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.
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Our first leprechaun - Madeline wasn't too excited. |
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Temple Bar |
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Trinity College |
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Molly Malone |
We took a day trip to Powerscourt House and Gardens just outside of Dublin.
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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.
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Damian enjoying one of many Guinnesses, while Madeline looks on with envy! |
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We took a carriage ride around the island in the rain. |
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Rain just gives an excuse to stop for another Guinness. |
Random pictures from our stops.
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Madeline's first ferry ride. |
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She never sleeps in car seats... except in Ireland! |
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A true Kerry fan! |
We spent a few days on the Dingle Peninsula where my grandparents are from.
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A pub where I Irish danced as a child with my sister. |
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Mount Brendon in the background. |
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Family in Dingle |
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The house where my grandma lived with her 17 brothers and sisters. |
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More Dingle family |
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Riding a statue of Fungi, Dingle's famous dolphin |
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The Dingle Peninsula has many archeological sites. Dunbeg Fort dates back to potentially the Iron Age. |
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Slea Head |
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Gallarus Oratory (c.700 AD) |
After Dingle, we made our way to Killarney where we spent some time exploring the Killarney National Park.
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Ross Castle |
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Muckross House and Gardens
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We then made our way back to Dublin, but not without a few stops at some castles along the way...
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Cahir Castle |
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Rock of Cashel |