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After finishing up the Top Deck tour, I spent a few days with Kydi and Adrian... and had to decide what to do next. So I decided to go to Ireland and do a Paddywagon tour.
Arrived in Dublin on the 11th, and made friends with an American girl who was also going to be on the tour. And what better way to experience Ireland and cement a friendship than to go on a pub crawl. Ok, ok so there is some slight sarcasm there, that pub crawl was hardly a true indication of what Ireland was like, but it did highlight what an expensive city Dublin is. The next day, Alison (my new friend) and I did a Hop on/ hop off tour of the city. Went to Trinity College, and was bowled over by the Book of Kells and also the walking tour- our college student guide was so entertaining. Also checked out the Jameson distillery, and have now got a new found appreciation for Irish whiskey (don't get the wrong impression, I'm not turning into an alcoholic!) We also saw a few interesting sights- Oscar Wilde's childhood house, St Patricks cathedral, and the modern art gallery which was once a hospital. On the 13th the tour started and we drove up to Derry, via a church which had St Oliver's charred head on display as some sort of celebration of his life and good deeds. (Personally I'd hate for that to occur to me, but this seems to be the norm is so many European countries. Derry is an interesting city- the political problems in Northern Ireland are unbelievable, we went on a walking tour of Free Derry which took in the perspective of Catholics in the area. The following day we went to Belfast, via the Giants Causeway. Such a beautiful and interesting bit of coast. As for Belfast- to be honest it scared me that such actions have occurred so recently within that city, and from what I could gather things aren't greatly on the improve, there are so many walls around the city (approx 40) to maintain peace. Personally I could live in a city where I was told what areas I could or couldn't go to because of my beliefs and heritage. But I can appreciate it to some degree, as only an outsider can do. We did a black cabs tour, which took in the perspective of the Protestants in the area. From there we went to beautiful Galway, which was my fave Irish city... beautiful coastal city with a great atmosphere. Then down to Dingle, via the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren- more amazing parts of the coast. Saw the ring of Kerry from a distance, and also Giant's Island Also went to Killarney- went horse riding which was a great way to see the islands nearby. And finally kissed the Blarney Stone, and as you can see I am still waiting for the effects- I'm hardly eloquent. lol. Returned to Dublin and caught an Irish dancing show at a pub, which was amazing- such talented dancers.
Flew to Glasgow yesterday, and am in love with this city. I can see why Stephan and family lived here for a year. Its got plenty of charm and the people have been absolutely awesome (thanks to the elderly gentleman who helped me get a bus to my hotel.) Today I went via train to visit my friend Fiona in Ayr, which was fantastic. Fiona is awesome!!! A great girl and was great to catch up. And Ayr is a great little beachside town.
Tomorrow I head for Edinburgh for more shinanigans.
Part of trip: Europe holiday 2008
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June 21st 2008 - sliponshoe: been there
Easter 2002, during my year in Leicester, I spent a week in Dublin,too. had plenty of time to explore the city. I too went to Trinity College, the jameson distillery(where I volunteered to do some whisky tasting :o) and I also saw wilde's birth house and the guinness distillery. i also rode for half an hour to howth by bus, which is a beautiful peninsula on the coast and it looked just like from a picture book. very picturesque and idyllic. i should scan some pics for you. and i sat down in a tiny caf and who should be walking in? larry mullen from U2! i said hi to him and he patted mys shoulder.
me and a german backpacker also went to mount rush which is a private garden(open to public with admission price) off city limits with amazingly gorgeous plants and flowers and a brook running through it. amazing!
unfortunately, i didn't explore any other irish towns but i visited lots of museums and other places in dublin and i almost feel like i know the city. you and i should have explored it together. would have been "heaps" of fun.
June 24th 2008 - John: Ireland
Hi Sis, I'm surpirsed that the troubles are still so obvious in Ireland. I remember when I was in Ireland in 98 that the troubles were still full blown but ever since I thought that it had settled down a lot and now people are getting along much better.
Apart from that Ireland is a fantastic country. Glad to hear you went to the Giant's Causeway. I went there with a CoE priest which was an intersting day out.
As for your obvious drinking problem, we'll have to discuss this upon your return... over some duty-free grog.
Mum & Grandma are getting ready to leave as you may know. Mum's suitcase is so heavy that Dad may have to re-stump the house if she doesn't leave soon!
Take care Sis, John
June 27th 2008 - Kezz:
Hi Precious. Yup, we love Galway too. John lived there for 6 years before coming to Australia to live. It is so gorgeous. Did you meet Funghi the Dolphin in Dingle??!!!! xox
July 3rd 2008 - Elvira:
Loving your photos Annik! Love Elvira
July 9th 2008 - Monique:
looks like ur having a blast. loving the photos.
miss u
July 20th 2008 - Suze:
Wow, loving the updates - bringing back memories of a road trip in Ireland. Never get roadside directions from an Irish man holding a mysterious object in a brown paper bag! I bet there are a lot of Irish folk that can say "pretty nice" quite well!
July 22nd 2008 - Shannon Hoon:
Not an alcoholic yet?!?! I must train you when you get home. :rofl: I figured I haven't sent you any messages lately..like oh the last 2 to 3 months. *hugs* I miss you AnniK! I'm glad you're having a great time tho.
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