Ireland-a-go-go!
I booked my farking trip!
EHN!
It's true. Friday was a bit of a whirlwind, and after many email exchanges with my travel agent, I went ahead and booked. There was a total steal of a flight, and I worried if I waited (like I did with the Octoberfest trip) the deal would pass me by. So, Ireland, here I come!
I leave September 26th (the day after my birthday...) and spend two days in Dublin on my own. Followed by a five day tour with Shamrocker, and one last day on my own before leaving. Here's the itinerary:
Day 1: Dublin to Westport
Immerse yourself in myth and legend first off at The Hill of Tara, seat of the High Kings and a Pagan Stronghold of ancient Ireland. Next, off to Kilbeggan, home to one of the oldest licensed Whiskey Distilleries in the world. After sampling the good stuff it’s onto Ireland’s pilgrimage town of Knock to clear your conscience! The Atlantic town of Westport is a perfect place to sit back and enjoy the ‘Ceol agus Craic’ (that’s music and good times to us!)
Day 2: Westport To Galway
En route to Kylemore Abbey, enjoy the spectacular scenery of Connemara, from our own Holy Mountain Croagh Patrick to Doolough Valley with a lake as dark as its history. Walk through the brooding mountains of wild and rugged Connemara or picnic on one of its beautiful white sandy beaches before relaxing in the tiny capital of the region, Clifden. Next it’s onto Roundstone for a bit of Bodhran making. Galway city is next! Hang out in its maze of colorful medieval streets and soak up its lively cultural scene.
Day 3: Galway To Doolin
Start the day with a beautiful scenic drive along Galway Bay & Kinvarra Bay into the heart of the Burren’s lunar limestone landscape. Wonder at the 5000 year old portal tomb Pol na Brone Dolmen before a coastal drive to a beautiful beach for a game of Gaelic footie! Relax over a pint of the black stuff before seeing the awe inspiring Cliffs of Moher. Doolin, home of traditional Irish music is our overnight stop.
Day 4: Doolin To Killarney
Head south along the windswept coast of Clare. Watch out for dolphins on our ferry crossing over the mighty River Shannon. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful countryside of Ireland’s Kingdom, Kerry, en route to the charming and colourful fishing town, Dingle - home to Fungi the Dolphin! Take in the spectacular views along the Dingle peninsula, a magical place of unique beauty, beaches, palm trees, stonewalls and Irish speakers! Spot the Sleeping Giant and the Three Sisters as you walk to the edge of the world! Then it’s the drama and spectacle of the Kerry Mountains before settling in for the night. Our overnight stop is bustling Killarney town, surrounded by Killarney National Park and the famous lakes.
Day 5: Killarney To Dublin
From the mountains of Kerry we Journey through the picturesque valleys and the pretty hills of West Cork- the cradle of the Irish War of Independence where you'll hear tales of Michael Collins and the old IRA. Kiss the Blarney Stone and discover fairy lore. Walk the wishing steps, get the gift of the gab and enjoy the magic and scullduggery of Blarney Castle. Be inspired by the tower of Babel formation in the Mitchelstown Caves. Wonder at the dramatic spectacle of the Rock of Cashel, a church fortress overlooking the fertile plains of Munster. Then it's through Tipperary and on past the stud farms of Kildare as we make for the Fair City - Dublin. There may even be time for a last pint in a hidden pub along the way!
And I really am so, so excited, it's ridiculous. I think 1/4 of the excitement is because it's a vacation from work to somewhere different and new. Whereas 3/4 of the excitement comes from the fact it's all mine. No one elses. Just mine. My trip. Mine. Mine. Mine.
Now, as Fingers pointed out, I just need to learn Leprechaun.
5 comments:
I did the Shamrocker tours when I was in Ireland. It was a really good tour company and they took you everywhere! You'll have a blast!
hey! good trip. veeery good. when i had my mini "what the f*ck is my life all about" break down last year, (and watched those fun distracting movies that you sent, thank you again, which have been circulated twice in the past year to soothe saskatoon's brokenhearted, by the way) ireland was the place i picked, too. galway is the city i lived in for a month and it is great there. i was hoping you would pick a trip to ireland-a-go-go. and yes, i agree with you, that a substantial part of the excitement comes from doing something entirely for you. i recall being in paris, on the champs elysee, and shopping in this cheesy cheap clothing store instead of looking at monuments or eating brie, or whatever you are supposed to do in paris, and this man was with his girlfriend and he was like, "come ON. we did not come to paris so you could look at clothes you could get at the mall in tucson" and i was like, "thank GOD i'm on a trip alone and no one can tell me how to enjoy paris."
yey for you! i guess i could have sent all that in an email. sorry for hogging the blog.
-sleeves "ryan" ryan
Well, with your height, your half way there to learning Leprechaun!
-Beef
Everyone's a comedian...
Thanks for the positive comments, Ash! Glad to know someone who's been with the company--which tour did you do? Any pointers for me?
And thanks for the support, Sleeves!
I did two with Shamrocker. The same one that you are doing and it was so good that I booked the Northern Ireland tour right after and rearranged my plans.
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