Monday, August 15, 2011

American Invasion

Last week was a busy, busy week.  My friend Kimberly and her fiance Brian were in visiting!  Their first trip to Ireland and my first official American visitors.  I met them in Dublin on Monday where we stayed a few nights before going on to Galway, Athlone, Connemara National Park, Knock, Sligo, Donegal (Slieve League cliffs, Donegal Town and Killybegs), Giant's Causeway, Mussendon Temple, the Rope Bridge and of course back to Derry.  This was also my first time driving around most of the country...which, I so rocked.  I'm such a pro at this opposite side driving now.  Maybe I'll start my own driving school?

They weren't greeted by the best weather since it rained ALL week except for a few hours when we were driving the Causeway Coastal Route but we carried on, soaking wet.  My good hair days were non-existent last week.

Oh, and Fish and Chips are dead.  I imagine being stared at 24/7 by a cat didn't help their life span any.

We took more than 400 pics between us, but I won't torture you with all of them.  So, here's a select few.

Me and Kimberly outside Dublin Castle.  This was taken shortly after she walked out in front of traffic and nearly caused a bike rider to fly over his handlebars hahahahhaha. In her defense, it's hard to remember to look right first before crossing a street when you're American and used to looking the other way first.  It took me a while to get the hang of it!

Kimberly and Brian at Trinity College after taking a peek at the Book of Kells.  Have to give 'em props as they jumped straight off the airplane and went right in to touring.  I would have needed a day of sleep first.
Taken outside Auchnanore Castle outside of  Galway.
Kimberly and Brian outside Kylemore Abbey.
And there's me outside Kylemore Abbey.  Barry wasn't able to join us until we got to Derry.
Barry and Brian taking in Mussendon Temple.
Here we are at Giant's Causeway!
Barry and I in front of the rope bridge.  "It's too bad the bridge was closed, otherwise I so would have done that!" Barry says.  Um uh huh Barry sure.  He no likey heights at all.
We got lucky and saw a rainbow.  Although, no pot of gold unfortunately.

And here they are on the bus back to Dublin before I broke down in tears.  I'm all alone again...sigh.

6 comments:

  1. Looks like fun. Must be so nice to have friends from home visit you! Too bad about Fish and Chips but it was bound to happen. Haha. By the way I'll be in Ireland in May 2012 (the week leading up to Memorial Day). I'll be in Killarney most of the time then Dublin for the end/long weekend. You should come and meet up!

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  2. I can't tell you how jealous I am of your location. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Ireland is my ULTIMATE destination. It's where my family roots are. I have a natural longing for it. Glad you had a good time with your friends. :)

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  3. Between Fish and Chips dying and that last picture of your friends leaving I may have cried while reading this....

    Looks like a wonderful time though. Ireland is just as beautiful as I always imagine it.

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  4. So much fun! Visitors from home are just as good as a visit home. Looks like ya'll had a great time!

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  5. I know how you feel. I just had my second round of American visitors last week too. Le sigh.

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  6. How fun! J and I might be traveling to Ireland next year around this time for a Notre Dame-Navy football game in Dublin with my parents. Your photos are just adding fuel to the fire :)

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