On the Road and No Time To Write

We've been very, very bad about updating the blog this time around...there's just so much to see and do in Ireland that we've been too tired to post anything. It's day 7 of our 9 day trip and we've had a lovely time. The weather has been in the upper 80's our entire stay!!! Now this would be fine except that I didn't bring much warm weather clothing. The Irish have even said this is unusual for Ireland...we can thank global warming :/ Regardless, the cloudless, blue, sunshine skies have allowed us to really see the beauty of this country. The rolling green hills, the green valleys, the green woodlands...they weren't kidding when they nicknamed this place the Emerald Isle!  We've driven from Dublin to Donegal (in the north) to Galway (in the west) and currently, we are in Killarney (farther south). Driving has been easy, except for the times that our Garmin sent us on tiny country roads in an attempt "make better time"....personally, I think she's trying to kill us! Whatever the case, we were given the opportunity to see some authentic Irish villages and farms. Everyone has been quite friendly and despite having a reputation for bland food, I've had some amazing meals whilst here. Yes, I've had my fair share of fish and chips but I've also relished in having mussels alnd seafood chowder almost every night! Joe tried a Boxty (a traditional Irish potato pancake stuffed with chicken and veggies in a tarragon cream sauce) last night at Bricin in Killarney which he enjoyed but the Irish menu has developed quite extensively to include more international influences. I haven't yet had my Guinness but I promise to tip a pint before I leave

--Christine

Irish Eyes are Smiling

Obviously I'm not Irish, but my eyes are smiling as in less than 24 hours we will be jetting off to the Emerald Isle.  This year's summer vacation has us taking advantage of the unfortunate  economic crisis that Ireland is currently suffering (bad for Ireland, YAY for us).  I'm sure that the downturn in their economy will not taint the lovely country that is Ireland, its lovely people, or our experience. We will be flying Aer Lingus to Dublin and driving through the Northern portion of the country. I can't wait to see the rolling hills of green, run my fingers through yarn made of some real Irish wool, drink Guinness and Jameson at their birthplace, walk the streets of James Joyce and the grounds of Trinity College, rest my head in some old castles and abbeys, and maybe, just maybe, I'll be lucky enough to see me a leprechaun, lol...as per our usual, please check in here to see what we are up to and feel free to leave a comment...Éirinn go Brách!!!!

--Christine