So, as most of you already know, our trip started off rocky before we even left the house! My Peugeot, which is a 7 seater, broke down on Thursday night. God was gracious, in as much as that we were able to eat dinner first, and then the car broke down. We had cell coverage, and was able to have a neighbor drive over and get Mom and the kids. It took forever for the recovery truck (3 hours), and then the car had to sit on the side of the road in front of the house for 4 days, but all in all, we were so thankful that it happened the night before, and not when we were driving at 5:00 a.m. the next morning heading for the airport. Can you imagine trying to find transport for 5 people and all the luggage! My even better news???? The Peugeot dealer paid for everything! Even though the car is 5 years old, the flywheel should not have broke and they repaired everything for free! Whoo hooo! "Yay for me" as London Tipton would say!
We arrived in Dublin, rented our car and headed into the city centre. We found a parking deck, and then went to eat lunch. The "Hairy Lemon" was near the car park and it was great. I was the only one to try an Irish dish, and it was the Dublin Coddle Soup. A clear seasoned broth with mini sausages, carrots, chunks of potato and onion. It was yum! The pub was really neat with a second story that had lots of little nooks and crannies. We then went on the "City" hop on and off tour. It was ok. Just a small city with not a lot of history to see. There are tons of bars and shops though. They had music shops galore! I have never been anywhere as of yet, that had music shops every 200 ft. or so. Caleb was in seventh heaven trying out their baby grands. Of course we had to buy some pipe flutes and drums to bring home! Later in the afternoon, our trip on the road began to Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, Dingle Peninsula and then onto Bunratty. My pictures are a little out of order because I forgot to include some in at the right times and can't figure out how to move them around. Some things are never easy!
One of the B&B's we stayed at was the Avarest Bed and Breakfast. Deirdre had two twin 6 year old boys and a 4 year old girl. They immediately made friends with Belle and Caleb. Next thing I knew, Belle was going up to see Nora's bedroom to play! Edward stuck by her side like glue and they visited our bedroom to see where Belle was sleeping. Belle and Caleb begged to be left there to play instead of going into Bunratty to the medieval banquet! NOT! The next morning while eating breakfast, Edward came out and stood behind Belle trying to wait patiently while she finished breakfast. As soon as they were done, they headed in to Deirdre's living area to watch cartoons! Belle didn't realize we weren't at a relatives house! Our Ireland trip was our first experience staying at a Bed and Breakfast. I highly recommend the Avarest to anyone traveling anywhere near the Shannon airport or Bunratty! The picture below is me and Deirdre the morning we were leaving. Fast friends were made that stay!
THE HAIRY LEMON, DUBLIN
BRIGHTLY COLORED VILLAGES...... My Mom has an Irish friend in the states and she told her that they started painting their villages and doors all these different, bright colors to celebrate their independence from England. To this day, they still show their flamboyance this way! Even in Dublin, where we saw terraced housing, every door and doorway were painted in beautiful different colors.
Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Ireland - A wonderful castle filled with all kinds of rooms. This is the only castle that we have been too that had plexiglass in one of the hallways that shows the rock below the castle and how it was dug out. More chambers were below that for us to see. They also had rooms that were done half in half. Modernized versus the original. We were not allowed pictures, so you will have to see for yourself. They also have the most awesome play area for children. Caleb was quite impressed!
ROCK OF CASHEL, CASHEL IRELAND- The Rock of Cashel served as the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for several years prior to the Norman invasion. There is a large Cathedral in ruins, The Hall of the Vicars Choral, a Round Tower which dates back to c. 1100, and Cormac's Chapel and all is within the walled plateau. A great place for the kids to relax and run around!
Caleb atop a rock outcrop at Rock of Cashel
Mom at Cashel
Visiting the Slea Head drive at the Prehistoric 500BC Dunbeg Fort
The Connor Pass - highest point in Ireland. This drive links Dingle Town on the south to Kilcummin on the north coast at Brandon Bay. It crests 1,300 feet above sea level. Looking down over beautiful pastures leads your eye out to the sea. Some areas of the mountains look like some sort of moonscape. So many pictures, not enough space to print them all!
The Dingle Peninsula had this wonderful dolphin, named Funghi. He has lived in the bay for 26 years. They don't know why he sticks around, but he does, and for a small fee you can go out in a boat and take pictures. Some days he is quite frisky and will jump out of the water for you.
Funghi the Dolphin - In the summer you can put on a wetsuit and go out and swim with him. He had a lady love a few years ago, but when the season was done, she left with her pod, and he still stayed. I think that when the boats come out to him they churn up the water which in turn, churn up the little fish and he gets an easy dinner. We saw him flipping and playing with fish while we were out on the boat. I guess at certain times during the year, you can go out and there will be dozens of dolphins out there playing. A highlight of our trip to be sure. There is something special about seeing these animals in their natural environment.
Bunratty Castle and Durty Nelly's - Durty Nelly's is one of the oldest pubs in Ireland, est. 1620. Lots of character and one of the best burgers that we have had since coming to Europe! Bunratty Castle was built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond and stands on the banks of the Rathy River. The earl here was famous for his hospitality.
Mom is in one of the "fake" homes set up in Bunratty Folk Park. They had different styles and different ages of homes set up here. Two different working mills, tea rooms, and an old Victorian street set up with stores to shop in. It was good fun wondering around there.
This is a picture of my Mother "laughy, happy". I have never, ever seen her like this! She not only drunk her cup of mead but also Dan's. It is supposed to be a fermented honey drink. It pretty much tasted like I was drinking whiskey. Burning chest and all! By the time she was done, she was laughing at everything! When I saw people looking sideways at her, I acted like I wasn't with her! Just kidding Mom! Thankfully, she walked on her own ok and made it down the 3 flights of stairs! Dan walked in front of her in case we had a fall. We got down to dinner and what is on the table? WINE and WATER! Thankfully we had water!!!! She continued to giggle at everything. Belle and Caleb were the only kids there and they had a blast. There was a large group of about 35 people there from Maryland. They were a choir group touring and singing at different churches. The folks at Bunratty let them get up and sing two songs for us! They were wonderful!
We had a great time over our four days and of course I actually took 300 pictures and can't post all those! Hope you enjoyed the little I did!
