THE TOWN I LOVE SO WELL
Q&A WITH: Erin McGreehan
How did you manage daily life during the toughest period of the COVID-19 lockdown conditions?
The COVID 19 period has been tough on so many families. There was an incredible amount anxiety and fears. The unknown and the fear of what could happen really affected many people. I found that I needed to look after my mental health, there was so much worry in the world. To cope with all the worries I turned off the TV, I went for runs and I read books. Also, I must say can when you are trying to homeschool and entertain four young children keeps the priorities right.
What is your favourite memory of Dundalk growing up in the town?
The Cooley Show every year and the Oyster Festival in Carlingford. These were the biggest days out and I was guaranteed copious amounts of candy floss and spend a day with my family. The Cooley Show was so huge. In advance of the show my brother Matthew and I would paint and prep the vintage farm machinery, get our heavy cart ready and on the day we would often go in the horse and cart to the show. The long slow journey on a horse and cart to St Mary’s Hall and the ensuing fun will never leave me.
Where is your favourite public place in the town and why?
My favourite place in Dundalk would be either St Helenas Park or the Navvy Bank Walk. These places are beautiful to walk and I have run in these areas on many occasions in the past. The benefit to these runs are that they are flat. As when you leave my home in Castletowncooley you have only hills. My favourite place in the Peninsula would have be Bearna Mheabh or Maeves Gap. It is the most beautiful place climbing up and the view of the the Mourne Mountains are unveiled and when you get closer to the top the beautiful town of Carlingford and you can see Greenore Port and more of the peninsula. It is a sight to behold.
What is your favourite shop in the town?
Oh that’s very difficult. I love clothes and shoes. We have the most fabulous clothes shops in Dundalk and Carlingford. As a committed clothes junkie I simply couldn’t pick one.
What is your favourite café/restaurant in the town?
Again, we have the finest restaurants. I don’t get to eat out often, but I love good food and love when it is served up to me so I am looking forward to getting out to break bread with family and friends.
What is your favourite pub in the town?
As a non drinker I don’t go to pubs very often. But on a night out we go to PJ O’Hares. My better half likes a craft beer so he enjoys the Bartender. But I must admit as parents of young children we don’t see public houses too often.
When life returns to normal in the coming weeks what are you most looking forward to doing in the town?
Resturants opening, being at home for months, I cannot wait to order food and have it served up to me. The with an added bonus of no tidy up. I am really looking forward to going back to hair and beauty salons.
What advice have you for our readers?
Take stock. There were some positives of the lockdown. The slower pace, the quality family time. So take stock of how we can adapt our lives as they go back to ‘normal’ we can take the good points with us. It taught us to appreciate the sound of birds, the babble of water in a river.
Also, as we go back into the society and start moving about more we need to do it at your own speed. Some people may still be very anxious about being out and about. When we are out and about we need to respect others and others anxieties. It is not the same for everyone. People are still very afraid of this disease. When you do get back out, go and enjoy our lovely towns, our cafes, resturants and shops.