Pictures of Dublin

Dublin

What can I say to even describe the beauty of this city?! Of course it is very large and the traffic is rather scary - we're still getting used to looking right rather than left to cross the street! The drivers are daredevils and the streets are very narrow. We've learned to follow the locals when it comes to crossings! We've walk the city yesterday and did some shopping. The tour was the Guinness Storehouse which has been in Dublin since 1759. Cobblestone streets, old trolley tracks to the river where horses were used to transport to the docks. We had a VIP tour courtesy of Bernie Fechtel - Thank You Bernie! Water, barley and hops - the only three ingredients used to make the stout. The tour ended at the very top of the storehouse which is the tallest building in the city. Incredible view! Ken and I also wandered the grounds of Trinity College yesterday morning - what history. Oh how I would love to be young again knowing what I now know. I would have loved to studied here.
We've had traditional food most every day as well. Fish and chips, bacon and cabbage (my favorite so far) and Shepard's pie. We've also gotten to hear traditional music the last two evenings which Ken and I enjoy so much. Last night we visited with a young man from Dublin who is coming to the US next week to work for a year. He was so much fun and gave us some good tips on what we should see today - our last day in Dublin.
Dinner and show tonight at the Brazen Head Pub - JFK's favorite pub and also the oldest pub in Ireland. It has been in existence since Viking times. Flight home tomorrow morning leaves Dublin at 9 am. We're ready to come home but sad to leave as well. Anyone up for spending a month or two during the summer in a couple of years? We've discussed it!!!

Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough Monastic Site

The view of the mountains from the valley was incredible. The weather has been perfect so we had a good, clear view. Because of the sunlight, the colors are so vibrant that the pictures simply do not do them justice. Glendalough was beautiful as well even though somewhat somber. Centuries old graves and tombs. Glendalough means two lakes. We walked to one of the lakes which took as through vegatatioin that we just don't see at home. For example, the fushia plant grows wild and some are quite large. I'm always happy if I can get my little hanging pot on the porch to last the summer!!

Waterford

Hooks Head and scenery

Hooks Head was beautiful! We saw seals off the point but wasn't able to get a clear picture.

Waterford, Hooks Head and Wexford

The last two days have been amazing. The weather is gorgeous! Sunny and about 70. Yesterday morning we left Kilkenny for shopping in Waterford, a visit to Hooks Head and arrived in Wexford in the evening. Traditional Irish music in the pub last night was amazing. Ken and I have walked around Wexford today and had a lunch of fish and chips on the waterfront.

A few more pictures

Or not! The connection seems to be really weak tonight. I'll try again tomorrow morning before we leave.

Day 2

We woke up this morning to a beautiful Irish day. The sky was clear, sun shining and the temperature was great (in the 60s). We had our first Irish breakfast of eggs, bacon (not the baby strips we think of as bacon) and sausage. There was also a selection of cereals, yogurt, fruits, toast, jelly, honey, etc. Amazing and I didn't think I would need to eat for the rest of the day. After breakfast Ken and I strolled around Kilkenny and checked out a few of the shops. We also walked the grounds of Kilkenny Castle.

This afternoon we boarded the bus for the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle. Both sites were amazing experiences I'll have to take more time to go into detail about later. We returned to Kilkenny for another wonderful dinner (okay, I ate again but I really don't think I'll need to eat tomorrow now!) and spent some time in the hotel just hanging out with some of the members of the group. We've decided to call it an early night though. A slow, steady rain has been coming down since we got back to the hotel which should make for great sleeping tonight.

Tomorrow we're off to Wexford.

More pics

We're Here!

Finally arrived in Dublin at 6:30 am this morning (12:30 am home time). Spent a few hours in the airport people watching until we could meet our group and head out. First stop, Irish National Stud (think Churchill Downs), Kidlare Ireland. Second stop - St. Brigid's Cathedral. Lunch at our first Irish Pub - Flannigan's and then rode about 1 1/2 hours to Kilkenny. Ken and I both slept on the bus so arrived somewhat refreshed and craving a shower. We've now taken a stroll (after showering of course) about the area around our hotel (The Hiberian) and will be going to dinner shortly. Yipee, our phone works and have been able to make contact via text with the family. I have the window open as I'm writing this (no AC but should not be needed). We can hear a band playing at one of the close pubs. If you're thinking traditional Irish music, think again - they're playing Green Day for crying out loud! A few pictures to whet your appetite.

Irish Smile

There are many good reasons for drinking,
One has just entered my head -
If a man doesn't drink when he's living,
How the hell can he drink when he's dead?

Thank You Darrell & Diane! We enjoyed our pre-trip gift!

Itinerary

May 30th - Arrive in Dublin and travel on to Kilkenny.
May 31st - Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle
June 1st - Waterford, John F. Kennedy Arboretum, Hook Head, arrive in Wexford
June 2nd - Wexford, Irish National Heritage Centre, National 1798 Visitor Centre
June 3rd - Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Monastic Site, arrive in Dublin
June 4th - Diblin Castle, Guinness Storehouse
June 5th - Kilmainham Gaol, Jameson Distillery, Brazen Head - Ireland's oldest pub
June 6th - Leave for home

The Count Down Begins

We are less than a month away from leaving on the trip of our dreams. Meeting tomorrow with the group to meet everyone and finalize plans.