So far this week out Holiday Vacations tour group has enjoyed exceptional weather for visiting all the tourist places; a bit of rain and wind but, hey, this is Ireland. Linda and I have, in a short time, grown to love it here. Our traveling companions are all top notch; our tour guide is wonderful and our driver guide, well, he’s been exceptional not only with his motoring skills but his knowledge of the country and dry wit. The scenery is spectacular, of course, but I think it’s the Irish people themselves that have won us over. Oh, I know, most of the people we encounter on these jaunts put on the charm because they’d like our money..but there’s a difference with the Irish we’ve encountered. They’re just friendly and nice; genuinely so, I believe.
Anyway, it’s all going way too fast.
Here are a few more photos with comments..
Ta La for now.
Our one rainy day at the Cliffs of Moher. This was as close as Linda wanted to get to the edge.
What a cute Irish family at the Cliffs, I thought. Turns out they were from Atlanta and the little boy's name was, of all things, Grant. Thank goodness the war is over for some.
On to Limerick and a tour of Bunratty Castle dating back a thousand years or so.
Inside Bunratty Castle that evening we were treated to a medieval banquet with plenty of honey wine (mead) ribs, chicken and other courses all served without silverware. The entertainment was fit for a king.
And who should be named Lord and Lady of the evening but Linda and Me. We were presented with crowns and got to sit at the head table. Everyone on the tour are still calling us your highness. I thought about discouraging them but figured, nah..it's good to be king.
Our bus is basic white on the outside but looks like a 1960's nightclub inside. A few of our colorful guests taking in the sights of our swing around the Ring Of Kerry.
Spectacular views of the Atlantic from "The Ring."
Tried to have a visit with Tim..who had his own corner at this Killarney pub. He, like everybody else in this country, was really friendly especially after I bought him a pint. But I couldn't understand a word he said.
Our group sure knows how to have crack..(fun)
More Mead wench
Lady Linda and her subjects
Climbing the 105 winding stairs to the top of Blarney Castle. I'm shocked that I made it considering my fear of tight places.
The line to kiss that bloody stone. Linda is part Irish and wanted to do it but is deathly afraid of heights. This would require special bravery.
Down she goes to be suspended out the castle wall to plant a wet one on that Blarney Stone. I was sure she'd chicken out.
But NO! She did it. Thumbs up. So proud of her. Of course the only camera angle where you can actually see the kiss is hogged by a professional photographer and you can purchase the moment for ten Euros. We bought two for 18.
