After spending a couple of hours at Blarney Castle and kissing the Blarney Stone, we hopped back in the car and headed towards that night's accommodation in Wicklow. It was due to be a 3.5 hour drive as we wanted to go via Waterford. There wasn't anything in particular we … [Read more...] about Day 4: Kissing Stones, Flat Tires, Stunning Food & Tiny Homes
Ireland
Puckering Up At Blarney Castle
Once we got to Kinsale, we realized that we were staying close to Blarney Castle - home of the Blarney Stone. In case you're not familiar with the legend, it's said that if you kiss the Blarney Stone then you'll be bestowed with the gift of eloquence. Figuring that there … [Read more...] about Puckering Up At Blarney Castle
Day 3: Desmond, Dingle, Dolphin, Driving And Dining
The third day of our Ireland road trip started with a quick drive from our B&B in Bunratty into Limerick. As we've mentioned before, Mark and Megan (our friends we were traveling with) had set the challenge to see at least 12 castles in Ireland. Limerick is home to King … [Read more...] about Day 3: Desmond, Dingle, Dolphin, Driving And Dining
Feasting Like Royalty At The Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
After stopping to explore Quin Abbey, we continued on our way to Bunratty. We made a quick diversion to Knappogue Castle to add another castle to our target of seeing at least 12 of them during our Ireland road trip. One of the nice things about Knappogue Castle is that you … [Read more...] about Feasting Like Royalty At The Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
Quin Abbey In 30 Photos
After leaving the Cliffs of Moher, we set Google Maps to direct us to Bunratty. That's because we were going to be indulging at the castle's medieval banquet that night. During our time in Ireland, Clare FM was broadcasting from Fleadh Cheoil, a music festival and competition. … [Read more...] about Quin Abbey In 30 Photos
Returning To The Cliffs Of Moher
After spending about half an hour exploring Kilmacduagh Monastery, we got back in our rental car and continued on to the Cliffs of Moher. It was a fun drive to the cliffs while we listened to Clare FM, the local radio station. There were people playing fiddles, listeners … [Read more...] about Returning To The Cliffs Of Moher
Luck Of The Irish At Kilmacduagh Monastery
We left Athlone fairly early in the morning so that we could get to the Cliffs of Moher before it got too packed. It was due to be a two hour drive, so we expected to arrive late morning. Our friends had set a challenge for us to see at least 12 castles while in Ireland, … [Read more...] about Luck Of The Irish At Kilmacduagh Monastery
24 Hours In Athlone, Ireland: Where To Stay, Eat, Drink, Shop & Visit
Having picked up our rental car, we headed out on the M4 towards Athlone - a town on the River Shannon in central Ireland. Our flight landed at Dublin Airport in the morning, so we reached Athlone by about 11am. That meant we had almost 24 hours to enjoy the town, so off we … [Read more...] about 24 Hours In Athlone, Ireland: Where To Stay, Eat, Drink, Shop & Visit
Introduction: Non-Surprise Ireland Road Trip
In August 2017, Shae and I went on a trip to Ireland with a couple of our friends. It was meant to be a surprise birthday trip for Shae, but that surprise got spoiled. We were flying into Dublin which is on the east coast, but there were also places we wanted to visit in the … [Read more...] about Introduction: Non-Surprise Ireland Road Trip
When A Surprise Trip Isn’t A Surprise
Noooooooooooo!!! I'd been planning a surprise trip for Shae's birthday in August with a couple of friends and had managed to keep all the details a secret. Until two nights ago :( She's known for several months that we were going away for the week, but didn't know where … [Read more...] about When A Surprise Trip Isn’t A Surprise