The view at the Cliffs of Moher is an iconic portrait of the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, one that graces tourism sites and brochures. That being said, I wasn’t too optimistic about our actual chances of seeing the cliffs. The weather is often foggy, and while nearly one million people visit each year, many don’t even catch a glimpse of the famous sight. My friend Wanda had warned me that we probably wouldn’t be able to see anything–her own picture at the Cliffs of Moher had been taken in front of a panoramic photo in the ladies’ washroom.
Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
On our second day in Ireland, we were offered six optional excursions on the Brendan Vacations / Trafalgar Tours Irish Highlights tour. They all sounded great, so we booked them for a total of 220 euros a person. The first of these was the medieval castle banquet in Limerick. We didn’t know which castle, but it included dinner. I had wondered if it might be at Bunratty after seeing the padded benches in the vaulted Main Guard Hall, and it turned out that I was right. We were headed to the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet! Continue reading “Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet”
Ireland, Day 2: Stepping into the Past at Bunratty Castle
After leaving Galway, we headed south towards Limerick. Our plan was to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare. Bunratty Castle was built in 1425 and restored in the 1950s and is surrounded by buildings typical of the era including a fisherman’s cottage and farmer’s home. Continue reading “Ireland, Day 2: Stepping into the Past at Bunratty Castle”
Ireland, Day 2: A Rainy Morning in Galway
We left Dublin early on Monday morning, heading towards the town of Galway and the west coast of Ireland. I was able to use my debit card to take out euros at a service plaza. The exchange rate seemed pretty good– 1 euro was equal to $1.24 U.S. Surprisingly, there were no fees at the ATM, nor did our bank levy any. Upon arriving in Galway, the driver dropped us off at Eyre Square. Allie led us on a short walking tour of the Latin Quarter, ending at the River Corrib. Then we were free to shop and have lunch. Continue reading “Ireland, Day 2: A Rainy Morning in Galway”
In Dublin’s Fair City: Cead Mile Failte
After our overnight flight from Toronto, we easily passed through customs and quickly found our Brendan Vacations greeter upon exiting the airport in Dublin.
Hotel Arrival
Our bus driver, the lovely Louie, dropped us off at the Sandymount hotel next to Aviva Stadium where we met out wonderful guide for the week, the Amazing Allie Lister. Our rooms weren’t ready yet. We needed a caffeine pick-me-up, so we ordered coffee (tea for me) in the hotel bar and sat out on the deck. Dennis remarked that the coffee wasn’t very good, and Mom quickly cut in and said “It’s awful!”
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday has always been my favorite Sunday of the entire year. When I was young, my family attended the Kinsman Presbyterian Church. The deacons always handed out entire palm branches as we entered the sanctuary the Sunday before Easter. I loved fanning myself with the fronds as we sang “Hosanna to the King of Kings.”
Kinsman Presbyterian Church, photo by Rebecca Nieminen, Storyteller Photography (used with permission). Continue reading “Palm Sunday”