Ireland Or Bust

DUBLIN

Did you know the first St. Patrick's Day celebration was in the US in 1962 and not in Ireland? WTF? I found this out when I tried to make it to the Shamrock island for the celebration. However, after talking to a few Irish peeps...and failing to book a hostel a year in advance, it wasn't going to happen. I went to wish the Irish a Happy St. Patricks day anyway...just a few days later. If there is one thing the Irish know how to do well, it's to drink! They even turned one their Cathedrals into a bar called "The Church" and what a beautiful bar it is.  So, obviously a pub crawl was mandetory when Heath and I got to Dublin. We got our Guinness, I danced all night and the morning was like nails on a chalk board. However, the real reason we made the voyage over the Irish Sea was to pay a visit to Heath's cousin Tony and fam.

My first Guinness

Dublin Castle

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Dublin, Ireland

"The Church"

COUNTY MAYO, BALLINA

Few! I made it from Dublin alive. It was rough. I  think I had Heath worried when I was breaking out in cold sweats and cursing Mr. Patrick himself on the bus ride from Dublin to Ballina. At times like this there's is no place like home (any home) and Heath's Cousin and family welcomed us with open arms.

pics of Ballina

Coast of County Mayo

Cousins!

Target Practice 

Ben sending us off.

BELFAST

Heath described it perfectly. Belfast...a city that looks like it got its heart broken. This is true, but there is much more to Belfast than bullet holes and home to the Titanic.  It's a place that really is a little rough around the edges, but Heath and I joined in on the popin' Uni life in the hip cafes and concert venues. oh, and the famous Crown Bar. Fun! 

There is so much history to take in here and the vibe of a hostile past is very much still alive in everyday life. We made a point to check out the "Peace Wall" which has been standing longer than the Berlin Wall and we made our mark. See...Jayla and Heath were here!

SF was here!

Postin up at Crown Bar

The Murals

Peace Wall

CAUSEWAY COAST

This was the most beautiful of landscapes in Northern Ireland. Especially since you can drive for miles and miles and will always be able to see a house, or a wall, or a farm...just a land that has been trampled over. But the Causeway coast was incredible! Heath and I hopped on a bus in Belfast and barged up to "The Giant's Causeway".  Mother nature surely couldn't be responsible for something so fascinating!

The Giant's Causway

The Organ

Perfect Polygons

Dunluce Castle behind us.

Stop at the Bushmills Distillery 

I was happy we made it to Ireland and was happy to leave. Had a blast as you can see , but it was time to get back to the main land!