Tag Archives: ireland

80.365.2013

Posted on by dtsphoto365

It’s been one week since we began our journey and it’s been a blast so far. One more week and then we’ll be home with this guy:

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We drove the Ring of Kerry today which is supposed to be the most beautiful drive ever. However, today was extremely windy and rainy. We made it through and also to Dingle for the night. Either way, there were some great sights to see, just not as fantastic as we’d like.

Here are several shots, some of which have names. But they really all just look like some mountains with lakes. 🙂

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And here are some friends we met on the way. I took it upon myself to roll down the window and “BAAAAA!” loudly often at the sheep. Most of the time they looked. It was alot of fun for me. And our cow friend was in the middle of the road and wasn’t happy that we were trying to use it.

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Shocking… We’re off the the pubs!

79.365.2013

Posted on by dtsphoto365

Today was what I’d consider a bonus day. We decided to stay in Killarney for an extra day and visit some recommended sites. It was relaxing and very picturesque.

First, we went to Ross Castle. They had a very cool and cheap tour. The guide was amazing at explaining castle life in Ireland. The castle was pretty cool too.

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Then we took a boat to Innisfallen Island where there is an old monastery and church. Pretty and quaint and serene.

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Afterwards, we drove to the Gap of Dunloe, an area carved out between two mountain ranges by a glacier. We rode a Jaunting Car or a horse carriage. The driver was quite the character and was very informative. The area was gorgeous. He informed us no one could buy land. 🙂 Then he told us where his girlfriend worked so that we could get lunch.

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Either way, we had a great lunch, a nice drive to an overlook of all of Killarney and a very pleasant bonus day. We ended the afternoon by having a spot of tea (my favorite phrase today) in the Piano Room of the hotel. We had tea, surfed the net and relaxed for almost two hours… Much to the young concierge’s dismay as he was trying to clean up.

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This evening we enjoyed a nice Italian dinner to break up the pace of pub fare. Yum!!

We did see some of Diohgé’s cousins today! And a lot of his sheep enemies. LOTS.

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78.365.2013

Posted on by dtsphoto365

Well, I’m not sure how to categorize today… Brilliant or painful. Maybe brilliantly painful?

We started out today with intentions to bike the Killarney National Park which is literally feet outside of the hotel. Bikes were free, which was great, and we headed out. Quickly we realized this wasn’t going to be easy as Ireland is all uphill. (I’m convinced.)

Alas, we kept on and made our way to the Muckross House and then eventually a gorgeous set of waterfalls. The Torq Waterfall was amazing and we spent a good hour taking photos there.

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We then headed back towards the way we came so that we could bike another 3 miles to this fabulous little white cottage where we could get lunch and a spot of tea. It was highly recommended by some friends (who clearly hate us). We got there and were overjoyed to the see the building only to realize it was closed. As we munched on our power bars, we contemplated leaving the bikes and walking.

We didn’t and we got some great shots.

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At the end, while my arse is killing me and my legs are exhausted, I probably needed the 10 mile ride. Now we are resting like all true Irish… In the pub.

We did see a lot of pooches today and some border collies!

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77.365.2013

Posted on by dtsphoto365

This morning we left Dublin after we rented a car. Yes, I’m driving in the right side of the car on the left side of the road. It isn’t quite horrible until you get to really small roads. Then I hear Dave gasping as his side hits something. Well, I did pay for the insurance!

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On this part of the trip, we have a general outline, but are really taking it as we go. So, we showed flexibility by stopping at the Rock of Cashel without plans! The Rock is an old castle for the Archbishop of Cashel… Essentially, a monastery.

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Then we headed off to Blarney Castle where we climbed to the too and kissed the Blarney Stone. Now that we have the gift of gab, I’m sure that we’ll have non-stop car conversation.

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Afterwards, we headed to Killarney where we found a small little B&B at the suggestion of our server yesterday. (It’s her favorite from growing up!) The place is a mini castle. It’s right in the Killarney National Park which is our entire day tomorrow. Exciting!

Poochy pups. We saw lots of sheep today which you would have hated.

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76.365.2013

Posted on by dtsphoto365

First, I’d like to say that I miss my poochy pup. I saw several today and it reminded me… Perhaps his sitters will post a pic?

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However, it has been a great St. Patrick’s Day! We started out with a big breakfast and then a long walk in the rain. After waiting around in Burger King, we found a prime location on the street and were ready to rock and roll for the parade.

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The parade had very different portions… Marching bands, dancers and weird floats/costumes. Either way, it was fun.

Afterwards, we hopped the train for Dalkey to visit Finnegan’s Pub, a friend of the beer that we volunteer for… And we had a care package. The owner’s son Donal was so happy that he called Jacquie on the spot and gave us free pints!

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After a great meal, we came back to Dublin and visited the Irish Craft Beer Festival. Yum!

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And I leave you with a final St. Patrick’s Day tradition… Shamrock on your collar!

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