The Emerald Isle

Since I posted a bunch of pictures on that other social media site as my trip went on, I kinda forgot that I have to still blog about my incredible trip to Ireland.  By the way, super proud of Dan for posting while I was gone. Way to go!  And, I guess, I should give him a shout out since he stayed home with the kids for 10 days while I was gallivanting around across the Atlantic with my mom and two sisters.  He's a keeper.

Rather than bore you with all the fabulous details, I thought I would attempt a "picture of the day" kinda post. This will hopefully sum up some of the trip.

Here goes...

I flew out on a Wednesday, late afternoon, and got into Dublin at about 8:45 a.m. (which was 2:45 a.m. my time) on Thursday morning. I barely slept on the flight, so I was very tired (hence the term "red-eye flight"). But, Rachel, such a kind and patient soul, was bound and determined to keep me awake all day long. She succeeded, for the most part. We walked over 7 miles!! I did sneak in an hour nap after we checked into our hotel.

Picture from Day 1...cause I needed all the strength I could get!!

On Day 2, Friday, we picked up Anna and my mom from the airport.  We were finally together and ready to see all the fine things that the Southern Part of Ireland had to offer.  We jumped in our rental car. Rachel drove stick-shift on the "wrong" side of the road for our trip. We are forever impressed with her abilities. She can hold that accomplishment over our heads for awhile. Anyway, we drove from Dublin to Cork with a stop at the beautifully old, like, 900 years old, Rock of Cashel.

Picture from Day 2...the Rock of Cashel

Yeah, totally didn't see the striped skirt/yellow sweater photo bomb until after we left. :(

On Day 3, Saturday, we spent some more time in Cork and then headed out to the little harbor town of Kinsale where we stayed the night in a cute and comfy bed and breakfast.

Picture from Day 3... in Cork...we rang the bells at the Shandon Bells Tower at St. Anne's church. The bells were fun and the view from the top was beautiful.

Me trying my hand at ringing the bells...

On Day 4, Sunday, we enjoyed a restful morning in our Kinsale B&B and then headed out to Killarney.  This was one of my favorite parts of the trip. We stayed at another lovely B&B (shout out to Anna for booking some great places!!) for two nights. It was perfect for our time in Killarney.  After checking in we went right out and rented some bikes to ride into Killarney National Park and tour the Muckross House.  It was a glimpse of the life of the elite in the 1840s up until the 1920s.  Felt like an episode of Downton Abbey.  :) We ended the day in a cozy pub drinking some good beer and eating hearty Irish food. :)

Picture from Day 4... the biker gang...

We're fierce.

On Day 5, Monday, we hopped on a large tour bus and went around the Ring of Kerry.  I know Rachel enjoyed the day off from driving and I was sure glad she wasn't driving around some of those roads! The beautiful scenery and the greenness of the island reminded us of why it's called The Emerald Isle.

Picture from Day 5...the Ladies' View in Killarney National Park, one of the last stops on the tour. Just fantastic!

On day 6, Tuesday, we went to a place that I have been looking forward to seeing since I decided to go on this Irish jaunt: The Cliffs of Moher. They did not disappoint. I was so nervous that it would be cloudy weather and terribly windy.  It was neither of those.  Perfect weather with barely a breeze.  Anna was already hyperventilating when we were in the parking lot. :) But, we pushed her on and it was so worth it (note, the word "pushed" is used figuratively, not literally. Eek!)  I could have stayed here for hours!!! Breathtaking. Just. Breathtaking. I had ventured close to the edge for a little video (to see the video, check out this link), but I didn't put my legs all the way over.  We were getting ready to walk away, and I said "No, I am going to do it. I am going to put my legs over."  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wasn't going to pass it up.  I am sure I would have regretted it if I hadn't.  So I did. 

Picture (s) for Day 6...

And for a little bit of perspective, the circled edge is where we were.  Eeeh!! Looks a little scary from here. :)

After we got our feet on level ground far far away from any edge, we headed back to our B&B in Doolin, and on Day 7 headed back to where this all started...Dublin. And, you know, ran into a castle along the way. It was built in 1520, no big deal. :) 

Picture from Day 7...

Anna and I doing our best teeny-bopper pose... nailed it.

We ended our trip with a day and a half in Dublin.  We were tired and ready to be off the road. Dublin, however, isn't a place to unwind. We wisely decided to turn in our rental car because we didn't want to pay for parking or for Rachel's therapy. :) We bought a ticket for the Hop-on-Hop-off bus and used that to get around the city. We ended the night in a pub listening to a "Trad Session." Rachel introduced me to Jameson with Ginger Ale and lime. Delish!!

Picture of Day 7 1/2 ... :)

Me and my beautiful sissy

Last day. We spent it seeing as much as we could of Dublin including Trinity College (Book of Kells), the Kilmainham Gaol (Jail), St. Patrick's Cathedral, and, of course, The Guinness Storehouse.  A well rounded day of touring. :)

Pictures of day 8... it's all about the Guinness. :)

Before

After :)They went down a little too easily

Day 9, Friday was my trip home. Didn't take any pictures of this day since it was spent mostly on the plane. I was greeted by the sweetest and cutest welcoming committee in the world!! There were signs, kisses, and hugs. It felt so good to be safely home!!!

Sorry to make your eyes dry out with all the pictures. :) It's only the tip of the iceberg as to how much fun this once in a lifetime trip was to take my momma and little sisters.  It was really incredible with so many wonderful wonderful memories!

A pint of Guinness will never taste the same. Slainte!