Geo: 52.0579, -9.50747Adare to Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of IrelandWe entered County Kerry about 2:45 and stopped for a group photo on the outskirts of CastleIsland about 3:00. It was a very nice viewing area. 15 minutes later we made a stop that I can best describe as an obvious scam. We stopped in the town of Fossa (suburb of Killarney) at a place called Macken of Ireland. Dylan mentioned that if you wanted to buy something special for yourself or someone else this would be the place to do it. I must say after looking at the prices on the tags, I must really really, really, really love myself or that special someone! € 480 ($720) for a Cashmere sweater, a simple scarf was € 24 ($36), and a bracelet that a woman on our ... read more

Geo: 52.6945, -8.82243July 12, 2010Limerick, County Limerick, Republic of IrelandI woke up at 6:15a.m. when my alarm went off. I tried to go back to sleep since I also had a set wake up call for 6:45, but I just laid there and couldn't fall back to sleep. I was able to finish all my blogging last night, and enjoyed a peaceful night. Although I faced the street and had the window open, the nightly noises and early morning traffic didn't bother me. Some other of the group that face the same street complained about the noises. When I came down to an excellent breakfast (yep, you guessed it, dry scrambled eggs!) many of the group were already eating. I sat down at a table with 4 other people whom I normally don't hang out with ... read more

Geo: 52.6945, -8.82243Galway to LimerickJust as we got outside of town, we passed a truck selling strawberries along side the road. Next thing I know we are pulling over at the next vendor. Apparently 2 people towards the front wanted strawberries. The vendor was so surprised that a tour bus stopped, he gave us an extra container for free. Soon the bus had a nice aroma. About 5 some of us were dropped off at Bunratty Castle for a medieval dinner in the castle itself. Bunratty Castle is located in County Clare and is part of the Bunratty Folk Park that we will be visiting tomorrow. The Castle is was built in the 15th century and restored in the 1950's. An actor dressed as a 16th century servant greeted us at the door near the original ... read more

Geo: 53.2601, -9.07319About 1:00 p.m. we made another photo op stop in Salthill, a seaside suburb resort area of Galway that is along Galway Bay. ... read more

Geo: 53.5435, -9.28601Cong, Republic of IrelandWe made an hour stop in a very idyllic village of Cong. Everything in this small village is made for relaxation. Getting off the bus, I wandered down the road that was parallel with a stream. It was hedged by trees and grasses. It had pretty little waterfalls and a cluster of ducks sunning themselves on the pebbled bank. The stream curved away from the village, but another relaxing location was next. The ruins of Cong Abbey begged my attention. It was wonderfully peaceful on a Sunday morning. One could feel the presence of God in this location. As I walked through one section another section was waiting to be viewed. I made it as far as the courtyard before a busload of teenagers descended upon the place and disturbed the ... read more