It's June 16th and my travel buddies are sending me texts and photos from the airport -- they are beginning their journey early. This travel junkie is thriving with the excitement and anticipation of another journey. This journey is to the home of my ancestors on my mother's side of the family: Ireland. I've heard so much about Ireland and I can't wait for the trip to begin!
June 21st - My day has finally arrived! I depart for Ireland; come along and join me on my travel adventures!
Rick Steves
Best of Ireland
Itinerary
and
Map
Best of Ireland
Itinerary
and
Map
I had the time of my life in Ireland! Come join me for in my pre-tour adventures where I lost my Guinness virginity, learned to cook with chocolate in a dream kitchen in a castle, toured the fishing harbor at Howth, had a somber lesson in history at Kilmainham Gaol, experienced the Guinness Storehouse, and had a great time at the Brazen Head Pub. After our "turd" beer, the Rick Steves portion of my adventure began where I met our tour guide and fellow adventuresome travelers.
So much to do in Dublin: a pub crawl, walking tour, Trinity University, Book of Kells, history, architecture and more. On our way to Kinsale, we stopped at the beautiful gardens of Powerscourt, then to the historical Rock of Cashel.
Throughout the trip, we learn history, about the famine, and I learn about my personal history.
In Kinsale (a favorite of mine) we were transported back in time by our guide, Barry Moloney, to 1601 when the Spanish Empire set its sights on this town. Then we set off to the unique star shaped Charles Fort -- the cold and rain made us empathize with past armies and their families assigned to this fort. Kinsale promotes itself as the gourmet capital of Ireland - I wholeheartedly agree!
On the way to our next destination, Dingle, we stopped at the Kissane Sheep Farm where we watched dogs herd the sheep and witnessed the shearing of the sheep, and made a stop at Killarney National Park.
In Dingle (my next favorite town), we had a free day, so once again I indulged myself in mini-adventures -- touring the bay in search of the resident dolphin, Fungi, visiting Ocean World, and shopping for beautiful crystal, picnic supplies, and a rain hat. We travel the famous Slea Head Drive and tour the Great Blasket Centre.
Then we are off to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare along with a nature walk on the Burren before we stop in Galway.
Next, we board a ferry to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore, and on the ferry ride back, a group of American high school students treats the boat to a flash mob choral performance!
Now we head through the Connemara region, feasting our eyes on the beautiful Irish countryside, stopping in the town of Cong - and to our delight - we are able to tour the posh and elegant Ashford Castle Gardens. Tonight, we sleep in Westport.
Today, we cross the border into Northern Ireland stopping in Derry to learn about "The Troubles" and "Bloody Sunday". We spend the next two nights in Portrush exploring Dunluce Castle, the incredible rock formations on the Giant's Causeway, smelling the gloriously aromatic smells of wood casks and spirits while learning how Bushmills Whiskey is created (and doing a bit of sampling as well). Then for my piece de resistance: the Carrick-a-Rede rope footbridge that dangles precariously above the Atlantic Ocean.
Next we're off to Belfast learning so much more about "The Troubles". The torrential rain allows for a comfortable view of the industrial area of Belfast inside our luxury coach and then we head back to Dublin for yet another fantastic group meal at our farewell dinner!
So much to do in Dublin: a pub crawl, walking tour, Trinity University, Book of Kells, history, architecture and more. On our way to Kinsale, we stopped at the beautiful gardens of Powerscourt, then to the historical Rock of Cashel.
Throughout the trip, we learn history, about the famine, and I learn about my personal history.
In Kinsale (a favorite of mine) we were transported back in time by our guide, Barry Moloney, to 1601 when the Spanish Empire set its sights on this town. Then we set off to the unique star shaped Charles Fort -- the cold and rain made us empathize with past armies and their families assigned to this fort. Kinsale promotes itself as the gourmet capital of Ireland - I wholeheartedly agree!
On the way to our next destination, Dingle, we stopped at the Kissane Sheep Farm where we watched dogs herd the sheep and witnessed the shearing of the sheep, and made a stop at Killarney National Park.
In Dingle (my next favorite town), we had a free day, so once again I indulged myself in mini-adventures -- touring the bay in search of the resident dolphin, Fungi, visiting Ocean World, and shopping for beautiful crystal, picnic supplies, and a rain hat. We travel the famous Slea Head Drive and tour the Great Blasket Centre.
Then we are off to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare along with a nature walk on the Burren before we stop in Galway.
Next, we board a ferry to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore, and on the ferry ride back, a group of American high school students treats the boat to a flash mob choral performance!
Now we head through the Connemara region, feasting our eyes on the beautiful Irish countryside, stopping in the town of Cong - and to our delight - we are able to tour the posh and elegant Ashford Castle Gardens. Tonight, we sleep in Westport.
Today, we cross the border into Northern Ireland stopping in Derry to learn about "The Troubles" and "Bloody Sunday". We spend the next two nights in Portrush exploring Dunluce Castle, the incredible rock formations on the Giant's Causeway, smelling the gloriously aromatic smells of wood casks and spirits while learning how Bushmills Whiskey is created (and doing a bit of sampling as well). Then for my piece de resistance: the Carrick-a-Rede rope footbridge that dangles precariously above the Atlantic Ocean.
Next we're off to Belfast learning so much more about "The Troubles". The torrential rain allows for a comfortable view of the industrial area of Belfast inside our luxury coach and then we head back to Dublin for yet another fantastic group meal at our farewell dinner!