The past two weeks have had some personal setbacks & stressors, so I put my writing on the backburner.
I started writing & beautiful memories came up, but I kept getting distracted by what was happening in the moment.
And when I share my story of our travel experiences, I want my excitement to come through & just didn’t feel it reading back what I was typing… almost half a$$ed.
I’m a big fan of authenticity, not falseness.
Please stay tuned, there’s so much more to share! 😊
Thank you for returning & continuing to read my blog ❤
We drove into the parking area, a light drizzle falling.
As we started off on the rocks, drizzle turned to rain haha! Still, undeterred, we explored the rocks, the Poulnabrone Dolmen – an Irish icon of archaeology! We started playing in the rain trying not to slip & fall on the rocks. We were taking landscape & landmark photos, being silly, making faces, striking poses, taking group selfies. Oh, how we laughed.
We all just let our hair down & it felt fantastic. How often do we do this? Why don’t we do it more often if it feels so good? We were so carefree & only once back in the car, did we realise we were half soaked 😀
Look at that beautiful landmark!
Such happy faces, I remember these moments so clearly.
More driving, we passed a tractor for which we needed to get onto the shoulder of the road to let it pass. And a lady was driving, passing with a polite wave of thanks. Ok, now we’re in deep country. Roads so narrow we’re almost in the bush when “traffic” comes your way! So far away from city hustle, at home & here in Ireland (Dublin city). Properly off the beaten track.
Now remember, we’re big fans of old architecture.
We spotted an abandoned brick structure in ruin – in the middle of a field (slightly creepy). Stop the car! We have to know what’s out there, what’s inside even. Out of the car, back out in the light drizzle, a perfect spot for Newton to fly his drone! Being curious, I needed to know what this place was! Google told me it is a historical landmark called Carron Church – Teampall a Chairn.
Ah, such beauty in ruins forgotten by many. There’s an eerie peace about this spot.
Beautiful Drone shot by Newton
By now, three quarter of the day had passed – time really flies when you’re having fun. We all agreed it was time to head back home.
After Carmen had been driving all day, hubby Warren offered to drive back.
**OK… Warren, if you’re reading this, it’s your time to shine haha 😀
Just thinking about it, has me giggling. Carmen was in front, & Newton & I were at the back. Warren was navigating with GPS, however, we all dozed off and left Warren driving on his own. Carmen & I woke to hear him & Newton deciding if we’d been down this road before… “oh that looks familiar, I think we came through here already” Yup! We were lost hahaha!!
After laughing my A$$ off making everyone else laugh, we slowly got back on track. We, including our driver, were all pooped after the day’s activities.
But we had the energy for one last stop! A petrol station with food!! Newton was excited to see Subway! He wanted to try this here. To our disappointment, they were closed 😦 So we opted for loaded fries from Burger King. Grabbed a couple snacks and about 3.5hours later we arrived home.
(I may have dozed off again on the ride back.) Thanks Warren, for getting us back safely & entertaining us out of sleep hahaha! A fun ending to a genuinely fun day 😀
Today is the road trip to the Cliffs of Moher! Buckle up, I have lots to share!
Snacks packed – check! Water bottles for days – check! Let’s go!! Yes, I was really that excited. I called shotgun, we shoved the boys in the back seats 😉
New lesson: every petrol/gas station has their own petrol/gas price. So, we drove around a bit before stopping to fill up. Newton gets a chance to use the self-service pump & go inside the store to pay. After a tussle between him & Carmen about who’s paying (he won!), we hit the road again.
Well… now I am seeing the Ireland I imagined for so long. The lush, green rolling hills. Mountainsides. Valleys. Winding roads. A little cloudy, cool but lovely. I’m already grateful for being chauffeured by Carmen, my eyes are absorbing so much natural beauty I don’t think my brain could keep up!
We stopped at a pier & I remember this pitstop because of the cute border collie following me as we walked, but for the life of me I cannot remember the name of this quaint fishing pier.
Newton & I jumped up onto a rock wall, wowed by the breath-taking view of ocean.
Back on the road, passing cows and sheep grazing peacefully. They’re everywhere.
We drive up to the entrance of the Cliffs of Moher. People everywhere. Lots of tour busses.
I remember seeing the steep uphill to the walls of the Cliffs & thinking… “hmmm, am I ready for this?” But there was adrenalin rushing through every vessel of my being. (I had no idea what was ahead of me!) Up steps to the right, passing a delightful gentleman playing tunes on his accordion, we reached a point where we had a full view of the Cliffs. It’s breathtaking!!
Up more steps, we saw a Tower we could enter & explore. This is O’Brien’s Tower, the highest point of the Cliffs. It’s named after a descendant of the first High King of Ireland; Cornelius O’Brien was the landlord in the locality. How fascinating.
O’Brien’s Tower (right), Cliffs of Moher
Going up inside the Tower… and outside at the top of the Tower
Time for a trail walk. (Carmen, if you’re reading… contain yourself haha!) A dusty path with views of the ocean to the left & green pastures to the right. Along the fence I stopped to watch a cow graze (I know, lame) & heard the loudest chewing from an animal! Sounded like it was ripping the grass from the ground. Of all the things/sights/sounds that stay with us, mine had to be of a cow chewing!
Further down, we were taking photos of the amazing views and while everyone was facing the ocean, I turned to take pictures of the fields. Stretching over the fence suddenly my life flashed before my eyes!!
The fence was electrified & I shrieked & freaked! Pretty sure I freaked out the entire bunch of tourists around me! After a quick check of my vitals (thanks my darling nursie friend Carmen), everyone burst out laughing! Guys, I could have died over here! Nope, hysterical laughter all round is what I got… until I laughed along! From this moment, this day would be remembered as a … “shocking experience”! You’re welcome, I aim to please 😀
We made our way back to where we started, by now Carmen & Warren were leaving us on our own. We wanted to explore the other side of the Cliffs… they said, “see you in 2hours!” what!?
Off we went, for a gruelling uphill most of the way, but oh boy was it worth it!
Hard work pays, once at the top… you’ll see!
Honestly the most magnificent views of nature. A couple times, I told Newton to slow down & just look around. Ok maybe to rest a little too 😉
You don’t realise how quickly time passes & before you know it, you’re leaving a place and all you have are memories. So, while in the experience, I always try to remind myself… this may never happen again. Be fully in it.
Pausing to take in the softer natural beauty, often just passed by or forgotten ❤
We had some lovely selfie spots, sat on rocks overlooking the Cliffs, Newton found edge-of-the-mountain photo ops… while I sat watching 😐 But I admired him so much, loved that he was getting his fill of this experience too. There’s one candid photo I took of him (not sharing 😉), which is just a picture of joy & relaxation.
This visit to Cliffs of Moher is part one of today because there’s too much for one post! We grabbed sandwiches & drinks from the cafe, before jumping in the car for more road trip fun!
Next week, I’ll bring you some more stories & pictures from the Irish countryside.
Today’s itinerary is packed full, so we can’t wait to get out the door! Back on our bustrip into Dublin city. We arrive on the bustling O’Connell Street Upper. Earlier than yesterday, so lots more & different to see. Back over the Liffey using the Ha’Penny bridge, we take a side street we haven’t used in the past two days – because we’re exploring of course 😊
So often Newton and I get lost together on our journeys, (even in Cape Town finding off-the beaten-track spots!) but we always laugh about it & see it as an adventure. I will usually be the first one to panic, but he’s had his fair share of “Oh shit we’re lost” moments haha!
After 12 years together, it’s now a standing inside joke.
Strolling through what could be considered alleys more than roads, we moved between main streets & found some cool buildings & little shops. But not too distracted, as we had our first touristy stop ahead.
A visit to Mr Oscar Wilde!
We were getting good at navigating with Google maps, but also just being aware… spotting street signs etc. Walking along, what seemed to be a business district, people sitting at cafes with laptops, suited up folks walking around. It felt nice not to be one of them, we were on holiday 😀
Turned a corner & spotted the memorial. There was a bus stop right outside the Merrion Park entrance, but I’m glad we didn’t use the bus, rather walked the streets & saw Dublin from a different perspective. There was tourist hop-on/off busses, usual commuter busses too.
It must have been a guided/private tour, a man was talking to a couple about the history of Oscar Wilde & the monuments we see. Nice! Except, this asshole was taking up all the space… yes, in an outside garden (I’m really rolling my eyes hard!) He was actually leaning on the statues that we and others, were trying to get to & take photos of. Urgh… no matter where you go you will come across selfish dickheads!
Anyway, after some staring at him & trying to take pics over and around him hahaha, he seemed to get the message & moved away. There were marble slates with the writing of Oscar Wilde, apparently in his own handwriting. Cool!
Then we ventured back out into the streets of Dublin. We walked past the Department of Taoiseach of Ireland – government building that looked like a palace, where a news crew was filming outside. We navigated to the Dublin branch of the company Newton works for… went inside but couldn’t get into the offices without an escort… and he didn’t know anyone personally, so goodbye.
Down another street, we walked past a stunning ivy-covered Georgian building with a red door popped in the middle. So beautiful. This was home to the gorgeous Grayson restaurant. I think there used to be a branch of the Bank of Ireland, since it was written on the far end of the building… in gold!
Crossed the street to find another statue, founder of the United Irishmen and a leading figure in the fight for Irish independence from British rule – Wolfe Tone.
Statue of Wolfe Tone
And now we found ourselves at the other end of St Stephen’s Green. Things are starting to look familiar, which just boosts our confidence for more exploring. Through many more streets, busy main streets, quaint side streets, we decided to stop for a treat at Murphy’s Ice-cream
The server was so much fun, pleasant & welcoming, but making it very difficult for us to choose a flavour of ice-cream! Finally, we were persuaded. We each settled for two scoops. Newton had Irish sea salt + Lemon Curd. I chose Irish bread flavour + chocolate Irish whiskey. Ice-cream nirvana!! 😀 After a chat about where we’re from & where we’re headed next, he offered to take photos for us. They have a spot in the store especially for tourists & anyone wanting to boast on social media about this spot!
Ice-cream before lunch is always a good idea 😀
Down the street we stroll with our scoops, just as we finish, I spot a homeware, “this-and-that” kinda store. Oh boy… my kryptonite 😐 Yes, there were many things in this two-storey store that I convinced myself I “must have” but settled on just one item. A cute baguette bag 😀
I confess, we are gluten, carb, wheat bread addicts. Which works well with the coffee addiction haha!
Next; Dublin Castle. Up a steep hill, we found ourselves amid an enormous crowd of tourists. The castle itself, was mighty and impressive. But we didn’t go inside, decided to skip. I was excited to go to the MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRPAHY for the 13th edition of Ireland’s international festival of the most comprehensive overview of the history & practise of Photography in Ireland to date. Entry was free, which is always a bonus.
We had to leave any recording devices at the reception before we could enter the exhibition.
I admired the photography; we enjoyed the exhibition with no time limit, but if I’m honest… underwhelming. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I wanted more. Don’t misunderstand, the images were thought provoking & some even raw. They showcased life in Ireland, past & recent.
Time for lunch! We decided to walk around & pick a spot spontaneously. No, I think we followed our noses because we ended up in PittBrosBBQ Restaurant.
I’m not religious but can appreciate preserved works of art & transcripts rich in history from “those days” It’s a self-tour, but very systematic. Once you enter, you are smacked with ooh’s & ah’s. Ancient drawings fascinated me, the intricacy, the symbolism. An illuminated manuscript created by Scottish and/or Irish monks, the book illustrates the four gospels of the Christian New Testament – in Latin! I did two years of Latin in high school, far from enough to understand any of it 😐
I can understand why it’s dubbed Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and one of the most famous artefacts in the world.
As this tour comes to an end, you walk up stairs and into bookworm, architectural utopia!! Enter, the Long Room. A beautiful old library, filled with heritage, housing manuscripts and books some of which are still used by professors and students – under strict supervision. A working library since 1732! :O The literature is regularly restored, books are marked with tickets next in line for restoration. The entire collection of books is cut off from the public – a really good idea if preserving such history!
Oh, the smells in this library. Transported me to childhood, when books for school projects were still a thing & you had to visit the library for research. Yes, I’m giving away my age. Never mind, it’s a sensory memory I cherish. And in this moment, in this beautiful library, I’m glad I had those experiences as a child.
The Long Room was adorned with busts of all the famous literary greats. Socrates, Plato & Newton to name a few! We spent so much time here. Aside from trying to capture the moment by so many shots clicked, I sat on a bench in the middle of the room & just absorbed. I watched people, admiring this space just as I was. Right here, right now, we all have this one admiration in common. No matter how we look, where we come from or how we speak.
I watched Newton (my guy, not the bust 😉), I wouldn’t describe him as a literature enthusiast haha, but could see how impressed he was. Enjoying taking photos from every angle. Beautiful staircases, gorgeous dark wood archways, stunning displays of millions of books behind rolling ladders.
When we finally had enough, & I couldn’t pose for another pic 😐 we went downstairs & it was a world of souvenirs. So clever, I thought! You have to go through this shop to get to the exit. Of course, you will browse & be tempted. Well, we fell for it! After probably a half hour, we were both in the queue with something to take back home.
Back on the streets of Dublin, we head to Grafton Street. We have a plan! SHOPPING!
Yes, both of us😉
Yesterday, we walked through an indoor market named George’s Street Arcade selling souvenirs, trinkets, art, clothing, accessories… which brings me to the point of wanting to return today, for a beautiful pendant I saw at a silver jewellery kiosk – Doyle Design Dublin. I bargained with myself, spoke a thousand words to the lovely, patient saleslady. She was enjoying conversation about where we’re from, what Cape Town is like, what the Irish folk think about our country & city. Then, either from boredom, impatience or just sheer love, Newton announced “we’re taking it, please wrap it for her” and bought it for me. What a guy, I think he loves me loads haha! 🙂
Gifts for family, gifts for ourselves, gifts for our hosts! Carrolls Irish Gifts is basically everywhere, so we chose them. Yesterday, while window shopping, I saw a stunning Irish hoodie. When I went home, I was talking about it & both Warren and Newton said, “you have to get it!” How can I argue? 😉 So, I did 😀
Newton bought himself a beautiful green Irish pee-cap, like really, green! But he rocks it 😊 We laughed when we realised, well… we can’t buy Carmen & Warren Irish souvenirs, they live here haha! We thought, they were so wonderful buying the Nespresso machine, we were drinking up all the capsules… so let’s get them more & different capsules 😀 (But… there was a back-up plan too!)
Oh my word, do you think we could find this frikkin Nespresso shop? One of the few times Google maps didn’t help 😐 We probably passed it a couple times, but eventually found it down a side street. Not being familiar with Nespresso, we thought the shop & purchasing style was very fancy! You had to select your sleeve of capsules, take it to a self check-out, drop the capsules into a shaft, swipe or tap to pay & out pops a bagged purchase….whaaaat? Where are the leprechauns!?
While searching for the store, we passed a very long line outside a donut shop – The Rolling Donut. On our way back, we decided to get some to take home for us all to enjoy after dinner. Think about these flavours; Ferrero Roche, Coffee, Blueberry Cheesecake, Apple Crumble…Boy was it a hit! Happy faces all round.
Today heading back to our bus stop, we decided to take a different route, explore some more while heading home. You can feel the energy change later in the afternoon, or early evening (because it’s so light out I get confused with time!) Tourists are getting fewer, local professionals are taking over, pubs are getting louder. Coming across the Liffey (river) I felt like I was in New York! Haha! Never been (bucket list for sure!), but what I’ve seen on tv about the busy streets, is what’s right in front of me.
Since today is our last day exploring the city, we decided to pop into a coffee shop on O’Connell Street Upper – Cafe Nero. Newton ordered a mini carrot cake & a brownie for me. No judging please, I know we have a bag full of donuts, but calories don’t count when on holiday… especially when you average 20k steps a day!
There we sat at the window bar (our favourite spot in a café) watching the world go by while discussing & recapping our day. It’s only the end of today & already we’re giggling about memories we just made! One thing we agreed on, was how much we appreciated this opportunity. To sit where we are, after where we’ve been, considering where we come from, how much it took for us to be here… and just be! Here!
The cookies weren’t great, the coffee was done so off we went for a walk from O’Connell Street to Beresford Place to catch our Bus Éireann back home.
However, to my surprise, mister had one last stop along the way! Fun! A couple of dodgy looking side streets later, we were at Sports Direct a massive store with everything sports related. If I wasn’t tired, I probably would have bought sneakers I didn’t need. While sitting on a bench waiting for Newton to find what he needed, I enjoyed one of my favourite pass times… people watching. Damn! Some of these shoppers were ripped! Women in Ireland loooove tights! Like yoga tights. Tight, tight tights… this was odd, to me haha! Not a common sight back home…
And we’re off… this time for real heading to the bus stop. Once again enjoying the trip back, it was different because we both knew it was the last bus trip leaving Dublin city. Peace out, you were great!
Back home, poor Warren got an ear full again. I say that, but he really seemed to enjoy our stories & experiences. He scolded us for buying more coffee pods haha, such a great host. After dinner, while waiting for Carmen to return from work, I was packing goodies away, journaling, looking over pics in the bedroom… when I head the most amusing sounds ever! Warren & Newton were watching stand-up comedy on Netflix & they were crying with laughter! By the time I stopped laughing at their laughter & wanted to catch some of it on video, it was past the peak of entertainment, but I did catch some 😀 My heart smiled, hearing Newton so happy & relaxed. And seeing Warren relax after work enjoying Newton’s company😊
Carmen’s back! Yay! More opportunity for me to talk about my day haha! However, we can’t get passed our excitement for tomorrow – Friday! They’re taking us on a road trip! Into the country…
So do come back next week when I share more adventures & photos of our travels. These are such special memories & I’m so glad I still remember so much ❤
lots happening up there 