Ready to sham-rock & roll!

Day #4

New day, new potato, new pint of Guinness. I slept, no joke, just four hours. I was completely wound up and maybe a little homesick too, so I just couldn’t get to sleep. Needless to say, when my alarm went off at 5:30am, I was more than a little grumpy. I was headed on a day long tour of Northern Ireland with Paddywagon Tours.

I quickly got ready and headed to meet my tour group. I stopped at reception on my way out to ask about getting a cab to the pickup location. Since it was so early and still dark, I was nervous to walk the route alone. I explained my fears to reception and he assured me that “the drunks were passed out” and “so long as I avoided any dodgy corners” I should be fine. He was right! In no time at all, I met up with the rest of my group at the Molly Malone statue. Side note: I was so skeeved out by the statue because you can tell that people rub her boobs all the time because the coloring was drastically different there than anywhere else on the statue. Gross.

Our first stop on the tour was Giants Causeway. Located on the north coast of Northern Ireland, Giant’s Causeway is the site of volcanic activity which created hexagonal columns that formed stepping stones. According to legend, Giants Causeway was built by, you guessed it, a giant! Stunning views, unique rock formations, Giants Causeway is not to be missed if visiting Northern Ireland.

We stopped by Dunluce Castle to explore the ruins and breathtaking views. This picturesque castle is located in Bushmills (famous for their whiskey) and was built in the 16th or 17th centuries.

On our way to Belfast, we stopped at White Park Bay for another stunning vista, and The Dark Hedges. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may recognize the Dark Hedges (I’m not, so it meant nothing to me.)

Our final stop was Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. We had about an hour to explore before we made our way back to Dublin. I checked out City Hall and the surrounding park and grabbed a quick bite to eat.

Day #5

I was exhausted so I had a bit of a lie-in. I had tickets to the Book of Kells at Trinity College scheduled for first thing but ended up purchasing tickets for later in the day, so I could snooze a bit longer. I wasn’t too impressed by the historic book though. It was basically just something to do, something to kill time. I did enjoy the old library though. Your girl loves a library!

I had planned on a picnic in Saint Stephens Park but ended up in front of the DublinWhiskey Museum. You know what they say, “When I’m Rome, erm, Dublin!” As I didn’t prebook, I was slightly nervous I’d be turned away, luckily there was space and I was in! The next hour was delightful as Jeanette took us through the history of Irish whiskey, complete with humor, information, and a few tastings at the end. I think it’s safe to say that I still don’t like whiskey, however I don’t hate it anymore. I did enjoy my whiskey mule. It was quite tasty. That counts as drinking whiskey, right? During the tour, I met a father and son from Kansas (Nebraska?) and we became fast buddies. Afterwards the three of us went and had a drink together. It was nice to have some company.

By this point I had to eat. I had placed on my list of places to try, a pub called Sheehans. Well, it just so happened that I walked right by it, without even looking for it. I took it as a sign and walked in. As I sipped my Guinness, I was reunited with fish & chips (minus mushy peas though) and enjoyed the ambiance. A couple sat down next to me and we began to chat. We discussed our travels and experiences, sharing stories of strangers turned friends. It turns out that Bill and Mary were planning on visiting London the same time I would be there! As they got up to leave, Mary said, “Maybe we will see you in London!” I responded that “fate has a funny way of working out. I bet we will!” After they left, I asked for my check. The server informed me that Bill had taken care of it already. What an angel. With tears of happiness in my eyes, I walked back to the hotel.

Day #6

I awoke at the crack of dawn to catch another day long bus tour, this one with Finn McCools Tours via GetYourGuide to the Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey, and the city of Galway. Our first stop was at a rest stop for a bathroom break and breakfast. This wasn’t just any rest stop though. This was the Barack Obama Plaza! Did you know that Obama has Irish relatives from Moneyghall, Ireland? Very cool.

Our next stop, and first real stop, was The Cliffs of Moher. Visually stunning, the cliffs are located along the sprawling, Wild Atlantic Way. Tons of opportunities to catch glimpses of numerous types of birds and other wildlife. Did I mention the views??? Simply stunning.

Next up, Kilmacduagh Abbey! Formed in the 7th century, this monastery in ruins was really cool to see. I wish I had more time there to really take it all in and read more of the gravestones.