Traveling with Erin

Feeds:: Posts; Comments

Out in the country, past the city limit signs… »

Traveling with Erin

October 15, 2009 by jessicablair

Erin spent almost 2 weeks in Ireland and it was wonderful. Man, it was cool spending time with her. Its neat to be constantly reminded that each of us sees and experiences the world around them in very unique ways – Erin is so gifted to share her passion and knowledge about nature, trees, plants, animals, birds, etc. Its was so neat to walk through Ireland with her, becoming more sensitive to the sights/sounds/smells around me through her. We had an absolute blast spending time with my incredibly gracious family here, touring the attractions off the beaten tract, meeting locals, renting a car, making meals together, and soaking up the culture here.

Here are some of the photos & highlights from out trip…

Getting to chat with Erin & spend precious time while walking, cooking, driving, soaking up the outdoors, etc.
Going to mass in Kilcurry, at the church where my grandparents attended then enjoying an afternoon walking in Dundalk, along the bay banks, observing local birds.
Having lunch at Fitzpatricks, running into folks I had met a before (feeling like a real local!) then enjoying an evening in Carlingford.
Exploring a great little seaside town, Malihide, just outside of Dublin. And hanging out at a party with friends of my cousins, Ruth and Roision.
Renting a car! Driving on the left-hand side of the road, manual transmission…it was so much fun. I got behind the wheel and Erin played co-pilot, and we conquered the road! Memorable driving moments were…passing loads of sheep, succcessfully getting around enourmous round-abouts, getting a flat tire. The driving up a curvy, steep road and knowing that I couldn’t get up the hill in 2nd gear, we started to roll backwards…fortunately, we rolled safely to a flatter road to switch gear and get up the mountain…oh, what fun!
Getting tons of great suggestions from my family here of where to go on our roadtrip…great surfing spots, best views, pottery places, etc.
Visiting Belfast, taking a taxi tour to learn about the Troubles that plagued Ireland in recent decades. Rich history. Our taxi driver was a little dramatic in his storytelling but it really painted a good picture of how hostile the city was about 15 years ago. Our taxi driver was a character. He dropped us off at his “uncle’s” house for a cup of tea while he secretly when and bet on horses (only in Ireland).
Driving up the coast in Northern Ireland, very beautiful and not as touristy route.
Staying in a couple very sweet B&Bs, such sweet people running them.
Having a very “rough” guide of where we were headed, but choosing to take a very coastal route. After northern Ireland, we choose to see county Donegal, in northwest Ireland. Its known for being very rugged, stunning coastline, less built up part of Ireland. It was beauitful, so unique.
Staying in two of the most unique hostels I have seen yet, one old restored mill house and another built partially outdoors into a side of a cliff. So cool.
Making pesto sandwiches in the car for lunch each day and cooking awesome dinners in the hostels with pesto pasta and fresh vegetables. We were pesto addicted.
Taking in gorgeous landscape and scenary.
Finding the location for my future summer home, Strandhill in County Sligo (start booking you holidays now, summer 2019).
Taking a seaweed bath, so odd but really cool spa treatment.
Going on a hunt for local cheese for Erin to bring home…we were spoiled for choice here.
Making dinner for the Wordens…san diego inspired fajitas with fresh guatamole, yum!

: Erin at Giants Causeway

: Giant Causeway…crazy, natural occuring rocks in Antrium County, Northern Ireland

: Erin & I at Trinity Collge, Dublin :)

: Walking along the River Liffey in Dublin

: Belfast with its own minature, london eye

: Belfast Capital Building

: Really neat photo exhibit outside of the city capital building, narrating the lives of an african village

: Taking a black taxi tour, very popular tour where a taxi driver personally drives you around and gives you a history on the city, neighborhoods, troubles.

: Mural to protestant community

: Murals in Belfast

: Monument to catholic lives lost during the troubles

: Catholic Church in Belfast, nearby abbey hosted many of the peace talks and was where the final peace treaty was signed

: Mural in Belfast, this one about a young girl killed during the Troubles

: Driving along the Antrium coast in Northern Ire

: Stunning County Antrim, Northern Ireland

: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

: On the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge n Antrim County, Northern Ireland

: In Northern Ireland, near the Giants Causeway

: View of the Giants Causeway

: Malin Head in Donegal

: Donegal

: Ards Forest Park

: Our footsteps

: Beautiful beach walk in Ards Forest Park, Donegal

: Beach walk in Ards Forest Park

: Old Mill Hostel, amazing restoration of an older building.

: Mill House hostel in Dunfanaghy

: Adorable hostel we stayed at in Dunfanaghy, the owners restored an old mill house, its beautiful.

: Sheep crossing

: Malin Head, northern most point of Ireland.

: Great views of Donegal in Glenveagh National Park.

: Taking in the views

: Roadside stop in Mullaghmore, from here we could see the Slieve League clifs.

: On the beach in Strandhill.

: Amazing sky in Strandhill.

: Surfers in Strandhill.

: Beautiful mountain backdrop in County Sligo.

: Erin loves hot chocolate, she sampled it all over Eire!

: Beach walk in the Ards Forest Park

: Walking in the Ards Forest Park, what a gem of a place…very few people around, gorgeous walking trails.

: Pretty flowers in the sand dunes.

: the real thing

: Great live music in the sweet town of Dunfanaghy. These guys were hilarious, they kept playing American songs and asking us to “name that tune”…we were not very good at it, he kept saying, “Come on America!”

: Enjoying the elements :)

: Traffic jam. Yes, this really happens.

: Errigal, the highest mountain in Ireland…it’s huge, and quite dramatic with the clouds rolling in!

: Glenveagh National Park

: In Glenveagh National Park. By far the most beautiful park I visited in Ireland.

: View from a hilltop at the Glenveagh National Park

: Glenveagh Castle

: Cozy in the hostel. We were welcomed with a plate of cookies, tea, and sweets, just priceless. And quite a treat after the treak finding the hostel!

: Cooking dinner in the hostel…Erin & I perfected pesto pasta with veg!

: View from Mary’s hostel in Glenn Cholm Cille

: With our lovely host, “crazy Mary” as she introduced herself, in Gleann Cholm Cille. Her hostel was built into the side of a mountain, it was the most eccentric and welcoming place I have been to!

: Erin saying goodbye to Mary :)

: We got a flat tire (nothing sudden, just a slow leak…those country roads are rough) and were kindly repaired by the folks in Killybegs.

: Adorable thatched cottage near Ballyshannon.

: Walking along the coast in Bundoran

: On the water in a cute, little surfer town, Bundoran. Loads of shaggy haired surfer boys, girls & kids all over the place! The unofficial “surf capital” of Ireland.