sláinte.

After some quality time with good friends my mom and I had a few extra days to partake on some adventures of our own. We took a bus (maybe a few too many) down to Cork, Ireland where we spent time in the boutique town of Kinsale. In addition, we visited Cobh (formerly Queenstown), which was the last port of call for the Titanic and also visited the Blarney Castle where I supposedly gained the gift of eloquence after kissing the Blarney Stone :). Meeting many personable Irish people along the way, we were wished ‘Slainte,’ which is a Gaelic expression of Celtic bonhomie, a greeting variously meaning good health or welcome.  

This is a statue of Anne Moore who was the first immigrant to the United States to be processed at Ellis Island on January 1st, 1892.

The Lusitania Statue

I can’t get over the Irish doors! Love them!

Blarney Castle

Pure happiness after kissing the Blarney Stone

A view from the top of the Blarney Castle

Now, off to Budapest!

it was a mighty craic.

Now that the cruise is over, it is time for another adventure – a little Irish folk.  After a restful night sleep in our adorable Bed and Breakfast in Dun Loaghaire, Ireland, I met up with my mom, one of my best friends and her mom. Precious, right?  We spent 2 days exploring Dublin and 1 day touring the breathtaking Wicklow Mountains.  The Irish culture is filled with hospitable and friendly people!  Oh, don’t let me forget to share about the Irish Craic – it’s the Irish way of saying ‘good fun’ or a ‘jolly time.’ Anyways, here are the pictures:

Lunch at Dublin’s oldest and largest Café, Bewley’s Café and Restaurant.

We visited Trinity College, so we thought it was appropriate for the college roommates to take a picture together.

Our mom’s hit it off great and talked throughout the entire visit!

Dublin Castle

A tribute to our Irish President - they call him BOB over there (Stand for Barack O Bama)

We took a tour of the Guinness Factory - it is so much more than just a beer, Guinness lies deep within the Irish Culture.

We accidentally stumbled upon this library - so incredible!  It is the first working library in Dublin, Marsh’s Library. They have ancient books, dating back from before Christ. Many books on ancient surgery practices, C-sections, herbal remedies, etc. Some of the first anatomical dissection notations, as well as Hippocrates’ writings and original code of ethics that medical professionals still swear by today!!!

A view from inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral where we attended an evening service and heard beautiful singing.

Powerscourt House and Gardens 

At Glendalough, an early monestary settled by St. Kevin.  (Some may recognize it from the set of ‘Count of Monte Cristo’)

The Wicklow Mountains, made famous by P.S. I Love You and Braveheart