Saturday, January 9, 2016

Ireland (July 2015)

Damian had a presentation in Dublin back in July so we decided to make a vacation out of it. Damian was able to experience the beauty and I was able to meet with family in Dublin and Kerry.

We started by spending a few days exploring Dublin.

Our first leprechaun - Madeline wasn't too excited.

Temple Bar

Trinity College

Molly Malone
We took a day trip to Powerscourt House and Gardens just outside of Dublin.





Lunch with my cousin
After Dublin, we drove straight west to Galway.



From Galway, we explored the western coast. Our first stop was the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher.


Damian enjoying one of many Guinnesses, while Madeline looks on with envy!
We took a carriage ride around the island in the rain.

Rain just gives an excuse to stop for another Guinness.




Random pictures from our stops.


Madeline's first ferry ride.

She never sleeps in car seats... except in Ireland!

A true Kerry fan!


We spent a few days on the Dingle Peninsula where my grandparents are from.


A pub where I Irish danced as a child with my sister.

Mount Brendon in the background.

Family in Dingle

The house where my grandma lived with her 17 brothers and sisters.


More Dingle family

Riding a statue of Fungi, Dingle's famous dolphin

The Dingle Peninsula has many archeological sites.
Dunbeg Fort dates back to potentially the Iron Age.


Slea Head

Gallarus Oratory (c.700 AD)


After Dingle, we made our way to Killarney where we spent some time exploring the Killarney National Park.




Ross Castle

Muckross House and Gardens



We then made our way back to Dublin, but not without a few stops at some castles along the way...

Cahir Castle


Rock of Cashel

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Amsterdam (July 2015)

We went to Amsterdam for several days and toured around the city, walking and boating on the canals. It was during the European, summer heat wave and we managed to survive. One day, we were so sick of the heat, we spent the day in the Rijksmuseum.
Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Vondel Park





The canals






The Rijksmuseum


Iconic Amsterdam