Headed Home

We had arrange to be picked up this morning at 6am...the only good part of that was that there was no traffic to slow us down.  One of my biggest worried was the return home flight.  We had a flight form Dublin to heather and them a 3 hours layover before our flight to Philadelphia .  Sine the flight were booked completely separately we have to exit the airport and recheck in-  This was the whole reason why we each only had a carry on back for our trip.  I was afraid of getting delayed claiming backs.  going form one terminal to the next etc etc.  

We boarded our flight in Dublin.  Then the pilot announces a delay due to something on the runway. - We later find out that two Ryan Air planes had hit - We were one Air Lingus - they were sure to mention it was Ryan Air to a chuckle from the passengers.  We arrived at Heathrow and started the trek form Terminal 2 to Terminal Three - which sounds like it should be close but thee airport is HUGE.  We had to go back out and check in for our USAIR flight and back through security.  It went pretty smooth and we finally had a chance to sit and have breakfast.  

I tried once again to do a little shopping but no luck...

We boarded the plane and head back to to Philadelphia.  

Great trip!  I am so glad some of my family came along and I am sure eye had a great time!

Day Two Dublin and the Last day of Vacation...

The plan today was of course to explore Dublin.  I do have to add that I really Liked Dublin...I definitely did not get to do any shopping on pretty much the elope trip..and briefly tried in Dubline  but no purchases.  I would love to go back and do some shopping in Dublin.

This morning we walked over to Trinity College for a tour.  We stopped and had a light breakfast then to the college.

The college is beautiful!  All of the tours are lead by students.  They give you a lot of great history and info about the college.  The most interesting part I thought was about the scholars.  In Dec of their sophomore year students can take a test.  The highest scores are made scholar.  Their tuition and housing is then free for the next 5 years!  The test actually covers material that you may not learn until the end of your Junior year so you really have to study and be prepared of the test.  But what a amazing payoff!

The tour finishes with a viewing of the Book of Kells which is quite the masterpiece.  and a visit to the Trinity College Library which was amazing!  

After we finished our tour of trinity we hoped on the Tour bus.  We hopped off at the Dubline Castle.  Another castle for my mom to add to her list.  We did our own self led tour around the castle.  Very cool!

On to our next and last stop on on vacation..the Guinness Storehouse.  I am sure it is always crowded and today was no different.  It is a self guided tour through several different areas telling all about the family and the brewing process.  One part you go through a sensory taking experience.  You start in an all white room where you can smell each of the elements.  You are given a small sample to take with you into the next room.  amazing to me how many people shot down 2 or three samples..in the next room with was very lush - with red drapes and heavy wallpaper which was to add to the tasting experience.  Neat experience.  The last stop if the roof top bar.  Where everyone get s a pint of Guinness to finish their tour.  It is on the top floor of the building with amazing views!  Mom passed on her Guinness.  I finished about half and of course Wayne had no problem finishing his.  The Guinness you are served here is about 4 hours old-  You can't get much fresher!

At this point Wayne was starting to feel a little run down.  he had caught my cold.  We hopped back on the bus and back toward the hotel.  Wayne headed back to the hotel and mom and I wandered around to find lunch and maybe shop.  The dress I had seen in a window the day before was gone..that was my shopping experience.  We ended up at a place for lunch that was not really good or worth mentioning so enough said about that.

We got back to the hotel and decided we would stay in tonight since we had to head to the airport at 6am.  Wayne was napping when I got back.  A few hours later we headed to the convenience store for some snacks...then just watch some Law and Order...yes it is everywhere!

Tomorrow we are headed home after and amazing 2 week vacation.  I wish I could be on a permanent vacation..but I guess at some pint back to real life..

Off to Dublin

Today we left Cork and headed to Dublin.  We made it back down the hill and to the train station for our trip.  Our train trip was about 2 hours.  We met Nicolleteon the train, she was coming back from a wakeboard competition in Cork.  Wake boarding in wakeboard parks seems to be hitting it big in Ireland  right now.  She also does some photography  and had a blog which we looked at.  She is a Canon user but I didn't hold it against her...

We arrived at Heuston station In Dublin and hopped In a cab to to the  Shelbourne Hotel.  This is the way we would travel all the time if we could..although the it is a Renaissance hotel so we did have a good rate.  As we were checking in my my walks up and says this is my friend form Yoga..I am very confused..you mean Yoga in Delaware...how random- She was staying at the same Hotel!  The hotel was really nice.  We arrive on a Sunday so there was a Jazz Brunch and Afternoon Tea happening.  Both looked Very fancy.

We decided to hop on the bus tour and do a round just to get acquainted with the city and to help decide what we want to do tomorrow.  It was quite chilly but we sat on the top of the open double decker bus anyway,..crazy tourists...

We hopped off at the Temple Bar area to find some lunch and explore.  Greatly lively  area with lots of bars and restaurants and lots of love music.  We stopped for a bit to eat, mom says it was her best meal of the trip! I will have to find the name later.

We walked back to the hotel for some rest.  We rested for a bit and then Wayne and I headed out for a drink and music.  We had worn mom Out at this point, plus it was chilly.  We headed back to the Temple Bar area and ended up at "The Temple Bar".  Great live Irish music being played.  We were able to great a few seats so this was our spot.  We hung out for a bit then Headed back to the hotel.  As we left the bar it started raining... We were drowned rats by the time we got back to the Hotel..not the look the shelbourne is used to I am sure.  Off to bed to rest for tomorrow adventure.

Fitbit tracker 13502 steps..5.99 miles

Day two in Cork

We decided to take a day touring sights around Cork.  We felt what had to be seen in Cork was done.  We started with breakfast at our bb and headed down the hill to the Paddywagon desk.   We have used Paddywagon quite a few times on this trip and they have been great!

We bought the hopper ticket which does a figure 8 loop..cork, blarney castle, cork, Cobn, flora park, Middleton and back to cork.  The shuttle only come by each spot every two hours so we had to carefully plan our day.

We were on the first trip to Blarney at 930 am.  It quickly became clear this was the best  decision of the day.  We were able to go right into the Blarney Castle area.  Although mom has said for months no Blarney Castle..we were glad we went.  It was another beautiful day..who says it rains in Ireland all the time?  The castle and the grounds are beautiful!  Mom even climbed to the top! Not sure will ever hear the end of that...Wayne was the only one who actually kissed the stone.  We wandered around the gardens and grounds and some amazing views of the castle and amazing view from the top.  I am sure you will hear mom mom go on and on about the steps and how much walking we did..today topped the walking at about 10 miles.

When we left Blarney the line was huge.  Again glad we are the 930 trip.

Back on the bus and off to Cobn.  Beautiful small waterfront town.  Primarily know as the last stop of the Titanic before the fatal trip.  The Titanic stopped in Cobn and picked up 223 passengers.  44 of whom survived.  The original White star line building and boarding area is still there and has been turned in to a visitor center and tourist attraction.  We did not go though but visited the area.  We walked around town and stopped for lunch.  Nothing impressive.

Back not the bus and on to Middleton the site of the Jameson distillery for a tour.  We had a great tour that explains the history and the process of the triple distilling.  We had a nice tasting of Jameson at the end.  Mom and I had the Jameson with ginger and lime.  Pretty good..Wayne had his straight.

Back in the bus and back to town...what a crazy busy long day!  We stopped at a placed called gallaghers on our way back to our bb and had s nice dinner.

By the time we got back to the bb we had been out for about 12 hours.

Fitbit tracker 22131 steps..9.82 miles.

Off to Limerick and Cork..

Our train this morning was at 730 am so we were all up bright and early and walked to the train station which was just across the street.  We were all on the same train for the first hour.  Wayne, mom and me got off after about and hour to change trains and head onto Cork.  Sue, Mike, Maureen and Scott headed off to limerick for their last night.

We arrived in Cork about 9am.  I had very specific instructions on how to get to our house.  The first and most daunting  part was a set of stairs we need to climb..,we made it and finally made it to our BB the Gabriel house.  They were quite surprised to see us so early..it is practically the middle of the night..lol...  One of our rooms was ready so we dropped our bags and off we went to explore the town.  We had to decide what we wanted to do for the day since the idea of climbing the hill to our BB several times a day was not a great option.


We wandered around town and made our way to the Engligh Market which is one of the oldest markets in Europe.  I do not think it has anything on the reading terminal market but if was neat. We had breakfast at the farmers cafe, everything is sourced from the Market itself.   We went to the visitor center and booked tickets for the bus tour around town.  It was our first rainy day so walking around  was not a very exciting prospect.  The bus took us past all the main sites of Cork.  We hopped off at the Cork Goal which is the city prison and took a self guided tour.  Then back on the bus to finish the tour..

Once we were back in town we wandered around a few small street and came across a chocolate shop which made the best hot chocolate.  Wayne had White , mom milk and I had a mixture of both.  Really delicious.  Now it was definately nap time.  We climbed the hill to our bb and rested for a few hours before heading back out on the town.  We had dinner at the Market Cafe which was on the top of my list.  We were Early so were able to get a table right away.  Our meal was delicious! Wayne had tuna steak, I had a goat cheese cannoli and mom a prawn and rice dish.  We arrived the said they had a table but we need to be finished by 825.. Which gave us and hour and 45 minutes to eat.  I love how they do not rush you in Europe

This time we decided we would hop in a cab and head back to the hotel.

 Tomorrow off on more tours.

Fitbit tracker 15002 steps 6.66 miles.

Our last day in killarney..

We started off our day and headed out to breakfast..,I am not sure what time breakfast starts in Ireland but definitely not early enought for us..after wandering a bit we finally found a place that opened at 900am.  We had a quick breakfast we were off to find a cab to finish our touring of Killarney.  The cab dropped us off at Muckross house..where we were just in time for the tour of the house.  We had a great tour and learned all about the house and who lived there.  The house has 65 rooms, 25 of which are bedrooms.  We were able to see about 1/3 of the house on the tour.  It was quite Downton Abbey..maybe not quite as large but close.  We saw the hall of bells to call the servants, the kitchen and many of the main rooms.

The house was on a beautiful piece of land on the lake and also had beautiful gardens.  It felt like being thrown back into old times as the horse and carriage rode around the lake.

We called for the cab to collect us once we were done and on the way back to town we made a quick stop at Torc Waterfalls.  Sue and Scott were both very adventurous  climbing down Into the falls...we have some great pictures.

We were dropped off at the house and the afternoon was free time..nothing planned...what to do?    We all went our own way to finish up shopping and explore the town one last time.  The town is not very large and we all bumped into each other at some point.  Just as Wayne and I had decided it was time for a pub stop we ran into Scott and Maureen and we all headed off for a Pint.  We started at the laurels pub.. And pub crawled our way back to the house.  We showed up back at the house about 3 hours and 4-5 pubs later.  Needless to say a little feisty.  We gathered the rest of the group and headed out for dinner. We went to a very casual fish and chip place called Quinlan's.  We had to  split up and sit boys at one at one at table and girls at another..the Girls were sure to send our chek to the boys table.

On the way back to the house we stopped for a street performer who was very good and entertaining.

We headed back to the house to pack up for our early departure the next morning.

Fitbit tracker 16745 ..7.43 miles

The Ring of Kerry

Morris arrived at 10am to pick us up for our tour of the ring of Kerry.  Voted as one of the top 10 most scenic drives in the world.  The day started out a little misty and rainy, which has been the case most days, but ended up sunny and beautiful.

Our first stop was the red fox bar lounge and bog village.  We toured the village and saw different examples of homes.  Then we all had an irish coffe which the red fox is famous for..seems like they are all ready to go with lots of glasses filled with whiskey or baileys and just waiting for the buses to arrive.

Our next stop was the highlight of the day.  We stopped to see a Shepard who first told us all about the different types of sheep And then did an amazing demonstration with his trained dogs..gathering and herding the sheep.  The dogs showed how to bring the shep from the top of the mountain to the bottom and how much control the dogs have over the direction of the sheep.

We continue used our drive with lots of stops at some beautiful views of the ocean and mountains.  We stopped for a bite to eat at the highest point ..food was so so but the view was amazing.  I finally had my first Guiness.  Not much of a beer drinker but had to have at least one Guiness.  I guess it was not terrible...but I enjoy the hard cider more.

We returned to the house about 5pm. And. The cousins headed out to scope out dinner spots and look at menus.  We checked out a few and ended up booking a table at The Bricin which is known for its boxty.    http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxty

We arrived for out 8 pm reservation and we were greated by The owner who owns the restaurant with his brother Patty who is the chef.  I thought I had done something  special by the way we were treated when we arrived.  He welcomed us and was very excited to have us dine with him.  We were also very excited to be dining, the restaurant was very highly rated on Trip advisor which everyone knows I heavily rely upon.  I think we all agreed it was the best meal of our vacation .  Wayne, Scott and Elaine all tried the boxty. Wayne and Scott had the stroganoff and Mom had the chicken.  They were all very delicious.  Maureen and I had the scallops for our entree which were fresh and prefectly prepared.  Sue had a chicken dish and Mike had a steak which they enjoyed.

The most amazing part of my meal were the mussels.  They were the best I have every had.  The juice they  were in was  so amazing I could have drunk it by the glass.  The mussels were so clean and fresh - DELICIOUS.

We were all so full after our meal we headed back to the house without a pub stop.

Tomorrow is a day in Killarney!

Fitbit tracker 14194 steps - 6.26 miles.

A day touring the Dingle Peninsula

we were all prepared to have breakfast at home this morning to be ready for our pick up...it is great when you have 7 people that all chip in..amazing how quickly things can get done...Wayne does most of the cooking but everyone helps.

Our driver Morris arrived at 1030 am and off we went to explore the Dingle peninsula.  We had a stop at Inch Beach..not quite a beach day but we can say we have been on the beach in Ireland.  We stopped at a few other beautiful sites and views along the way..Of course every remnant of a castle we passed was pointed out to make Elaine happy..we went to the great blansket island center and saw a quick movie about these that lived on the island..how they lived and what happened to them..  Interesting story..amazing how many writers and books came out of the community.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Blasket_Island

We stopped in dingle for lunch and wandered around a bit.  Beautiful Irish town...just what you picture in your head when you think of Ireland.


We lucked out again with the amazing weather...our drive started a little misty and rainy, but by the time we were ready to get out it was beautiful ..blue skies and even a rainbow.  We tried to get Morris to take us to the end to find the leprechaun and the pot of gold.

We saw some bee hive houses. Which are shaped like a beehive and where the farmers stayed out in the fields.  We also saw the smallest and oldest church..it looked like and upside boat..perfectly made to last.  It was built in 600-700.

Our day ended about 500 pm.  Around 700 pm..Beverly from just cookin , cooking school arrived with our dinner.  We started with a few appetizers..Brie on toast and sausage in pastry.  Beverly set everything up for us and she was on her way.  We has cesear salad.  The. On the main course, Irish stew, baked potato and vegetable.  Very nice irish meal.  It was very nice to have dinner in the  house all together.


Once dinner was over and three bottles of wine were gone..it was time to head out.  Mom and I stayed home and everyone one went to Murphys down the road.  Had a pint and listened to some live music,  no singing this time but nice time..the bar was closing down about midnight,.so no one could get in too much trouble..home and to bed...

Tomorrow we are off to tour the ring of Kerry.

Fitbit tracker 10926.  4.85. Miles

Killarney..jaunting car tour

Our first full day in Killarney..Wayne and I took a walk to find a place for breakfast while everyone else was getting ready..came across the jaunting cars which is a horse and carriage driver...he asked if we were interested in a ride..I think we just look like carriage ride people... I let him know we had 7 people..but most were still in bed ..he gave us a deal and his card to do come back later.

At this time of year they are lucky to get 2 rides a day and a full carriage of 7 people I am sure does not happen very often...

We came back to the house to gather the crew and headed out for breakfast..or I guess at 11am it is really brunch.

We headed over and Patrick was waiting for us...the big fare of the day!  We took a ride which was a little more than an hour with Patrick our driver and Judy our horse...the jaunting car license is very controlled..there are only 36 licenses..to ensure everyone can make a living...the license can only be passed to family member.If there is not a family member to pass the license to it is turned into the city and squashed..and ever reissued.  Patrick is 5 th generation jaunting car driver, his license will go to his nephew and then to his son Liam who is 16 months old.  Patrick Told us he met his wife on a tour about three years ago..she is from Australia..while it is off season here they depend Nov- March in Australia..

We took a ride through the killarney national park..stopped at several spots around the lake..and at Ross castle..another highlight for Elaine..very postcard looking views..we even saw a few stags which Wayne was excited to see..just wishing he had his rifle...it is rutting season so they were all out looking for a mate...we saw 2 of the 5 stags that are in  the park..they were about 10 point stags..very cool..saw a few Kerry cows which are bred and protected just for show..they are completely black and only raised in Kerry..

After our tour we all kind of wandered our own way to do some shopping..browsing etc...not many purchases but Sue and Mike did pretty well...we all made our way back to the house in the afternoon for a little rest...and of course 7 pm it was time to eat again..we headed out to dinner at treyvauds..excellent restaurant and very hight ratings on trip advisor...we had to sit at two table so there was the kids table for ..Maureen, Scott , wayne and me..and the adults table..for Sue, Mike and Elaine.  The kids table had three of the same dish which was similar to a lasagna but all veggie..the restaurant is owned by two brothers..when the check came it was in a book written by one of the brothers that you could buy.  When I read it was all about working in the hospitality industry I had to buy it...I guess their father was a very well know chef..they describe him as..Gordon Ramsey..Jamie Oliver and another chef all rolled together..the first master chef of ireland..I will have to look him up..the book is called " The Hooker InThe Lobby" .. The first line in the intro says.." If you are in any way offended by bad language, out this book down now!  ". I am sure all of my hospitality friends can appreciate that..we know what it sounds like in the back of the house..

We stopped at a bar where's he singer was just getting set up..so it was still pretty empty..found a table for all 7 of us and relaxed...good music and lots of fun..locals as well as people from all over the US.  I think Wayne and I have decided that hearing Ring of Fire everywhere we visit should be our goal...we can now chek off Ireland...what is it about that song

Fitbit tracker today 15817..7.02 miles...

Tomorrow off to tour the ring of Kerry! 

Our first night in Kilkarney...what's for dinner?

We arrived at our house in Killarney after a full day of traveling and touring...we got settled and unpacked and headed out to explore the town...we ended up at a bar called mustang Sally's to listen to some music...I don't even think they had food but if they did it would not be a place we would have eaten ...since there are 7 of us it makes it a little hard to find space in the small bars...so we wandered a bit and then realized it was 1000pm we were headed toward the house and still no food..

So what's for dinner you ask on our first night in Kilkarney...2 larges pizzas from Dominos....it was quick easy and hit the spot so it did its job...we will have much more irish meals in the days to come...

The house is great..4 bedrooms...5 full baths..and in a great location...

Excellent location, 3 min.walk to Killarney town - Sleeps 8- Private Parking - #1101040<http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p1101040>

Fitbit tracker for today 18973 steps..8.42 miles..

Limerick..Cliffs of Moher ..Adare and Killarney

Our day started with breakfast at the hotel restaurant.  Sue and Mike has people knocking on their door at 430 am..wrong room..so their sleep was interrupted...no one really seemed to get a good nights sleep...

We were picked up at 9am by Gabriel with Paddywagon tours.  Since it was just us we could pretty much do and stop where we wanted..he said I just know I am supposed to have you In Killarney between 5-6 pm...so off we went.

We decided to go right to the Cliffs of Moher since it was pretty clear and we should take advantage of the weather.  The cliffs were beautiful..and we had amazing views..sorry I still cannot post photos here....when we arrived we asked grandmom Kelly to clear up things for us and bring the sun out...and she did just that.

Since everyone will rat me out I will make my confession now..on the way to the cliffs I had a strange thought..I do not remember putting the all important all knowing binder in my bag...when we got the the cliffs I let the driver know and he called the hotel....they found my binder!  If you know how I plan a trip I would have been pretty much lost without the binder.  Fortunately we had to almost drive back through Limerick to get to Adare so it was not far out of the way to stop at the hotel to pick up the binder..but I may not live it down for a while.  

Mom hiked about half way..and the rest of us continued pretty far..A little more than  an hour hike round trip..some pretty scary high cliffs and narrow walk ways..but definitely worth the hike...the weather is so nice we were all sweating by the time we came back.

We have been told by many people that we have been very lucky with the weather...very little rain and beautiful temps...

We left the cliffs and headed to what locals call the mini cliffs..In the barren...you could almost walk to the sea and as Maureen and I were by the water everyone else was on  top of the cliffs..pretty cool...we have some great pictures..

We headed back toward Limerick..to get the all important binder...on the way we stopped at Bunratty Castle and had lunch at Durty Nellys..nice lunch of soup ..toasted sandwiches and of course  Guiness.  I had read alot about Bunratty but i did not think we could it in..Definate,y glad we did..we did not have to ego tour the castle but got an up lose view and took some photos.  We bought some fresh be

Read at the farmers marketing local cheese from the  cheese Monger.  

We continued our trip..picked up the binder and onto Adare...Adare was a quick stop.  It had a very irish  feel to it... Small homes and shops with thatched roof which were very neat..we had  a quick walk around town and a stop at the supermarket to get items for the house...Mike picked out a bottle of whiskey and we later realized that we were never charged for the bottle! bonus!  Then on to killarney..we had about and  and hour and a half drive...if was a quite drive as we were all pretty much worn out by this point.....lots of napping...

Next post... Our first night in Killarney....