Day 5 - Final Day in Dublin
We walked seven miles sightseeing in the city today, checking off the final places on our list of “must sees!” We went back to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and the Long Room. It’s hard to wrap our minds around the history of the ancient artifacts on display there. Next, we went to Dublin Castle (est. 1226), Christ Church Cathedral, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral...absolutely beautiful architecture! Lunch today was at The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub—established 1198. Such rich history in this wonderful country...we don’t want to leave! We’ve already decided that we will travel back here one day!
We fly to Oslo, Norway tomorrow afternoon. Another beautiful country awaits and our adventure continues!
We fly to Oslo, Norway tomorrow afternoon. Another beautiful country awaits and our adventure continues!
Day 4 - Blarney Castle
What do you say when every day tops the day before? We traveled to Blarney last night and stayed at the Blarney Hotel and Golf Resort. What a unique little town! We had dinner at Muskery Arms...traditional Irish beef stew at its best! Our afternoon was spent at Blarney Castle and Gardens. What do you get when you add a castle built in 1446, a bagpiper, and the green landscape of Ireland? You get an emotional picturesque view you will never forget. As we climbed to the top of the castle, we heard Amazing Grace being played by a bagpiper down on the castle lawn. His name was Dennis, also known as the Kingdom Piper. The slide show below is a small glimpse of what we experienced today.
We traveled from Blarney back to Dublin this evening and checked into the Hilton that sits along the River Liffey. Dinner was at Oly’s restaurant and bar....salmon, scallops, and pan seared cod. It was delicious!
We traveled from Blarney back to Dublin this evening and checked into the Hilton that sits along the River Liffey. Dinner was at Oly’s restaurant and bar....salmon, scallops, and pan seared cod. It was delicious!
Dublin at Sunset
Day 3 - The West Coast
Words cannot describe the breathtaking views we experienced today! As recommended by our Airbnb hosts in Athenry, we took the scenic route on 477 to get to the Cliffs of Moher. Little did we know, there would be a day of visual gems at every turn! The first was a small village called Kinvara. We listened to a woman playing an Irish Tin Whistle as we walked up to Dunguaire Castle. We also visited Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory to have tea and dessert. Their factory uses a rare selection of cacao beans from Venezuela, Costa Rica, Madagascar, and Mexico. Needless to say, the chocolate was amazing!
As we drove along the coast, we made several stops to just take in the views. Pictures simply do not do them justice, but you will want to see the slide show below: blue skies, white capped waves crashing into the rocks, and a the deep blue Atlantic Ocean for miles and miles. On the other side of the road, there were rolling green hills, colorful cottages, grazing animals, and small rock walls. We were in awe! For lunch, we stopped at O’Donahue’s...a village restaurant, opened in 1911. We sat at a table outside, facing the ocean. We all agreed that it just doesn’t get any better than enjoying fish and chips by the sea!
Our day ended with the most amazing sight yet...The Cliffs of Moher. If this is not on your bucket list, it should be! On the edge of the cliffs, you have 360 degree views and you are struck by the sheer beauty of this natural wonder. We must have taken well over a hundred pictures and have posted a few for you to enjoy!
As we drove along the coast, we made several stops to just take in the views. Pictures simply do not do them justice, but you will want to see the slide show below: blue skies, white capped waves crashing into the rocks, and a the deep blue Atlantic Ocean for miles and miles. On the other side of the road, there were rolling green hills, colorful cottages, grazing animals, and small rock walls. We were in awe! For lunch, we stopped at O’Donahue’s...a village restaurant, opened in 1911. We sat at a table outside, facing the ocean. We all agreed that it just doesn’t get any better than enjoying fish and chips by the sea!
Our day ended with the most amazing sight yet...The Cliffs of Moher. If this is not on your bucket list, it should be! On the edge of the cliffs, you have 360 degree views and you are struck by the sheer beauty of this natural wonder. We must have taken well over a hundred pictures and have posted a few for you to enjoy!
Kinvara
Coastal Drive on Scenic 477
The Cliffs of Moher
Day 2 - Athenry and Galway
We rented a car today to drive to the west coast of Ireland. It took a little while to get used to driving on the left side of the road. Fortunately, Chris was up for the challenge! The countryside of Ireland is so peaceful, filled with green landscapes, cattle, and sheep.
Our first stop was Athenry, a medieval village that was once surrounded by a stone wall. We had lunch at The Old Barracks Bistro...traditional seafood gumbo, angus steak sandwich with chips (fries), and teriyaki salmon over noodles. Afterwards, we toured the Athenry Castle and Heritage Centre. We love this place!
Our next stop was Galway, a city filled with live music, amazing food, and small shops. We visited the historic Spanish Arch (constructed in 1584) and walked along Quey Street. This city may end up being a favorite of mine!
Our first stop was Athenry, a medieval village that was once surrounded by a stone wall. We had lunch at The Old Barracks Bistro...traditional seafood gumbo, angus steak sandwich with chips (fries), and teriyaki salmon over noodles. Afterwards, we toured the Athenry Castle and Heritage Centre. We love this place!
Our next stop was Galway, a city filled with live music, amazing food, and small shops. We visited the historic Spanish Arch (constructed in 1584) and walked along Quey Street. This city may end up being a favorite of mine!
The Countryside
The Airbnb we stayed in, a 200-year old restored church. Click on the picture to read more about it!
Athenry
Galway
Day 1 - Dublin
We arrived in Dublin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19th. It was a seven hour flight from Atlanta! No time for rest...we hit the city to take in all of the sights. After months of planning and reading about the city, we couldn’t believe we were finally here! We definitely looked like tourists with our maps out and lots of questions for the locals.
We we are staying at a lovely Inn named The Charles Stewart. Extremely friendly staff and a quaint guest room. It is good to be here 🍀.
We we are staying at a lovely Inn named The Charles Stewart. Extremely friendly staff and a quaint guest room. It is good to be here 🍀.