
Took a group to Ireland for 14 days and what a great time! Dinner on a barge in Dublin and made time to get up to Glasnevin Cemetery to see Michael Collins grave as well as some others from the Rebellion. Then on to Belfast for a visit to the Titanic Experience, a trip out to the Giants Causeway and tours of the political murals and Shankill Road and the Duke of York Pub. We left Belfast for Londonderry and a walking tour with Ronan McNamara, the best guide ever. After lunch we found a small used book store and chatted with some gentlemen who told us loads of stories of the city and of course showed me the books I needed to get to understand Northern Ireland better!
Donegal for 2 nights with a stop in Belleek, Knock shrine, Yeats grave and then on to Galway one of my favorite cities. There was a sea festival that day which was loads of fun, lunch at a pub of course and then a walk around before heading out to Killarney. Stopping on the way at the Cliffs of Moher and the Corcomroe Abbey as well as Classiebawn Estate the home of Lord Mountbatten at the time of his assassination. In Killarney we of course did the jaunting carts and dinner with traditional music on the Muckross Estate. The morning of leaving was July 4th and in Killarney they have a choral raising of the flag in the morning and we got to hold our state flags before we left.
A very foggy day on the Ring of Kerry didn't stop our fun. Oh and I forgot a trip out to Connemara from Galway and a stop at Kylemore Abbey which is outstanding and not to miss.
On to Blarney and the woolen mills on our way to Waterford where we took a walking tour and wandered upon a pipe band. Waterford Crystal was next which is amazing the skill needed. On the way back to Dublin we stopped in Kilkenny which is another of my favorite towns for a tour of Smithwick's Brewery which is a must and then time to just take in the sights, sounds and food of the town.
Still had time for a stop to visit the Famine Ship in Dunbrody and the Kennedy Arboretum before arriving at Ballyknocken Cookery School for an amazing dinner by Catherine Fulvio. Last night in Dublin was at the Roganstown Hotel where we had a final night of traditional music and drinks before leaving the next morning for home. Glad to be home but already planning the next adventure.
Donegal for 2 nights with a stop in Belleek, Knock shrine, Yeats grave and then on to Galway one of my favorite cities. There was a sea festival that day which was loads of fun, lunch at a pub of course and then a walk around before heading out to Killarney. Stopping on the way at the Cliffs of Moher and the Corcomroe Abbey as well as Classiebawn Estate the home of Lord Mountbatten at the time of his assassination. In Killarney we of course did the jaunting carts and dinner with traditional music on the Muckross Estate. The morning of leaving was July 4th and in Killarney they have a choral raising of the flag in the morning and we got to hold our state flags before we left.
A very foggy day on the Ring of Kerry didn't stop our fun. Oh and I forgot a trip out to Connemara from Galway and a stop at Kylemore Abbey which is outstanding and not to miss.
On to Blarney and the woolen mills on our way to Waterford where we took a walking tour and wandered upon a pipe band. Waterford Crystal was next which is amazing the skill needed. On the way back to Dublin we stopped in Kilkenny which is another of my favorite towns for a tour of Smithwick's Brewery which is a must and then time to just take in the sights, sounds and food of the town.
Still had time for a stop to visit the Famine Ship in Dunbrody and the Kennedy Arboretum before arriving at Ballyknocken Cookery School for an amazing dinner by Catherine Fulvio. Last night in Dublin was at the Roganstown Hotel where we had a final night of traditional music and drinks before leaving the next morning for home. Glad to be home but already planning the next adventure.