This is my first blog post traveling without Tom. This time, my travel companion is my beautiful daughter Melanie. We are celebrating her milestone birthday and she chose Ireland as our destination. Lucky me!
After sharing ideas about waterproof clothing and shoes, packable toiletries, and carry-on-only ideas my daughter and I schedule a day to “practice pack”. As a veteran traveler using carry-on-only, merino clothing, and packing cubes I expect I’ll need to coach Melanie. Pleasant surprise: she’s packed an even smaller bag than mine! I immediately start pulling out a couple of “just in case” items I’d added and now am able to zip up the expanding part of my suitcase. I will likely need to expand it for the trip home after I buy some Irish woolen items or other souvenirs.
Tom shuttles us to the beautifully renovated Portland airport for our first flight. While I haven’t been to every airport, that would be an enormous accomplishment, I must say PDX has to be one of the most beautiful ever. The openness seems to architecturally depict the expansive natural beauty of the pacific northwest. We fly Alaska Airlines Portland to Boston, where we have a 5 1/2 hour layover. The flight is delayed, but we are rewarded with the only empty seat on the plane is the one between us so we can stretch out.
Once at Logan International we head to the lounge to await our overnight Aer Lingus flight to Dublin. It’s always a challenge on overnight flights to get time adjusted as soon as possible. The Aer Lingus flight upgrade provided a lounge with showers upon our arrival, so we freshen up and take the local bus to our hotel next to Temple Bar, drop our bags and start exploring Dublin. Temple Bar is a neighborhood just south of the river Liffey with a reputation for active tourism and rowdy parties. Fortunately our hotel, the NYX Christchurch, is on the outskirts and a quiet reprieve from the masses.
We weren’t aware until arrival that this weekend is the American football game, the first time in Ireland. Most of the crowd is clearly from the US, wearing Vikings or Steelers gear. The pubs in Temple Bar support both teams, with colorful decorations and flags. It has the bubbling surge of energy like the French Quarter in the days leading up to Mardi Gras.
This is my first experience using a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus and I now know why they are so popular. With only a couple days to see Dublin, the bus with the guide gives us an overview of the city’s history and gives us ideas of what we’d like to go back and explore. If you’re Traveling to a big city and they have these Hop-On-Hop-Off buses, I highly recommend trying one. The luck of the Irish is on us as we have beautiful sunny weather and 65F. On our way, we hear the story behind the pub “Nancy Hands”. Back in the 1800s, the religious laws prohibited serving drink between the hours of 2 and 4. Nancy sidestepped the ban by serving beverages through a tiny door, where all people could see was her hands, thus the name. Later we hop off the bus and stroll through Phoenix Park, grab a coffee at a cute ‘tea house’ then hop back on to finish our tour.
The next morning after a full Irish breakfast we head off to our first tour, beginning with Trinity College. We enjoy walking through the Trinity grounds, listening to our guide. Our ears perk up when we hear about the two Oregon transplants. Who, us? It turns out, there are actually three maple trees that came from Oregon but apparently no one knows how or why they were brought to Ireland.
Next we see the steam punk-esque sculpture Sphere Within Sphere outside the main library. If it looks familiar, you may have spotted a larger sculpture by the same artist in the Courtyard of the Pinecone at the Vatican or many other locations in the world. The artist is Arnaldo Pomodoro. I’m not sure how many of these sculptures actually move, but the one in the Vatican does.
Next we enter the Long Hall of the Old Library, which is currently in the process of getting a fire protection upgrade. Gaia the spectacular illuminated sculpture of earth looms, giving the room an otherworldly feel.
Then we move on to see the Book of Kells, securely protected in a special climate controlled encasement with special lighting as well. There is no photography allowed. Apparently when they turn the pages, they shut the place down, don special suits and masks to help protect the pages.
Afterward we meet up with a Game of Thrones pal, Padraig, who tells us a bit more about Dublin while we share pizzas. Then we wander around Temple Bar as long as we can stand the crowds and US footballers.
Next up: I learn to drive again as we head south to Kinsale.
Beautifully written narration Julianne! You ladies look like you are enjoying the ride!
Thanks Shawna! I imagine you here, your Irish eyes would love this ❤️
Julianne…you’ve masterfully placed us right along with you through your vivid commentary and photos. You have created a space for me to recall with great fondness the trip Jasmin and I had in Ireland.
Were you able to kayak under the numerous Dublin bridges?
Are you going to the site where the Titanic departed on its ill-fated voyage?
Oh, SO MUCH TO SEE!!!
Happy Birthday Melonie❣️🎉🎁🎂
Have the best mother-daughter trip…EVER❣️
I’m eagerly awaiting installment #2😉
😘💙🙏🕯️☮️
You & Jasmin must have had an epic time here. It’s so beautiful, like Oregon.
We did not kayak, although that would be such a fun thing to do. Also, we did not visit the Titanic museum, while it was not far from Kinsale, we were too absorbed with the village to venture out.
Mother-daughter trips are so special ❤️
Julieanne,
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. How in the world well actually Dublin, do you have time to write ? Thanks for sharing your experiences because yes, I too plan to go to the country of my ancestors.
Marilyn
Ha! Writing is a bit more condensed this trip, since we’re only gone 2 weeks.
Hope to golf when we get home ❤️
Fun to see you are enjoying all the places I loved too! Driving is a challenge, be careful💚
I look forward to all your meanderings, your thoughts and photos. Hugs to you and Melanie
Driving is weird, but I’m finally getting the hang of it. ☘️
Julianne!!!! Wow. You write and explain things like we are right there. The book of Kells …. Didn’t know how fragile it is. Glad they preserve it. Your photos are amazing;). The long hall with earth looks so cool. Love reading your blogs.
Thanks Brenda! ❤️
Just re-connected to your blog… love all of the photos and words that you write about Ireland.
Can’t wait to read the next adventure and hear about your driving experience 😵💫
You would love it here, Julie. Except for the driving. Even riding as a passenger is weird, you expect to have a steering wheel there.
Much reminds me of rural NW oregon. So beautiful. ❤️
Your yarns & photos are remarkable, which I have come to expect. But, personally, it is not like being there with you..cuz I miss you. The sites & the two ladies are beautiful though. It’s like “when Irish eyes are smiling” whenever I see you. Continue to enjoy & carry us along. XO
I am certain you would enjoy this country, Tom, In spite of the rain (which we haven’t seen our first week). The friendly, lively vibe is something quite special.
J
PS. I miss you too!
Looks like you are off to a wonderful start. The pictures are amazing! Looking forward to more updates. Happy Birthday Melanie!