Long Weekend in Ireland

I love Ireland! I knew I would enjoy Ireland after my trip to Scotland, but it is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Again we were blessed with perfect weather of sunshine and clear skies for all of the very long journey.

We left after dinner on Wednesday and drove a few hours on the bus to get to the ferry, then boarded the ferry at around 2 am!!! Then after the 4 hour ferry ride we got back on the bus and ate a hot traditional Irish breakfast of beans, ham, & toast. Then we ,again, got back on the bus and headed to Blarney. Once there it was completely gorgeous!! We walked over to the Blarney Castle and then I kissed the Blarney Stone therefore receiving the lovely gift of eloquence. After that me and Anna & Shaylin walked around town and tried our first irish coffee, it was actually quite delicious :)

From Blarney we drove to the town of Killarney and ate dinner then called it a night. The next morning we had an early wake-up so we could get on the us for our Ring of Kerry paddy wagon tour. We started our drive of the Irish countryside with our very funny bus driver/tour guide Phil who took us first to Dingle Bay, which was amazing. I had no idea there were so many mountains and coves in Ireland!

Then we stopped at the Beach and various waterfalls and a beautiful mountain top with a statue of the Lady Madonna on top. It took all day, but it was worth it and offered some stunning views of the Irish countryside.

Later that night back in Killarney we went to a really nice Irish restaurant with local food where I had some delicious lasagna! Then we visited some small pubs for some great live Irish music!

The next day we got back on the bus and headed to Dublin! We didn't get to our hotel until around 3pm so we didn't have a whole lot of time since all the shops close up around 5 or 6 but it was still fun to see the city. We walked around the famous Temple Bar district where there were lots of great street performers and classic Irish pubs. It was pretty packed too because there was a big rugby match going on all day that people were rather pumped about.

Sadly the next morning we had to get back on the bus to head home and spent most of Valentine's Day en route back to school. We briefly stopped in Wales for lunch at the town that has the longest name in world "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch" which translates to "The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave". Hahaha and we had some great homemade Welsh food for lunch! All in all it was a great trip and definitely an excellent experience.

Beatiful Scotland

This past weekend (sorry for the delay) I spent in the beautiful city of Edinburgh in Scotland. I took a train and got in on Thursday night. We checked into our very cool hostel and then after some free sandwiches we went hit the streets in search of scotland nightlife. We ended up at a small intimate jazz club where a man who looked exactly like Jimi Hendrix played the electric guitar, accopanied by some skilled trumpeting and saxophone. Very interesting first night to say the least. The next morning me and some friends walked down the Royal Mile and climbed up Aurthur's Seat, which is a very beautiful extinct volcano. From the top it was very windy but had beautiful views of the city.


Later that afternoon I visited the Castle and saw the Scottish crown jewels along with the ancient stone of destiny! Then for dinner me and some friends treated ourselves to some traditional scottish food and had some haggis, which is sheep intestine. It actually was quite delicious! Then we all walked around and went into some of the local pubs which was quite fun as well.

the castle from my window at the hostel!

On Saturday we slept in a little bit and then walked around some more, just seeing the city. I went to the Scottish Parliament which was really interesting and in a new modern design. I got a really good feel for the city and saw a lot about an apparently famous forsyth clan!

forsyth's close

On Sunday we had to check out of the hostel by 10:30am but since our train didn't leave until 5:30pm they let us keep our luggage there all day so we wouldn't have to take it everywhere with us. We spent a few hours in the National Gallery looking at their rather extensive art collection which even some Monet's and Edward Degas. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon shopping and enjoying our last few hours in Scotland. All in all a very fun trip and a very beautiful country.

cafe where Harry Potter was started

my bed at the hostel

cathedral

me on some scottish rocks