Lauren, our National Sand Artist and Boston native, went on a road trip to Ireland last March with a convoy of close friends. With the help of Dune Jewelry, she wanted to share her memories of the Ring of Kerry along with a How-To Guide of what to do and what to wear. This is Lauren’s The Road Less Traveled.
Before my trip, Holly gifted me a Gold Trillion Necklace. She knows I’m a golden girl and this was a “test” piece to make sure the quality was high enough for our Dune Family. When I saw it, I knew I’d find sand in Ireland that I would want to put in it, and I’d know when I collected the sand if it was the right fit.
On our fourth day, I woke up with the sunrise in Killarney, party because of jet lag, and partly to collect myself before the heart-pounding drive through the Ring of Kerry. The road that outlines the Iveragh Peninsula is 179km of narrow, winding street through mountains and down steep sheep-covered hills that cut through small sea-side villages and wide expanses of farmland. I had been practicing for this by being the lead driver most of the trip, getting used to driving on the “wrong” side of the road isn’t as easy as you’d think. Thankfully my friend Jackie, the driver in one of the other cars in our caravan, decided to lead the pack, taking hairpin curves slowly, making sure there was no oncoming traffic.
We trekked down one hill to a cold-windy beach. We stopped on the side of the road to hang out with sheep. We walked around a church older than America. We paused by a stone wall to take in the expansive views of the neighboring peninsulas, spotting the Atlantic Ocean.
It was towards the end of the Ring we found a small sea-side restaurant nestled next to a beach, O’Carrol’s Cove. It was another warm beautiful day, and if I had been dared one more time, I probably would have gone swimming.
We each purchased a pint of Guinness (the best I’ve ever tasted) and frolicked in the sun and waves. At this point in our trip, all my friends were telling me which spot of sand looked the best to collect. As I scooped up various piles I noticed fine crushed purple mussel shells that glittered in the sun. The beauty of the sand matched the beauty of the day perfectly.
I’m so grateful to Dune for giving me a vehicle to immortalize this day. I haven’t taken my necklace off since filling it with this sand.
When I look at it, I see the sheep (they really are a focal part of Ireland), I feel the Irish Spring Sun, I hear my friends telling jokes, I smell the freshest air I’ve ever had the privilege of breathing. It’s because of Dune I get to live for the moment, and take it with me.
Looking for a truly unique piece of jewelry? The Trillion Necklace is it!
