MikeB430

What a day for our last full day in Ireland! Left Galway this morning under sunny skies for the drive across Ireland to Dublin, where we planned to stay at a B&B close to the airport and leave in the morning Thursday. Stopped in Athlone in County Westmeath halfway there to see if we could find some of Sharon’s ancestral roots. Visited the castle, then headed to the library, where they did a little research and seemed to find lots of Glennons. She'll have to Google the national archives of Ireland to dig further. Before leaving, we found the oldest pub in Ireland, Sean’s. As soon as we checked into our Dublin B&B, we realized that Atlanta, our connecting city, was right in the path of Hurricane Michael. Freak! So, after over an hour on the ... read more

After last night’s gale force winds in Doolin, we woke to just a windy day. Decided it was worth another try to go see the Cliffs. This time, after checking out and double checking maps and directions, we made it! The majestic Cliffs of Moher. What an amazing sight! Sheer cliffs plunging 700 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. Then, off to Galway, taking a somewhat longer but totally not-winding route through Ennis. It’s an Airbnb two-floor apartment right next to the university and the cathedral in the city center. Parked the car next to the Galway Cathedral and spent some time inside. Beautiful place. Fish and chips at the famous McDonagh's for dinner (serendipitously sat next to a young woman from Snyder, NY outside of Buffalo, so talked about the Bills), gelato for dessert, a little ... read more

Heading out to dinner shortly. Maybe time for a quick note. Spent the day out in the Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula at Derrynane National Historical Park and Derrynane Beach near Caherdaniel, an hour's drive from Kenmare. It’s the family home of one of the most prominent statesmen in Irish history, Daniel O’Connell. Beautiful family home, grounds, forested walkways, and access to one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen. One of the sweet features of the forest was a Fairy Walk, a maze of trails full of tiny fairy homes. Took quite a few pictures to show the grandkids; here are a few. And an archway under an uprooted tree. But the beach, oh my goodness! One of the most beautiful we've ever seen, anywhere! We walked a long way out on ... read more

Headed out this morning on a brilliant walking tour of historic Kinsale by local Barry Moloney. Amusing, delightful, and highly informative. Points of interest included the Lusitania graveyard in this quaint historic town. After the tour, took a long walk around Compass Hill, with a breathtaking view of the harbor and James Fort and Charles Fort. Walked back around the harbor to our place for refreshment before heading out tonight for dinner and some music Great seafood for dinner at Jim Edwards — oven roasted salmon and pan seared hake — followed by a couple of stops at pubs for some traditional music sessions.... read more

First full day in Ireland! Did a long, enjoyable walking tour of the city of Cork that ended with a great dinner out. Started our walk on the University College Cork campus, right next to the neighborhood where we are staying in a B&B. Beautiful and historic place, including the Main Quad, the student chapel, and a museum of ancient stones etched with the first records of the Irish language. Walked toward the city center and saw St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the River Lee that runs through Cork and around the island that’s the old town area, and the famous English Market. Wonderful place! Especially the fish market part! Heavenly aromas! Many of the good restaurants in Cork source their foods, especially the fish and seafood, from the market. Browsed a great bookstore for an hour, ... read more