Ireland By Car

Trip Start Apr 12, 2008
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Trip End Jul 20, 2008


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Flag of United Kingdom  , Northern Ireland,
Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Well you read a little of our Dublin experience in Karen's words.  I recall solid rain, bar-hopping to find the best music and high crime on the streets.  This was where I relented and bought some more waterproof shoes (but the Merrells have got me up to Machu Picchu, around the Alhambra and around the hilly cobbled streets of Lisbon) - haven't had many days of rain, but when we do, almost need wellies! (not gumboots. . got the lingo!)  In the Dublin National Gallery, saw the Goyas that I missed in Madrid!  PPicked up a nice little hire Citroen and off for a drive around Ireland.
Blarney was a bit of a disappointment in being so touristy it was hard to find reality!
Dingle  is a gorgeous little fishing town, coloured houses, docks, boats and good photographic opportunities.  Visited Cobh, the taking off point for the ships that transported all our rellies to Oz!  Dingle Harbour Reflections
Dingle Harbour Reflections
 Interesting looking through shipping records - lots of Connellys sent for a multitude of crimes!  (And Kellehers and Mahoney's to be sure!)
Tipperary was great with hospitality by Tony and Aileen - thanks guys - we were treated like royalty with slap-up dinner, wine and Irish coffee, plus driving tours around the area, visiting the locals.  They even convinced us to try black & white pudding for brekkie, so I made them try vegemite as punishment!
Visited Templebeg House where the Newmans lived in the 1800's and were treated to morning tea and a tour via Newmans Cross (crossroads) and graveyard behind the house where Newmans lie. Thanks Con & Maura!
Doolin  is gorgeous - nice to go back.  Its the best place to hear trad. Irish music, and after trying a few pubs, settled on McDermottts Bar (Jim, any ancestry here?).  Linda, its the same place we went last time.  Home with the wobbly boot - a great night!
Sligo and a visit to Thomas Connolly pub and stayed in Connolly Street - spooky!
Our last night in Co.Derry with the beautiful Margaret, our friend from a teaching exchange in 1990!  She put us up in style in the old farm-house where she was born and her family have lived forever.  Margarets 85 yr old mum told us while she was there, the door would always be open for us - a lovely lady! More full Irish breakfast - might have to do some crash dieting sometime soon - haha!
Sad to fly out once again - Ireland is a beautiful place with loveable folk!
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