This month seemed to not have happened at all because we had a two week spring break in the middle of it. This is the first time our school has taken two weeks for Spring break instead of one since Easter was early this year.
In November I found some really cheap tickets to Dublin Ireland for the 17-23 of March. So a friend and I snapped them up and planned a lovely 6 day romp through the Irish countryside. We got to spend 3 days in Cork with some dear missionary family friends. I have known the Carlaw brothers since I was a little girl and it was great to spend some time with Joel and his family; to get to hear about their ministry in Cork and see a little part of their world.
Our adventure began in Dublin landing shortly after 7pm on Saint Patrick's Day! Didn't realise it was St. Paddy's Day when we booked the tickets but it wasn't as crazy as we were anticipating it to be. We spent our first night at a lovely Air BnB hosted by Anne. Will have to say we were really lucky to snag her place and I think the only reason she wasn't booked up was because she is new to the Air BnB community.
We then grabbed an early train for the short 2 and 3/4 hours ride to Cork. So glad we went for the train over the bus. If you book early enough in advance they cost almost the same and the train was such a nice way to go.
We met the sunshine in Cork and had a lovely afternoon exploring the city streets.
Had a late lunch at this lovely little bistro which had the walls covered in old movie posters.
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| McKenna was my travel Buddy and we saw her name in a few different places during our travels |
After exploring the city of Cork our host family took us to Kinsale, a small little fishing port in County Cork. We got to explore Charles Fort and enjoy some fish 'n chips. I am so disappointed in myself for not getting a picture of us and the Carlaw family. We were so busy visiting and exploring that taking a group photo just never happened. Though I did get a few shots of the girls :)
Our time with the Carlaws was quick but long enough for Kenna to make some new friends.
LOOK the Cliffs of Insanity!
Indeed a trip to the Emerald Isle is not complete without a trip to the Cliffs of Moher. We opted to go on a tour since this was the easiest and most affordable way to get to where we wanted to go in the amount of time we had available. The tour itself was a means to an end ... the end being the Cliffs. Everything else on our tour was bonus. We went with Paddy wagon, it wasn't the best led tour I've been on (have had way better guides on my tour experiences than on this one) But the cliffs were an amazing sight to see and experience. Will let all the pictures do the rest of the talking.
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| There were a few times this trip where we saw people contradicting signs that were posted. This was one such case. |
That's Just Blarney
For our last day in Cork we got to go to church with the Carlaws and then take a trip out to see Blarney Castle. Even though it was early Spring and the flowers really had not come out yet and the trees still did not have all their leaves it was still a beautiful green experience. When it came to stone kissing we both agreed that we already had the gift of gab and no need to lean out of a castle upside down to kiss a stone that thousands of people had kissed before us. So now for more pictures :)
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| I think we could agree this castle was built for Kenna sized people! |
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| Photos like this one are why I love photography, it looks like a dream |
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| Our one successful selfie :) |
Dublin
Our time in Dublin was short because we took a day to head up to Giant's Causeway. So we had enough time to see Trinity College, wander through a park or two and see the streets of Temple Bar.
Made it my goal to snap as many pictures of the colourful doors that I could. My goal was 20 I had to settle for 15.
We went to Trinity College to see the book of Kells and the Old Library.
We were not allowed to take pictures in the book of Kells section but we could in the library without a flash. Pictures can scarcely do it justice
We were not allowed to take pictures in the book of Kells section but we could in the library without a flash. Pictures can scarcely do it justice
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| Went in search of scones for breakfast and found this place. It certainly delivered in it's recommendation for the best scones in Dublin |
Roaming Northern Ireland with Wild Rover
The day before we left we went on a full day excursion to Northern Ireland. Ten years ago I visited Northern Ireland with a group from my home church. It was a memorable trip and going to Giant's Causeway was one of my favourite parts and I was excited to go back to this amazing place. We went with Wild Rover Tours which was a wonderful choice and I highly recommend them for future tours.We did a Black Taxi tour in Belfast and learned a lot about the political history of West Belfast.
From Belfast we headed up the Antrim Coast to Giant's Causeway with a brief stop at Dunluce Castle
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| This time the weather was favourable and I got to walk down the shepherd's steps |
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| What happens when you give Kenna your camera |
Reading the Signs
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| This one was confusing because we were exiting the park and the sign said "in" when we were going out |
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| The sign to the left says: "Please do not sit on floor." I had to laugh and snap a photo. Though you have to admit when there is a big empty space in a mall and not a chair anywhere to be had what's a body to do? |
Well the post that never seemed to come to an end finally has! Hope you have enjoyed seeing my Irish adventures. I love Ireland. It has a beauty that can't be matched. It was a wonderful, relaxing break. To spend time with fellow missionaries, share stories and encourage one another. It was also refreshing to be in an English speaking country for a few days, though it is always nice to come home.
