A lot more of Ireland

My Dad has always dreamed of going to Ireland, and we were so happy to be able to share his first visit there with him.  He celebrated a big birthday during our week there, and what better way to celebrate an Irishman's birthday than in the oldest pub in Ireland?  We had his birthday dinner at the Brazen Head, which claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland (although the pub we visited a few times in Kilkenny this past October claimed the same thing...) and were entertained by a great Irish Storyteller.  The kids were enthralled with legends of fairies and fairy trees, Leprechauns and magic wells.  Good stuff all around and of course the Guinness was flowing.

Outside Dublin Castle on the way to the Brazen Head

Reading and drawing makes dinners out pleasant experiences these days

Woo hoo!!!  Happy Birthday Dad/Grandpa Jim!

Lots of pictures from this trip.  Ireland is stunningly beautiful and the weather in April was perfection.  The following pictures are from our day trips to Carrickmacross, Kilkenny and our last day in Dublin.

Carrickmacross, CountyMonaghan

 My Dad's mother's family came from this area.  We had a great time walking around and meeting the locals, who are like most Irish, incredibly warm and helpful.  Really, so many new best friends we have that we'll most likely never see again! 

A little lunch break with Flat Stanley who was visiting from Southern California

Waiting around in Carrickmacross

Guinness murals are everywhere.  I'll do a post of just murals one of these days.

Looking longingly into a pub

fundraising on the street

just like Belgium

hot cross buns for Easter

Taking turns with Grandpa Jim's new hat

They've just spotted this kid below.  Funniest thing ever.

Back off, there's a new sheriff in town

This kid is waiting for his dad inside the pub!  He came out for a smoke and to check on the kid while we were there.  Not like anyone would mess with this little guy.

 Scenes below are from our drive out to the tiny village where we believed my grandmother's family was from. 

A church on the drive up.  Very fancy wedding had just finished up...check out the outfits

 Below, where we thought the Larkins came from...

Someone was unusually grumpy that afternoon

Seamus O'Malley aka Sam

family shot minus grumpy sis

Dad and Janet

Below are a few shots from the area around the cottage where we stayed.

The cottage next door.

We visited the beautiful city of Kilkenny, and on the way stopped in at the Nicholas Mosse factory.  I've been collecting his pottery a bit here and there since discovering it at an Irish shop in Charleston, SC years ago.  

The scones and jam are evil over here

What's wrong boys?  Aren't enjoying the little tea shoppe?

The unusually bright Irish sun was too much for Brian who didn't bring sunglasses.  Luckily these Elvis-style shades from the toy box at the cottage worked out.

Kate and I call them Easter egg houses

Below, Kilkenny Castle and grounds

First introduction to the game of hurling.  We love this sport and Sam now has the scarred eyebrow to prove just how much.

 Below we are back in Dublin for our last day.  We toured the Kilmainham Gaol, which is a must for anyone interested in Ireland's history.  To lighten the mood, we then ventured over to the Guinness factory.  Yum....

 Some happy folks below.  The Guinness tour is interesting, but there's something about that place that really lifts the spirits.  Probably all the free beer?

We were later informed there were all kinds of little bugs in that barley stuff

giddy, about to get the free stuff straight from the source

it sits and waits two minutes

Voila.  Beautiful.

Heading away from Guinness and on to dinner.  Matthew and this man really hit it off.

Cheers!

When the Guinness gets to be a little too heavy, this is the best.

 Not the most informative blog post, but time is rare these days and this trip was well worth posting about.  All the trips are, and I hope to get a few more up during Christmas break next week.