Americans always associate ourselves - first as Americans (sorry South America) but second by where our family heritage comes from. It is a pretty interesting observation because most other places in the world - don't. And pretty much because if you are from there, you have hundreds of years of family who also are from there.
For Chris and I - it is Ireland (along with some other countries - on both sides but save those for later travels).
Besides seeing where at one point our relatives once lived, Ireland is a country we have both been talking about visiting for some time. If you ever speak with anyone who has visited, you would be hard pressed to hear anything negative about it - which when it comes to traveling and peoples opinions - it is pretty hard to come by a place everyone seems to love.
As soon we land - we get it. We arrive in Dublin and take the bus to the city center. Dublin is clean, beautiful and charming. To celebrate our arrival - we head straight to the bar which is supposed to have one of best (if not the best) pours in town: Bowe's (Located at 31 Fleet Street).
And we don't stop there: Next stop Palace Bar (also known for a good pour) for a shot of Jameson and another Guinness. This bar is more my style but both worth the trip.
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| Sláinte (Cheers in Gaelic) |
To finish off our first night - we head to a new trendy restaurant called Rustic Stone. The chef there is making a name for himself in Dublin - we highly recommend the dining experience to anyone visiting Ireland.
May 2, 2013 - Tour Dublin then Head to Galway via Train
My favorite author of all time is Maeve Binchy. She was an Irish author introduced to me by my mom. I have read every single one of her books - and in love to say the least. This trip for me is the chance to complete my collection with her last book she wrote before her passing - in the country she so eloquently writes about. One of our first stops is to a book store to purchase A Week in Winter.
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| A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy |
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| St. Stephen's Green |
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| Bridge in St. Stephen's Green |
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| Trinity College |
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| The River Liffey |
For us, our journey doesn't stop there, we take a quick tour of the park in the center of Galway then make our way to Budget to pick up our car rental. Interestingly enough, that morning I read a sign that says, "When was the last time you have done something, you've never done before." Well, today - having Chris drive left hand stick shift on the wrong side (left side) of very narrow roads in the Irish country side. For being the world's worst back seat driver, I think I was too nervous to even comment on anything so we just laughed when we stalled out or when looking at the passing cars and thinking no way are we both fitting. But, Chris did an amazing job navigating the roads and driving left hand stick.
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| Spanish Point in Miltown Malbay |
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| Romantic table for two with our name |
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| The tastiest little crab claws every in butter and garlic |
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| Smoked Salmon |
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| Homemade Dessert for Two |
Ireland is a country full of beauty and breathtaking sites. It is just as we have imagined it would be. Today is extremely winding but not stopping us from getting out. We stop in Lehinch for some coffee (Irish for me) and a walk on the beach. We laugh at the guys actually trying to play golf today. We then make our way to the Cliffs of Moher. Breathtaking. While the site itself is a little touristy - walk past were everyone is and you have your own stunning views.
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| Cliffs of Moher |
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| Our little car - The Burren |
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| The Burren - leading up to the ocean |
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| Wild Horses |
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| Wild Horse along the road |
We decide for the ride back to stop into small towns rather than take the R477 route back. Along the road you notice old cemeteries along the road. It is worth stopping and walking around one if you have the chance.
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| Cemetery along the road R479 |
May 4, 2013 - Doolin Caves and Galway
Before we make our way back to Galway, we detour into Doolin for the Doolin Cave. We were told to go at 10:00am when they open to get the first tour of the caves and it was perfect because we had a private tour which was pretty awesome. It is known for the longest free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere.
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| Doolin Lovers |
And because we were the only ones there, I was able to touch the clay which is a few million years old and carve in: KH + CH as well as walk through the river to see where it ends. Making history. One interesting fact we learned was Ireland used to be tropical - they actually have a fossil of coral in the wall. The history of the place is pretty fascinating as well - worth a visit - and you get to wear cool hard helmets.
We wrap up there and make our way to Galway. We don't have a hotel in mind here and didn't realize it was a holiday weekend for Ireland so lots of places were full. Luckily, we found Jury Inn Hotel had one room left so we took it. Galway is very much a city for us. It reminds us a lot of P-Town, Mass. Tons of restaurants, art, cute shops and a community feel to it (and one the water). We recommend just walking to see it all: Spanish Arch, Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, Claddagh Park, Bay of Galway and more. For the best fish and chips in all of Ireland - be sure to visit: McDonagh's. Huge portions but delicious.
May 5, 2013 - That's all she wrote
We take the early morning train back to Dublin. From the train station, we catch the bus to the airport. We choose the top level front row for a nice tour of Dublin before we make our way to the airport and head back to Wroclaw.
Travelers Note:
Our Trip Adviser review of the Rustic Stone
Our Trip Adviser review of Barrtra
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