Tag Archives: vacation

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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75.365.2013

Posted on by dtsphoto365

Today was amazing! We woke up at 7 which meant that we could be on our way early. After a great Irish breakfast, we headed to the Kilmainham Gaol where we learned about the city history and the various uprisings.

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We grabbed a coffee…

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… And headed for Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. It’s from AD 800 and is a ridiculously beautiful version of the 4 gospels… Illustrated and written on vellum with amazing art. (No photos allowed.) We then headed up to the Old Library which had thousands of books… Organized by size!

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After that, we headed to St. Patrick’s Cathedral… A highlight for me! We toured and I lit a candle for my grandmother. I brought her Irish rosary with me and prayed with it which I did so in her memory.

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We were done touring by 3 and started walking to find a pub for lunch. We had a great meal and then shopped around some. I am amazed at the amount of green crap they sell here for tomorrow’s holiday. I was told they don’t!! Here’s a final photo of the

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Now off to bed early… Tomorrow is a big day!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Mary, I know you miss him:

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74.365.2013

Posted on by dtsphoto365

Today was a LONG day! I didn’t get much sleep on the plane, just isn’t my thing. We landed in Dublin pretty much on time. It was a beautiful sunrise to watch.

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We went through immigration and customs to get these delights.

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Then we headed to the hotel. Luckily they had a room for us at 9:30 am!! So we took a quick nap, unpacked, showered an went back on the town. We purchased a hop on hop off bus pass so we boarded that an rode it for almost an hour. When we got to the Gaol, our first tour, it had already been booked for the whole day!

So, we jumped in a cab and headed to Guinness Storehouse. It was a really fun afternoon … Store, tour, drinks, food, music. I even got the chance to learn how to poor the perfect pint. Loved it!

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Afterwards, we found a store to get a SIM card for our phones and now have unlimited data!! We had some dinner. And now it’s off to an early bed time.

Here’s a photo of the Greening of the city where all major buildings are colored green for the weekend. 🙂

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And we miss our pooch!

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72.365.2013

Posted on by dtsphoto365

Well, today was the last day of work FOR THE REST OF MARCH!! I’m on a two week vacation headed to Ireland tomorrow. I can hardly wait.

Leaving the parking garage for the last time this month.

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Diohgé didn’t want another selfie with me, but he didn’t get a choice. I won’t see that boy for weeks!

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