Well sometimes I go out by myself
And I look across the water
And I think of all the things, what you're doing
And in my head I paint a picture
And I look across the water
And I think of all the things, what you're doing
And in my head I paint a picture
- Valerie, Amy Winehouse.
Good morning Guinness!!!
Surely, the warmest way to be welcomed into Ireland.
As well as learning about the process of making Guinness, we experienced a tasting and also learnt how to pour the perfect pint!
Our nine day Paddy Wagon Tour took us around all of Ireland stopping at: Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Derry and Belfast. And as we boarded the bus we were ready to begin our journey!
As we hit the road we began to experience the stunning natural environment of Ireland.
It truly was breathtaking (and I am not that much for views) unfortunately, photos do not show even half of it's beauty!
On our lunch break in Dingle we were faced with the age old question...
And ate the most delicious Ice cream, Murphy's Ice Cream. Flavours include Dingle Sea Salt, Irish Brown Bread, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Caramel Butterscotch...mmmm...you get the picture, I'm gonna stop there! The best thing is THEY LET YOU TRY ALL THE FLAVOURS YOU WANT BEFORE YOU BUY ONE!
We were all so very impressed!
One of my highlights from the tour was horse ridding around Killarney National Park!
Megan, Almut and I had an amazing morning trotting and cantering in the lush, green park!
Enjoying an 'Irish' Coffee.
The tour allowed us to hit up all those infamous Irish sites...
Kissing the Blarney stone (hopping I didn't get aids)
Exploring the Giant's Causeway
Hanging out at the Cliffs of Moher
(I'm the king of the castle and you're a dirty rascal!)
Chilling at Castles
Northern Ireland was definitely one of the most interesting places to visit. The divide between the Catholics and the Protestants is massive. It is not a history or past story to them but the present and something they still fight with.
In Derry or Londonderry, depending on which side of the wall you are on, we went on a guided walking tour around the town and on the dividing wall.
We saw the murals and sites of Bloody Sunday, where in 1972, 26 Irish protestors were shot-down by English soldiers. Our tour guides father being one of the men who was shot and killed.
In Belfast we did the Black Cab Tour. I would say it is a must for anyone who visits Belfast!
The cab drivers take you around Belfast and explain to you much of the history and fighting that still takes place. A lot of people are angry and hurt and so they are fighting for what they believe to be right!
This mural on one wall was by far the creepiest as the barrel of the gun was pointed at you no matter where you stood. This neighbourhood was quite intense and all of felt quite on edge as we walked through it. For a first world country, I personally could not understand how such hatred, acts of terrorism and physical fighting could still be so present. It was such a surreal contrast to the beauty, friendliness and joyful Irish people we had been meeting on our journey.
We ended our tour by signing and leaving messages on the peace wall.
I was excited when I saw another Joey had visited this year and so I signed underneath the other Joey.
In Belfast we also visited the Titanic Museum which was absolutely fascinating!
We learnt about how Belfast was a BOOMing town...
and got excited about a cool interactive ride
The night life all over Ireland was quite impressive. No matter the size of the town or the day of the week, every one is out, having a drink, a dance and enjoying themselves of an evening.
and allowed for some role play...
The tour really was SO MUCH fun and a really great nine days with lots of fun memories...
And, so I said goodbye to my AMAZING summer and prepared to return to the working world.
P.O. boxing all my love, love, loving to you,
Joey!!!!
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