For our journey south we chose to travel through Leinster. I had some thought that we might call on an uncle of mine who farmed a holding near the town of Athy. From there we could travel west through Tipperary to Limerick where we would take the steamer to Kilrush.

It was pleasing to see so much agriculture taking place as we travelled through Meath and on into County Kildare. Cattle feeding upon the rich sward of gentle hills, grain turning from green to gold as it rippled in gentle breezes. My h...