Day 6 - I said hey baby - talk a walk on the (salmon?) side...

Today we continued to explore the Northern Ireland coastline and took a walk across a rope bridge. The bridge connected the mainland to a very small island that juts further out into the water.  I know what you're thinking.  Why did the Irish man cross the bridge?  Well it was to get to the other side, because the salmon migration path allowed them to catch way more when they threw their nets out from the tip of the small island.  It's science.  There has been some form of bridge in this very spot for hundreds of years.

Here's a photo of john braving the bridge - with ease as the photo displays.....

Day 5 - Giants and Whiskey

Today we worked up a thirst exploring the Giant's Causeway and then stopped by the Bushmills distillery to quench it.  It was a fantastic time!  I'm pretty sure John consumed all the free samples....

Day 4 - exploring the Bogside

We conquered the city of Derry and went on a Bloody Sunday walking tour.  We're staying in what's called the bogside neighborhood where the events of this day took place.  Murals throughout the neighborhood help tell the story.

We also got afternoon beverages that my parents enjoyed.  Unlike a lot of other areas on Ireland many locals have struck up a conversation with us.  Nearly all have asked - sooo what do you think of Trump??  Turns out the Irish and most Americans share the same opinion of him...

Day 2 - I hope you're not afraid of heights!

Today we hit the road in search of adventure and we found it at the Slieve League Cliffs.  Three times the size of the Cliffs of Moher with less than half of the health and safety standards - meaning there was little to no fencing that would stop you from taking a swim.  They were Gorgeous!

We also returned to the Reel Inn for more good craic!

Taking Donegal by storm

Great news - we've arrived and we're now on our second city in a four city tour.

Donegal is in the books!  Here are some highlights...but first a wee riddle...
What's big, red and can been seen three towns away?  The Big Red Machine, also known as our mode of transportation.

If anyone has any desire to still join us we have room for you and the rest of your plane mates in our car.  It's HUGE and a force to be reckoned with on roads that are slightly wider than itself.

Friday: on our way to Donegal we stopped in to get our fix of Boyle soil.  Boyle, Ireland - home of the famed Moone Boy.  A brilliant TV show that was created by Chris O'Dowd.  It was literally on our way so we had to pop by....

Onward to donegal!  Our first proper pints at The Forge.  Fantastic little pub located in Donegal.  It got 12 thumbs up from our group!

Next stop the Castle Bar in for dinner.  The food was fantastic.  With happy bellies, our group decided to split up.   My dad, kevin and I went to the Reel Inn for some good craic while the others called it a night and headed back to the The Town Cottage.

What a grand time!  The Reel Inn has not seen the last of us.

Return to the Auld Sod

Fantastic news - Ireland is letting Kevin and me back in the country despite bringing my parents last time!

They're even allowing my parents to come back, which let's be honest, we all sort of doubted post my mom drinking them out of Guinness and my dad's public unrination in the countryside.

  

The usual suspects are all accounted for and we even have some newcomers to add to the bill.  John and Laurie Burns will be joining us this go around.

 

The words that come to my mind are loud, heavy drinking and even heavier swearing, but enough about Laurie.  I have no doubt they will be a grand addition.


So sit back, relax and enjoy the stories from the road as we tackle the northwest counties of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland. Then finish up with a couple nights in Dublin.


Glad you're along for the ride....