DAY 1: Dublin
What better way to kick off the true Irish experience than with a Guinness at Temple Bar? So, that is where we began! The pints even had shamrocks on the top!
We then headed off to Trinity College to explore the Book of Kells. One of the oldest books in the world and it beautiful. Concealed behind think glass with more security than the declaration of Independce. While we were viewing it two of the officials who had installed the security system around the Book it was very National Treasure or Indian Jones. Then after viewing the Book we went upstairs to the Long Room, which is positively incredible. As you can tell by the name it is a long room filled with thousands of first editions from floor to ceiling. It is an absolutely beautiful room, filled with knowledge and beauty.That evening Mom and I went to see Brian, one of my advisers, sing at Christ Church Cathedral where he is in the choir. It was fantastic. The church itself is incredibly beautiful, but the choir is absolutely amazing! One of my favorite experiences by far! We then headed across the street to Bull and Castle a FANTASTIC restaurant with possibly the chips in Dublin!
Christ Church Cathedral
City Center!Mom and went on an amazing tour of the Dublin Castle which is located in the heart of the city center. It is incredible that a structure like that still exists in the middle of the city! It is now used as government buildings but you are still allowed to tour a ton of the rooms!
For lunch we munched on Leo Burdock's, the oldest Chipper in Dublin!
Then, because no trip to Ireland is complete without it Mom and I toured the Guinness brewery. Even going back a second time, it was fantastic! We sipped Guinness in the Gravity Bar, and luckily, just like when Scott and I went, it was a perfectly clear day!
DAY 3: Cork and the StormThe day before we were supposed to leave for Cork, when it was perfectly sunny in Dublin, Cork was being hit with the worst rain storm it had seen in 800 years! The levies broke and there was flooding everywhere. Fortunately for us by the time we got to Cork, there didn't seem to be too much damage and we were able to have a grand time!
We left Dublin by train and traveled through the country side to Cork! When we arrived at the Garnish House we were served high tea with fresh scones and chocolate cake. It was divine.
We then headed to Cork city center where Mom and I explored the English Market which is filled with hundreds of vendors, selling wine and cheese, TONS of meat, olives, organic veggies and fish. It was amazing! We, of course, bought some cheese which was fantastic!
DAY 4: Blarney
Every morning at the Garnish House you wake up to the best breakfast ever made. It begins with trays of fruit, cheese, yogurt, granola, smoked salmon, cereals and juices. Then Johanna, the owner, serves fresh porridge with warm Baileys on top, AMAZING. Then if you are not bursting at the seems already, you can choose from a traditional Irish breakfast, omelets, french toast and an array of other delicious hot meals. Finally, because there is always more food, you end with a warm crepe served with fresh maple syrup. So good, so full.
Ignoring the rain and fear of storms, Mom and I then headed to the Blarney Stone. It is about a 20 minute bus ride from Cork. It was amazing and we totally lucked out because there was no one there and it did not rain once! Blarney castle is beautiful and almost comes out of no where. Mom and I climbed up the slippery and winding staircase to the top of the castle where you have to lie down on your back and stretch backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone. Story has it "There is a stone that whoever kisses, Oh! He never misses to grow eloquent, 'tis he may clamber to a lady's chamber, or become a member of parliament." The grounds surrounding the castle are even more picturesque, reminding me of a mix between Avalon in Stony Brook and also the secret Garden. It was very unexpected!
That night we wanted to hear some "real" Irish music so we went to Costigan's where there was a group of five having a small session in the corner. They were fantastic. Mom and I absolutely loved it.
DAY 5: Killarney
Before we left for Killarney Mom and I went to St. Finbarre's Church where they have one of the oldest pipe organ's in Ireland, with over 3,000 pipes! It is incredible!
We then boarded the bus to Killarney! In Killarney we had tea at Ms. Courtney's Tea Room, an adorable little tea house where nothing matches but it all works together. The floors are white washed and throughout the tea house light pastels are prominant with gold framed black and white photos of days gone by. It was delicious and great fun!
Irish Rainbow on the Bus to Killarney!
n of the best Irish stews she has ever had, complete with lamb and everything!That night we stayed at a small B&B run by a rather frazzled woman. Mom and I learned we enjoy the quaint idea of a B&B, but the luxury and privacy of hotel. Needless to say we only stayed one night.
DAY 6: The Ring of Kerry
In monsooning rain Mom and I took a bus tour of the Ring of Kerry. While beautiful it was a bit hard to see. We had a blast running in and out of the bus to snap quick pictures before getting soaked to the bone.
Lady's ViewThat night we stayed at Scott's - a nice, clean, relaxed hotel.
DAY 7: Galway
I have been to Galway before, but this was the first time I actually thought the river was going to overflow! It was raging!
In Galway Mom and I explored the small gift shops and found one which we both particularly liked, Twice as Nice. It is a whole in the wall shop with antique jewelry and beautiful dresses. This is also the shop where I happen to find my graduation dress!!That night Mom and I ate at one of the best restaurants we have ever eaten at, Nimmos. Absolutely amazing! Mom had a vegetarian dish with lentils served with tabouli and tomatoes in this pastry. It sounds odd and if the waitress had not recomended it we would have never ordered it, but it was fantastic. I had seabream with potatoes and veggies. The restaurant was so delicious we went back the next night!
Nimmos!Mom and I had a different type of Thanksgiving spent on the Cliffs of Moher!
MOM!
DAY 8: ConnemaraGoing back to Connemara was fantastic. We started the day at a Friary, very cool!
Then we headed through Cong and say Ashford Castle and Kylemore Abbey!
Connemara
Ashford Castle
Cong
Kylemore Abbey!
Grounds at Kylemore
Church at Ky
DAY 9: WestportDAY 10: Dublin Bound
The morning before we left for Dublin Mom and toured Westport, where we found there really isn't much, but it is pretty. After all we really only went for the music!
That night we went back to Bull and Castle for last fantastic meal before Mom had to leave for NY.
It was fantastic having Mom in Ireland. I loved being able to explore new parts of the country with her and also show her all the amazing places I have been!
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