Friday 4 April 2008

Ireland

We just got back from a wonderful trip to Ireland. Amanda wishes we had stayed longer than five days, and we're both thinking it wouldn't be a bad place to live - perhaps I should start looking for a job in Ireland...

We rented a car and spent our time driving around the colorful countryside seeing the sights. After nearly killing us a handful of times, I got the hang of driving down the wrong side of narrow roads and shifting with my left hand, and we were ready for some adventures.



On our first full day we drove to see the Cliffs of Moher. It was such a stunning place, and Millie loved it. She couldn't stop talking about the whales that live in the deep blue sea. When she saw the castle on top of the cliffs she got really excited, "Ariel lives there!"



Just stopping on the side of the road to soak up the countryside. This is Millie giving Amanda a "Monster Squeeze."



Just down the street from the cottage we stayed in is Aghadoe Heights, with this nice lookout over the Killarney National Park. Just next to this there was a really cool old cemetary, as well as an old castle we climbed.


The next day we drove around the Dingle Peninsula. We stopped at the Inch Beach to collect seashells and play in the waves. Millie loved it, and Amanda did too, until a wave caught her off-gaurd and filled up her wellies.



Millie was very excited to go on a boat ride. We went for a cruise in the Dingle Bay to see Fungie the dolphin. Millie loved it, but I think I loved it more. We were told we'd see the dolphin who has lived in the mouth of the bay for 20 years, or we'd get our money back, so I assumed we'd catch a glimpse of him. Little did I know he'd circle the boat playfully for the hour we were out there. Every time he swam up to the boat Millie would yell "Hi hunghy!"



We didn't get any great pictures of Fungie as it was raining pretty hard, but Amanda snapped this one real quick when she got the chance. I couldn't believe how he would swim along side the boat a foot or two away from us. It was pretty classic.



Here's a nice shot along our drive back. I wouldn't mind living in one of these little cottages, that's for sure.



We spent the next day driving around the scenic "Ring of Kerry." There weren't many tourists about and it was great. We found this castle just outside Cahersiveen. It was fun to explore it's cool setting right on the beach and we were the only ones there. We found a place to climb up and then climbed down an old stairway that ended with a 6 foot drop into the main room of the castle. We wouldn't mind living in one of the little cottages, and these castles wouldn't be too bad either!



The girls posing on the Gallarus Oratory. This was a really interesting building, but the highlight was watching Millie prance around singing to Pablo.


Millie and me on the hike up to the Torc Waterfall.


We went for a jaunting car ride up the gap of Dunloe. It was fun to see the little farms tucked alongside little lakes in between the mountains. Millie kept asking if we could bring the horse "Barbie" home with us.

15 comments:

Amanda said...

We had a blast, thanks again babe. YOU ROCK!

Shelly said...

Wow that looks like so much fun! I am so glad you guys get all of these amazing chances to tour the world! I love seeing all the places you go too!!

lindsay Roscoe said...

I don't think I have ever felt so jealous in my entire life. I am not happt about this at all!! See and feel my anger! You big fat rats. By the way you can not live there with out ME AND MY FAMILY that is the final RULE. Comprendae(?)!! Wow you guys what an amazing time youu guys had what beautiful pictures it really is everything and more then I dreamed. I can't wait I can not tell you how my spirit yearns to be there. Ever cell and fiber of my being. AMAZING AMAZING!!! Looks like a great time.
Even more amazing is here comes your sisters in 6.5 weeks I can not wait to see you and ENGLAND!! AHAHAHAHHAHAHAHEEEEEEEEEEEE

Heidi said...

THat looks so amazing. On St. Patrick's Day Ben and I watched some travel documentary on Ireland and we both would love to go. Gorgeous!

Missy said...

Wow, Ireland looks GORGEOUS! So very green. Every picture you take is just amazing. It makes me want to go there SO BAD. Hey when do you get home? We leave around the 15th of August. Will you be in Europe still?

Darbee said...

Wow! What a BeAuTiFuL country! I am so jealous of the experiences you guys are having out there. I'm glad you are having the time of your lives...and are enjoying every minute. I just hope you'll EvEnTuAlLy want to come home! :-)

Scott and Katie said...

Wow! You guys are seeing such amazing things! I love looking at all the pictures of your travels on your blog! I'm living vicariously through you!

Catherine said...

What a fun adventure! Those pictures look so beautiful. I bet Millie was loving every second of it. She is so darling! You make us want to go back.

Danalisa said...

WOW...sure looks amazing! I can't wait to get there now...add it to the list. haha We missed you guys...can't wait to catch up on our travels!

Jodi said...

These pics are amazing. I'm glad you guys had such a great time :)

The Yarn Queen said...

Wow, what great times. I'm almost tempted to start talking to the King about a little more travel. Beautiful pictures.

vickersfam said...

Wow, I only WISH I could visit there someday. I'd love it if you moved there bc then I really actually might be able to visit you and the beautiful sights! I'm glad you're taking the time to soak up that part of the world while you're there.
Signed, Jealous

Ashlie said...

One word...WOW. I can't believe all the fun trips you guys go on. It truly makes me sooo jealous. I've said it before...I might have to stop reading your blog. (truth is, I never would because this way I get to see some of the prettiest sights on the planet!) Thanks for always sharing.

The Powell-Mirci Family! said...

Wow. Wow. Well I am spechless. That was like a quick little fantasy for me. (looking at the pictures that is!)
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!
I'd totally live there too! That would be such an amazing experiance. Does Millie know that these places are around the world, and far away and such? I guess I mean does she comprehend it? Probably not. When we first got married, JJ could have taken a job in Saudi Arabia doing Jet stuff for an airplane company. I was like yea right, heat, language diff., wearing huge cover-up stuff, their laws, WAR! That idea was shot down fast. Ireland would be cool. Don't they have some civil religious scuffle stuff?

The Powell-Mirci Family! said...

By the way, shoot us an e-mail (if you wish) because we are going "private". :)