Ireland

May 1-5, 2014
UA1123 IAH-IAD, UA126 IAD-DUB, UA127 DUB-IAD, UA249 IAD-IAH

Ireland has been on our list of locations to visit for a number of years.  We actually had purchased a tour book that has been gathering dust, so when Tom wanted to visit his friend Kevin in Ireland I jumped at the chance to visit.  Starting in different cities adds a layer of complexity to every trip, but somehow we managed to arrive within a few minutes of each other, and even went through immigration together.  In addition to seeing Dublin, we visited the burial mounds at Newgrange, the Rock of Cashel, and the scenic area coastal area around Cork.  After our first sample of Ireland we will definitely need to return to see more of this beautiful country.

May 1-2
Overnight flights to Dublin. Pickup car and head to Bru na Boinne & back to Dublin

Fascinating Knowth burial mound in Bru na Boinne from 1800 BC

Looking straight into the main burial tomb

Sampling of the engraved stones that circle the mound

Perspective on the multiple mounds at Knowth

Tulips still in bloom in central Dublin

Very large Spire of Dublin on Henry Street at the end of our afternoon walking tour

May 3
The scenic route from Dublin to Shannon, avoiding the rain and enjoying the view

Our first view of the incredible 12th Century Rock of Cashel

Broader perspective on the Chapel, Cathedral and Round Tower of Cashel

Exploring the grounds and looking back on the other side and construction of Cathedral

Just outside Cashel it’s a pleasant short walk to the 13th Century Hore Abbey ruins

Lough Guitane on our way to Killarney National Park

Beautiful waterfall at the end of a short hike in Killarney

Looking towards the coast

Out for dinner in Cork with Tom’s late friend Kevin

May 4
Leave Cork and spend the rest of the day exploring Dublin

Highlight of the Guinness Tour

The original Guinness Factory

Exterior of fascinating 1796 Kilmainham Gaol (jail) with history of Irish nationalism

More modern Victorian (East) Wing of the prison

Closeup of the stairs in the East Wing

Enjoying the Temple Bar area at the end of the day

Irish Parliament Buildings at sunset

May 5
Dropped the rental car off and headed home