident supporting my community or as a visitor experiencing a slice of Celtic heritage. Perhaps I was a bit of both, and I realized that being a blend of resident and visitor was indeed a wonderful thing.
Waterford Weather:
High 57 F (14 C), Low 40 F (4 C)
Sunrise: 7:13 Sunset: 7:28 (19:28 EU Time)
Hours of Daylight: 12 hours, 16 miutes
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