Happy days in Ireland.

Hey friends! My family and I just got home from our trip to Ireland! As always it was filled with memories, special moments and many sights of God’s beautiful masterpiece. His creation never fails to amaze me. That's why I love traveling. The world is so big and beautiful and God is the reason for all of that. He perfectly created the mountains and sea and He also created you and me.

I’m going to do a big recap of our adventures in Ireland! Today’s post is going to be mostly for my memories, but I hope you enjoy it!

---

Day 1:

Our overnight flight into Dublin was smooth and we landed around 10:30 am. After a nice lunch at a place called Harkins Pub, we headed straight to the Guinness Storehouse for a tour. We all enjoyed learning about the history and process of creating the perfect pint of Guinness. My sister Zoe was proud to have been “certified” as a perfect pint pourer, however, she was most excited to get her picture printed on top of a pint! After our tour we went to dinner at a place called The Ivy. It was pleasant, even though we were far underdressed for the occasion.

---

Day 2:

Day 2 was one of my favorites - it was tour day! My family and I were blessed with the best seats on the bus which made for a great start to the day. Our tour guide - Seamus and our bus driver - Sidney were the perfect combo. We learned all about the history of Ireland and Irish folklore as we drove from one destination to another. Our first main stop was the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. God’s creation never ceases to amaze me. Next, we stopped in Galway and ate lunch at a place called The Kings Head. It was delicious and as our tour guide stated “Hunger is the best sauce.” After our meal, we took time exploring the city and did some shopping. After our long day of exploring Ireland, we ended the night having dinner at a place near our hotel called The Lotts. It was a very yummy pub

and I had one of my all time favorite meals - the full Irish breakfast (who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?).

---

Day 3:

After a nice breakfast at Starbucks (still one of my favs even in Europe) we arrived at Trinity’s College Green for a tour of the Book of Kells. Trinity College was wonderful, filled with old buildings and vast courtyards. Our tour guide named Hugh was just as fantastic as Seamus and Sidney. Hugh explained the history and significance of the Book of Kells which is an elaborately decorated book containing all four of the Gospels written in calligraphy, and even shared some background on Trinity College. After seeing the Book of Kells and exploring the Long Room Library, Hugh took us to Dublin Castle where he finished the tour by sharing the stories of the castle. Next, we walked to lunch at a place called Angelina’s to visit with family. I was able to chat with my second cousins and learn more about life in Ireland. The afternoon, like many afternoons, was filled with shopping. At night, we ate dinner at a Pub called O’Neills before embarking on a pub crawl throughout the Temple Bar area. My sisters enjoyed this activity!

---

Day 4:

Easter Sunday was spent in my Mom’s hometown called Dun Laoghaire (Dun-Ler-ry)! I was able to experience the exact place where one of the most beautiful souls was raised on the exact same day that Christ arose from the dead, what a wonderful day. We saw the Forty Foot, walked the pier, and ate Teddy’s famous 99ers. After, we ventured to Dalkey where we climbed Killiney Hill, ate lunch at a place called The Queens and saw my Mom’s old school (another personal fav). In the evening, we went to The Irish House Party where we were served a three course meal followed by a comedy group/ band performance. I loved listening to Irish music!

---

Day 5:

We ate breakfast at a coffee shop called Caffe Nero and then continued on to see the General Post Office. After shopping at places including Penneys, JD sporting goods and a couple jewelry stores, we stopped for afternoon tea at the famous Bewley’s Cafe. I had Irish breakfast tea and a fruit scone with all the fixings. At night, we had dinner with my Great Uncle Jerry! I enjoyed hearing stories about his life and listening to his funny narration.

---

Day 6:

Another tour day - this time to Northern Ireland! Our tour guide was not as fantastic as Seamus or Hugh, however, my family and I still managed to have a great day. Our first stop was Giant's Causeway! I loved the view and it was so fun climbing along the rocks! Next we stopped at Dunluce Castle (a now-ruined medieval castle) and the Dark Hedges (aka “the 8th wonder of the world” according to our tour guide). After seeing the beautiful countryside of Northern Ireland, we made a brief stop in Belfast to tour the Titanic Experience. Although the museum wasn't as fun as being near the sea or exploring a bustling city, I still enjoyed learning about the tragic history of the Titanic. At night, we ate dinner in a pub. I ordered smoked salmon on brown bread and it was delicious.

---

Day 7:

Our first stop of the day was Phoenix Park where we saw bright green grass, the Irish White House, and the war memorial. From there, we walked back into the city center to visit Christ Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I loved seeing the grand and detailed churches. We ate lunch at Kilkenny Design and then stopped in Ireland’s oldest bookshop called Hodges and Figgis, and an art museum called the National Gallery. We finished the day by having dinner at a place called The Church. It was so cool - the restaurant was created out of an old church and so much character remained!

---

Day 8:

Happy birthday Mom! Today was a glorious day because we got to celebrate with my Mom while exploring the streets of Dublin. We started the day in Herbert Park - a place my Mom used to go to when she was little. The trees were blooming with pink and yellow flowers everywhere. I enjoyed walking around the pond and taking pictures of all the colors. Next we headed to Bewleys Cafe for lunch. As it was my last day in Ireland, I had to of course get the full Irish breakfast! After lunch, we did some more shopping and then headed to Clontarf Castle where we spent our last night in Ireland! Although the castle was a bit off the beaten path, it was super cool to say that we slept in a real life castle! For my Mom’s birthday dinner, we returned to one of our favorite pubs - The Lotts. We ate yummy Irish meals while recapping our favorite moments from our trip.

---

I had a great time exploring Ireland. One of my favorite parts about traveling is the memories that last a lifetime. I absolutely love how my mind seems to omit the low and chaotic moments and simply remember the fun, happy moments. Remembering the highs from my trip is a beautiful gift.

I am grateful for so much and I hope you feel so much gratitude as well! Remember, the same God who created the majestic mountains and powerful sea also took time to perfectly create you and me.

Have a great week!

Xox

AG