As we were flying to Isle of Man (which meant no free luggage) and staying only for four days, we didn't need three weeks worth of clothes (nor any of the souvenirs we'd already gotten) so we reorganized so we could take only the smaller suitcase and stored the larger suitcase. We had done that in 2017 so Sue had a vague idea of where the desk was and was able to walk/roll the big one over to Terminal 1. It's a forever walk (so it seems) and a shuttle ride to the smaller plane for Isle of Man. Happily, you can't get on the shuttle till the plane is landed and ready to go again. The flight was delayed about an hour but it stays light so late that there was no worry. The flight ... read more

Since I blew a fuse the evening before, I began the day by fessing up (by What's App) to the host who replied that it was not unusual for North American electrical items to cause that problem and she would 'pop up and check' during the day. Had a reservation for 9:30 for the Book of Kells in Trinity College. Got up early, took a taxi in to Trinity. Certainly looked different from our last visit--not the College but the streets around the College. In 2017, there was a massive Roads Project and it was a mess. Some of the entrances to Trinity were closed by it even. This time, we easily walked across the street and in, had a great visit with the Book of Kells and went up to the Long Room. A LOT ... read more

One of our guides in Northern Ireland, Brandon, told us about taking a basket making class in Spiddal, a craft village near Galway. We had seen it from the road when returning both from Inishmore and from Connemara and went out today. it was raining off and on but the village was designed to be walked around. The glass artist was closed but the potter, basket weaver, a couple painters, and the leather and Celtic coin jeweler were open. Had a great time in the jeweler’s shop, Eric Byrne. Got some Connemara marble earrings, a claddagh ring, And a couple old Irish coins from in Mikes birth year. We had a walking food tour scheduled for mid-afternoon and, after a rest, headed off to that. Great host, good food and drink, including a Guinness. Also nice ... read more

After another nice breakfast at the B&B, we hopped on the Hop On Hop Off bus and rode around, to see what was what and quickly made friends with the driver. It was raining most of the time so we stayed under cover on the top level. Rode a bit later in the day and got some shots in the afternoon when clearer. went to the Sweater shop near the Spanish Arch; lots from which to choose. All available on the website, of course. Something to be said for buying them IN Ireland? Shipped home (“for free”) which helps you buy more! Went to McDonagh’s, recommended by every guidebook, for the fish and chips. The place opened at noon and, when we arrived at about ten after, was packed. Quick service; Mike had the oysters and ... read more

We had reserved space on a full-day tour of Connemara. Turned out to be three of us in a minivan with tour guide Tony! We met him at the Cathedral, which was built in 1965 (just looks old). First stop was Aughnanure Castle, built by the Fearsome O'Flahertys in the 16th century. Close to the shores of Lough Corrib, which was a bit closer at the time, it fell in and out of O'Flaherty hands until transferred to the Office of Public Works. We had a great guide show us around and explain what we were seeing. There was the tower house, surrounded by a wall and a moat and dry dock. A banquet hall was added later, off to the side, and there was another wall farther out, between the house and the lake. Another ... read more