The Peat, the Craic and one amazing country
Trip Start
Jun 04, 2008
1
3
17
Trip End
Ongoing
Dublin,
County Dublin,
Ireland
Monday, June 9, 2008
We made the mission out to the Stanford aiport to take our 7 pound flight to Dublin. It was delayed of course but we weren't too worried because we slept on the plane. When we arrived at the airport we organised a hire car and jumped in. I was the designated driver so I dutifully informed the guys about my driving experience in Pittsburgh. They took it pretty well actually and with that we put the pedal to the metal bound for Limerick. The countryside between Dublin and Limerick was just like the postcards. Green rolling hills filled with sheep and small little cottages. Every small town had its tavern or six and the drive was sooo pleasant. When we got to Limerick we felt obliged to explore (primarily because of its role in the book "Angelas Ashes"). We saw an old castle and walked along the Shannon River. We eagerly grabbed our first guiness at a roadside pub and ate some delicious roast. By now it was 11pm and still not quite dark, we pulled over in a little side street and all three off us slept in the corolla. It wasn't the best nights sleep but we saved a mint, a favourable trade-off.
The next day we passed through the town of Kilarney and crept along the beautiful coastal drive that is "The ring of Kenny". The vast spaces around each and every turn are magnetic to the eyes and it was hard to keep my eyes on the road. That night we visited the town of Innes which is famed for its Traditional Irish music. We got stuck into the Guiness and before we knew it the time was midnight, Matty's 24th birthday! Mat and Carrie started talking to a local girl whilst I was running around the pub asking if I could get up and play a song, the girl offered a spare bed to both of them.
Limerick Castle
When I came back over and said hello (apparently shouted/mumbled) the girl immediately insisted to Matt and Carrie that I cannot stay over. As the night wound down the guys went back to their warm bed whilst I went and passed out in the car, I was awoken by the local police who booted me out of the car and told me to go for a walk at 5.45am. After they took off I dived in the car and slept hidden in the boot (with a seat down). We strolled the streets of Innes basking in the sun and watching all the locals go about their Saturday business. The town had narrow winding streets with a cobblestone road. Im sure the town wouldnt have looked much different 100 years ago. Matt and Carrie unpatronisingly told me about how awesome their homestay was.
With some fresh tips from the friendly locals we headed for the cliffs of Moher. The cliffs are on the West Coast where green pastures drop dramatically into the cold Atlantic ocean. We took photos and pretended to throw each other off (real smart idea). As was common during the whole trip we took the mickey out of everyone and everything, at least we were laughing and having a good time. In the afternoon we drove to the small beachside town of Doolin. It was a very pretty small town overlooking the sea. It seems as if every property in the area was at least an acre big. I couldnt help but wonder how much a block would cost because despite the cold winters the views were breathtaking.
The Shannon (Limerick)
We wearily kept on driving to Galway with The Ricky Gervais Show sustaining us in the background. In Galway we parked the car and bought a few tinnies. After devouring them and teaching Mat and Carrie how to play fives we went to the nearest bar. Thankfully there was some Irish music. Unlike Innes (where they were simply international rock covers), two young fellas were doing a great job at singing contemporary and classic folk songs. After the set finished and a few guinesses we went to the casino for a flutter. It wasn't our lucky night but at least we got drunk enough to sleep.I awoke at midday and used the internet. I told the guys I'd meet them back at the car. I decided to go for a quick wander around town which was like any other city really. Anyway to cut a long story short I got lost and it took me 2 hours to find the car in a little side street. Matt and Carrie were waiting in a bar where 10 locals were having a sunday afternoon jam session with guitars, singing, accordions, flutes etc. It was magic. Sometimes its so rewarding when your imagined perfect moment actually comes true whilst visiting a country. Particularly when its so unexpected, in an little old pub in a dirty alley. That afternoon we drove to the capital... Dublin.
We went to the famous Temple bar on the Southside. It was absolutely rocking. The live acts were top class and the crowd was going wild. The street buskers were just as interesting and it was a great way to finish our Irish visit.
We returned the car only to have the plane delayed by an hour (the guys reckon its the curse of the Ross) and made it to London. At customs we just walked in, we didnt even have to show a passport thank god. The smile on my face after I knew this was almost enough to give me away to the guys behind the mirrors (I know where you are).
Now were back in North Lambeth London. We get kicked out of the dormitory tomorrow and me and Matt will start searching for a car. Hopefully shes not a lemon.
Comments
Interesting
Great stuff! Enjoyed reading your blog.
WWW.lynotttours.com