The Dingle coast was gorgeous and we were blessed with perfect weather.
When our overnight flight arrived over Ireland it was clear why it is known as the Emerald Isle.
Waterloo House was in a very convenient location in Georgian Dublin. It had traditional décor and our room had a view of the neighborhood. The breakfast was quite decadent and it was served in a lovely conservatory.
We loved the colorful doors of Georgian Dublin. Virtually every color in the rainbow was on someone’s door.
Shearson’s pub was just a block from Waterloo House. We liked it so much we went there for dinner two nights-beef filet and lamb shank were delicious. They also had live music that added to the atmosphere.
Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland. It is the home of the amazing Book of Kells illuminated manuscript. It was to be a highlight of our visit to Dublin but when we arrived they were in the midst of their first blackout in 16 years
This was as close as we got to the Book of Kells.
Downtown Dublin had several charming blocks of local retail.
Dublin’s streetlights were among the prettiest I’ve seen. We got a great view of the shamrock festooned fixtures from our double decker tour bus.
We thoroughly enjoyed our hop-on hop-off bus. It was a beautiful day to tour this charming city.
Howth is a seaside town that was on the public transit train line. It was chilly and drizzly but we walked around, went to a small farmers’ market and enjoyed some homemade ice cream.
The Samuel Beckett bridge was designed by Santiago Calatrava and is reminiscent of an Irish harp.
Irish notables on display at Trinity College.
Itinerary of Driftwoods tour we took. We started in Dublin and then headed west towards Galway. We saw beautiful scenery
Killary Sheep Farm was in a very dramatic location and we enjoyed watching the sheepdogs do their magic.
It was amazing to see the dogs herd the sheep.
We enjoyed our first Guinness at our lunch with the tour group on day one.
Kylemore Abbey was lovely—no interior visits are permitted but it is a storybook castle from the outside.
Our first night on the tour was spent at the Abbeyglen Castle hotel where they flew an American flag to welcome us.
Here are the 16 of us from the tour. We enjoyed each others’ company and were all punctual and congenial.
Galway was very festively decorated.
This was one of Galway’s most scenic pubs.
This was a charming tea shop in Galway.
This Galway shop was where the claddagh rings were first designed and produced.
The sewer covers in Galway had unique Celtic designs.
I can’t remember the name of this ancient castle but it was in a very evocative setting.
On the drive to the Cliffs of Moher we came across these cows who looked like they were posing for the camera.
The Cliffs of Moher are quite spectacular—even on a windy, rainy day.
We went to a demonstration at Dingle Glass. The glass blowing and sculpting were fascinating to watch.
Lots of colorful shops and pubs throughout Ireland.
One evening in Dingle we enjoyed an Irish folk music concert in one of the local music shops.
The drive along Dingle Peninsula was reminiscent of Highway 1 on the California coast.
We ate delicious cheese throughout our visit to Ireland.
We could have spent a few more day enjoying Dingle—beautiful scenery, quality restaurants, delicious homemade ice cream, and lots of fun shops to browse.
We enjoyed a horse-drawn jaunty ride through Killarney National Park which ended at stately Muckross House.
We came across this car which was inadvertently put in drive instead of reverse. Thankfully the occupants weren’t injured.
Kenmare is another colorful happy town in County Kerry.
Seals pointing the way to Garnish Island.
Garnish Island in Bantry Bay was originally a private estate but it was bequeathed to the Irish government in 1939. It has been maintained as a public garden since then..
Delicious Irish Coffee at this pub started by onne of the first South Pole explorers.
Built in 1710, Bantry House has been a private home and served as a hospital during the Irish Civil War in 1922 and a barracks duriing World War II. It has been open to visitors since 1946.
Bantry House was a classic country house—comfortable and not too fussy..
For donations from visitors to Blarney Castle.
In spite of its tacky reputation Blarney is a beautiful site with lavish gardens and historic architecture.
Blarney House was originally built for the mayor of Cork in 1704. The current house was built in 1846 and is now the home of Baron Sir John Colthurst.
The Rock of Cashel was started in 1100 and is on a hill by itself overlooking the surrounding countryside. Because of its prominent location it can be seen for miles. It was the traditional seat of the King for the region. It includes a roofless
A great end to our trip—under the rainbow!
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