I’ve done the Guadalaharry ole, hung with The Three Caballeros and sung Mariachi so I reckon I’m Mex-ready now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin.
Guadalaharry’s was my first introduction to American working life.
If you discount being pressganged into moving dumpsters at the back of my aunt’s business The Irish Cottage in Queens.
A Mexican restaurant in Quincy Market in Boston back in the Eighties, I was employed as a bus boy .
And I was rewarded with a pittance and a cut of the waiters and waitresses’ tips.
And as well as clearing up the dishes and washing them I had to join the staff in celebrating customers’ birthdays.
Which involved Mariachi music and a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday from Harry’s, Happy Birthday oleeeeeeee.
Mariachi Murty
Not surprisingly the mariachi band who entertained us in Orlando years later hit their notes rather better.
And Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros at Epcot, well they have had years of practice.
While when it comes to Tex-Mex, well the San Antonians on the River Walk bandstand no doubt learned it at their mother’s knee.
And their love of Cerveza at their father’s.
A new Mexican wave
Because after all the Lone Star state of Texas is infused with Mexican heritage.
Where the lines have been blurred over the centuries and the best compromise of all is the sobriquet Tex-Mex.
Less well known probably is that Scots and Irish, my mixed bloods, enmeshed themselves in the rows between neighbours down in this part of the world.
With a bagpiper heralding the Battle of the Alamo and Irish emigrees too fighting to the death.
Today’s Scots and Irish head to Tex-Mex territory and the motherland for Tequila and Tacos and sun, sea, sand and sangria.
But up until today’s Aer Lingus announcement of direct routes from Dublin to Cancun that has involved circuitous stop-offs.
Ireland’s national carrier will operate three times weekly on the airline’s A330-300 aircraft, operating from 6 January to 29 April.
Cancun cookin’
Of course, if you want to wander from the Caribbean beaches, the region is also home to awe-inspiring archaeological sites.
Such as El Rey, Ichkabal, Coba, Kohunlich, El Meco, Chichén Itzá, and Tulum.
All of which offer a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s rich heritage.
And because we got a taste for the enchilada back then in Guadalaharry’s we’re keen to tuck into the local fare.
And Cancun offers a wide choice from the smoky, charred richness of grilled meats to the region’s iconic zesty ceviche.
From Lobster Pizza, Queso De Bola,crispy sweet Marquesitas or freshly made Guacamole.
Friends across the water
And all this as Ireland and Mexico mark the 50th anniversary.
Of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
So it’s Areeba, Areeba from us and now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin we know what we’ll be doing in 2026.
Particularly with flights to Cancun available from €291 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges.