Ireland - June 2010

As green as promised ... however ... 12 days and no more than a drizzle. A few days of blazing 20C and no wind. Who would have thought that was even possible on the Emerald Isle?
We found the people to be genuinely friendly, easy-going and welcoming.
We met Ken's mom and her husband Brian in Dublin and rented a car to circle the (almost) entire coast in a counter-clockwise direction.
We traveled to Northern Ireland stopping in Belfast and onwards to the Giant's Causeway and the Bushmill's Distillery. For Wonda's birthday, we had the thrill of staying in the Markree Castle near Sligo. The grand stately, rooms were wonderful. We enjoyed sitting the gardens in the hot, sunny weather. A great birthday.
Next we traveled the Connemara Loop, visited the Kylemore Abbey and ended the day in Galway where we had a lot of fun in the pubs and listened to a 'session' of Irish folk music at the Crane -- a definite highlight. We visited the largest of the Aran Islands and toured around in a horse-drawn buggy (called a hearse).
Then a day driving through the desolate but awesome Burren out to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. A stop for refreshment in Ennistymon at the best-decorated pub in Ireland, Eugene's.
Another day took us up, over the Connor Pass and out the Dingle Peninsula where we had breathtaking views and explored beehive huts.
We didn't stop for long though and the following gloriously sunny day meant we were able to take great photos along the Ring of Kerry.
A huge highlight for all of us happened in Kilkenny. After a visit to the castle, owned and maintained by the same family from the 1100s until recently, we wandered around the old town with its cobblestone streets and 'slips' that led us to Kyteler's Inn which, by sheer luck, had one of the best, up and coming Irish folky bands playing that night. Aptly named, the Kilkennys. A great band and when we were literally embraced by the locals we had a grand time. As the Irish might say, "we had a good bit of craic"
We had a wonderful visit and lots of talk and laughter with Ellie and Brian... so much fun to travel together! And we met fine people wherever we stopped. Everyone was up for chatter.
We saw beautiful scenery, fascinating history in the old buildings and ruins, ate delicious food, and visited our fair share of pubs along the way. An excellent vacation all-round.
We'd love to share what we've learned on this adventure if you're planning on visiting Ireland.