July 5th-July 7th, Ireland

We had an incredible, amazing weekend. I can't wait to post pictures for you all, but for now, I will just have to tell you the story.

On Saturday, we got up and started on a drive for Killarney. There we went to Muckross House. This is a mansion that was built in 1843. The house is gorgeous, but the real attraction for me is the grounds. There are beautiful mountains and lakes around the house. We took a carriage ride around the lake and then up to a creek. They drop you off and you can walk up to Torc Waterfall which was really full from all the rains they have had lately.

Next, we drove up to Dingle on a coastal road. The sea was beautiful and there were green mountains every where. We were staying in a trailer house for the weekend. We called it our "Irish Camping Trip". Let me tell you, when I have been camping before, I have never in my life had this kind of view. The sea in front of us, mountains...it was breathtaking.

That night, we went to a pub for dinner and they had a traditional music session. We had the best seats in the house and it was great. Afterwards, some of us went back to the trailer for bed and the boys went out to some more pubs with Deirdre's boyfriend.


I can honestly say that Sunday may have been one of the best days of my life. We woke up (to our incredible view), had some breakfast and then went over to a pub to watch a Gaelic football match. Cork County (where our friends are from) was playing in the regional final with Kerry (where we were at for the weekend). So we were in enemy territory for the match. Also, Kerry had beaten Cork last year in the national championships, so there was a lot of pride at stake. Gaelic football is a really fun sport to watch. Very fast paced and interesting. I am really surprised it is not more popular world wide. Cork was behind for about half the game and came back and won! Go Rebels!!! I tried to find some video of the game, but couldn't, so here is another game to give you an idea of how it works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StcMJkQ80ns

After the match, we drove on what I can very mildly say was a scenic drive. It may be the most beautiful place on Earth. It is called Salea head and it is a coastal drive. High cliffs, rocky beaches, the sea....it is really hard to describe it's beauty or to capture it in pictures. The best part is that this whole area is very rural still and not overdeveloped. I fear that it will be some day. For now, it seems like untouched paradise.

We went to Ciuinui noil beach. This was Brenna's very first time at the beach and she adored it. We intended for them to stay half way dry, but that quickly ended. Mind you, it is fairly cold and the water is very cold! She couldn't stay out of the water, and we soon gave up. It was pure joy for her. Gavin and Tommy (De's boyfriend) and Zack played hurling (an Irish sport) and tossed a rugby ball on the beach. Meanwhile, we are surrounded by the most gorgeous scenery. I think it was about as ideal a day as you could get. Both the kids were soaking wet, yet totally happy.

We continued our drive and later went to another pub for dinner. Later the boys went to yet another pub for a drink. (see a trend here?)

We woke up this morning and drove to the Gap of Dunloe before coming home. Yet another gorgeous site.

Zack and myself made a dinner tonight for our fabulous hosts and we are all a bit "knackered" as they say here.

Tomorrow the plan is for Blarney, Clonakilty and a pub for dinner.