IRELAND, oh my, how I missed this beautiful country where I was born. So lovely to add this as a stop on our endless honeymoon travels. First, we were so blessed with the most amazing weather….blue skies and fields of green. Our first stop was Dublin to spend a night at a dear friend’s home also, Ryan’s San Francisco Au Pair who was from Ireland. She is my Dad’s best friend’s daughter from his home town Tipperary. It was just bittersweet to visit her almost 30 years later at her gorgeous home in South Dublin and meet her two sons and husband. Our dinner that evening at Michael’s Italian & Mediterranean Restaurant was fantastic.
The next morning Mike and I went on a long run along the sea towards “the 40 foot” Sandycove where the AMAZING Apple series “Bad Sisters” has filmed a few seasons there. Famous swimming spot!

Stopped at a cute and wonderful cafe “HATCH” Sandycove for eggs, tea and cafe.  Wonderful spot!  Wonderful pastries, breakfast dishes, and a very local hip spot.
On the road to MAYO….

MAYO

Gorgeous drive on the Westcoast of Ireland thru the many beautiful shades of green.  Mayo is surrounded by beautiful bodies of water, the ocean, and lovely Croagh Patrick (Cruach Phadraig – meaning Patrick’s stack). It is known as a holy mountain with a height of 2,507 ft and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo, Ireland. The views were just breathtaking overlooking Clew Bay, rising above the village of Murrisk and several miles from Westport.

Our next adventure in Mayo was to find some waves 🌊 ….. Forecast did not look promising but the weather and drive was rewarding. We drove along the breathtaking coast to Achill Island to the strand at Keel Bay. It looked like we were in the Caribbean looking down from the sea cliffs to turquoise green water and sanding beach. No waves, however, we got in an amazing 3-mile beach run on Achill Beach and a cup of tea at Keem Bay. Hungry for lunch we stopped at a pub for a lovely pint and peanuts….haha

Another wonderful day exploring Mayo at The National Museum of Ireland located right in Castlebar, County Mayo. It is the only national museum outside of Dublin. The museum exhibits the way of life of rural Irish people between 1850-1950….I was born in 1959!!! The exhibit walks you thru the way of life in Ireland during that period capturing home life, environment, trade and crafts as well as farming.

Our VRBO in the town of Wesport, Co. Mayo “Oakleaf Cottage” was absolutely
magnificent. The only thing missing was my twin sister and her husband who were originally going to join us. Basically, this is a big reason we are here. Unfortunately, my dear twin has a slight back injury and cannot travel at the moment. We planned on spending some sweet time in our birthplace and go to the Royal Theater to see The Mavericks which we did go see! The home was tucked away on a dirt road with views of Croagh Patrick from our dining window. Spectacular!
Highly recommend this home as it sleeps up to 10! Three fabulous bedrooms, fantastic chef’s kitchen, swing set in the yard, and a fireplace.

Cavan

Our next stop in Ireland was Co. Cavan where Michael’s family is from. A cute little town with a population of approximately 77,000. Co. Mayo’s population is about 130,500. (So you have an idea on how quaint Cavan is.) We stayed at The Cavan Crystal Hotel which used to be the Cavan crystal factory. Beautiful room with a separate dining area I used as an office. Also, a fantastic gym. We visited Mike’s Uncles home where he summered for months during his youth. Had a lovely evening with his cousins and their kids. The next day visited his Aunt and Uncle for lunch. Then headed back to Dublin!

Dublin

Two more days before we head to Paris! On our way into Dublin we dropped the rental off at the airport so our morning of departure would be smooth. Plus, it is for sure a hassle to navigate a car in Dublin. We just walked everywhere! We stayed at the elegant Shelborne Hotel.  Situated overlooking the glorious St. Stephen’s Green and steps away from the center of the city. Weather was superb as were the restaurants!

We enjoyed what will probably rate as one of the top 5 restaurant experiences we will have had on our trip around Europe at Restaurant Patrick Guilaud.  It was truly the most memorable 3 hour lunch experience ever….. which includes the service, ambiance, and food.

Memories of Dublin