Ireland: A Trip Of A Lifetime

All of my life, for some reason, I've wanted to go to Ireland. Something about that emerald isle has always intrigued me.
   Well, the beginning of the year 2019 began research, and travel plans were set in motion! Would I have done this on my own, make this trip of a lifetime dream come true? To be honest, probably not. I'd just continue being content traveling to local gigs...., whilst still dreaming.
But, alas, Lady Pamela came into my life, and she is not one to settle for "just being content". Through her encouragement and planning, the dream was set to become reality.
    The trip was booked in February for departure in September. The months between seemed like forever as we planned agendas and mapped out what all we would do. Friends were giving suggestions on places we must see and do while there. Fear and excitement grew in me, as this was really going to happen and I could not wrap my head around it!
    But the day finally came and it did happen! It was the grandest thing ever! Aside from the crazy airport shenanigans.
We landed in Dublin and drove to our Hotel (Bracken Court Hotel) in Balbriggan, and spent the remainder of our first day walking on the beach of the Irish Sea.
The remaining days of that week became full of one adventure after another: A hectic day (2 actually) in Dublin, where we visited Dublin Castle, St Patricks Cathedral, Grafton Street, Molly Malons statue, and so much more. ………….
    

We forgot about all the plans and agendas we had made before the trip, forgot about all the suggestions our friends had made, and just took our own trail and figured things out as it came....and asking locals what we should see. The locals were the best, I think they enjoyed being helpful.
As the days flew by, we seen castles, ruins, beaches, country sides, parks and nature. We took a 3 hour drive to Cork and spent the afternoon at Blackrock Castle, which had been restored as an observatory. We went on a tour of Castle Trim ( some scenes from the movie BRAVEHEART were filmed there). We toured Castle Swords, The Ardgillan Castle (so elegant inside and out), got lost in the forest trails. Went to Bremore Castle, but it was under repairs so we couldn't go inside.
The little coastal village of Skerries was beautiful. And multiple ruins appeared at just about every turn, like roundabouts. And speaking of roundabouts, I personally think the USA should have taken up that idea instead of four way stops and red light intersections, traffic just seemed to flow better there.
      Back in Balbriggan we spent most of our time exploring the coast line, wandering , climbing, breathing in the majesty of this wonderous place.
It was a trip of a lifetime. One week was certainly not near enough time to soak it all in. I will never forget the people we met, Georginna, Paddy, John, and George, for they were so instrumental in our stay in Ireland.
 And none of this would have came to pass had it not been for Lady Pamelas strong will to pursue this adventure......I am so glad she did.

Slainte !