On Thursday, we embarked on a 3 day bus tour around Ireland. We weren't exactly sure what we were getting ourselves in to, but we knew it was somewhat dubious because the itinerary included sleeping in Youth Hostels.
When we first got on the giant bus, we found ourselves surrounded by very lively 18 year olds from all over the world, mostly Australia. We both panicked at first, and felt very out of place, but we sort of warmed up to the situation over time. Everyone was very friendly, so it was easy to meet people.
One of our first stops was the Cliffs of Moher. They were very cool. Pictures don't really do them justice.
This is random. Two of our fellow travelers "won" a "contest" on "reality tv"... or something. The prize was they get to travel the world and try out honeymoon destinations. Somehow, it's also a job, and we're not clear on how "reality tv" fits in to the picture. We don't understand it, but maybe you can.
Anyway, long story short, they are also going for the world record for most Renewed Wedding Vow Ceremonies. So, we got to watch them get married... three times. It got old. But they were very nice people.
On the first night, it was Karaoke Night at the Randy Leprechaun!
It didn't seem like it would be fun, but it was a blast. Mark and I chickened out on singing, but our fellow travelers did not hold back. Our Portuguese friend, Alexander, did an amazing rendition of Bed of Roses by Bon Jovi. I should have taken video!
It was good night to really hang out and bond with the other travelers.
We were afraid of staying in the youth hostel, so we upgraded to a Bed and Breakfast. It was a long hike away from the Randy Leprechaun, in the pouring rain, up hill and in pitch dark, but it was worth it to have our own room. The view at breakfast was amazing.
Our first stop, on the second day, was a tiny, little town called Dingle. It's on a harbor, so it's mostly a fishing village. And I think tourism is a big industry there as well. We wandered around, saw a farmers market, and eventually ran in to our friends at the local hardware store that doubles as a pub.
That afternoon, we did a tour of the Ring of Kerry. It was very much like what we expected, with regard to green fields, misty mountains, etc. It was really neat, but it did involve a lot of driving, getting out for pictures, then driving some more.
Right here is where scenes from Far and Away were filmed.
Later that day, we made it to Killarney. Apparently, it's the biggest tourist destination in all of Ireland. That's what we were told. I still think it's got to be Dublin. Killarney was charming, but it was very touristy.
We went on a horse-drawn carriage tour through the forest, almost immediately after arriving.
Funny Story. After the carriage ride, Mark had to use the restroom. I told him that we were leaving soon, but he figured he had a few minutes. Our bus wound up leaving without him! Luckily, we didn't go far, and he was able to catch up by foot. I'll never hear the end of it, though. :)
(The last day, which at the time of this writing is today, was Mark's birthday. Yay! Kinda. He picked up some kind of flu and has been fevery and lethargic all day. He's sleeping now, with the hopes that we can pretend tomorrow is his birthday instead.)
So, on the last day, went to Blarney Castle. Mark was feeling so bad that he told me to go kiss the Blarney Stone for the both of us. Luckily, I talked him in to joining me.
The drive home was long, but we made it. I'm sure I'm leaving out some major events of the trip, but how much do you really want to read, right? I'll try to get Mark to give his own synopsis on the trip as well.
It's nice to be back in Dublin now. Mark's sleeping, and I went out for dinner at my favorite restaurant here, O'Neill's. So good.
Tomorrow, we're off to Wales, by ferry and by bus!
-mike
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