Parents come to town! Sept 4th-11th

I don't think I'd ever gone so long with out seeing any of my family, parents or otherwise. So the chance to have them for a visit after five months away was exciting! The fact I'd have time off work for ten days was also something to look forward too since for that five months I hadn't had more than a three day weekend as time off. Of course the adventure started before my parents arrived, cleaning before house guests is always something that needs doing. Changing the bed sheets, make sure all my crap was put away, cleaning the bathroom, kitchen and all the floors! Woo

The day of the parents arrival I spent the morning getting a lovely massage, then walked to the dealership to get my rental car. I was hoping to get the first car that they had given me and even specified that I would need the bigger car of the two I'd had before since I'd have more people and bags. However when I got there, to my surprise I got a smaller and older car than I expected. I didn't have time to argue about the car since I needed to get to the airport, the car was a four door hatch back and as long as mom and dad hadn't brought the big luggage then we'd be fine. Taking the car I got myself some lunch and picked up my over night bag before getting on the motorway to head to Dublin.

It was on this drive that I noticed the car had a cobweb and leaf on the side view mirror, I had a sneaking suspicion that even though I'd reserved a car a month ago and had touch bases with the dealership a week prior they didn't have a car readily available and had to pull a car out of the back lot. Either way I had a car and it wasn't a bad little rig. It got me to Dublin no problem, found the airport and the short-term parking then made my way to the terminal to wait for the parents!

Dad kept me posted when they landed and getting their bags, it wasn't long before the came out the gait. I walked over towards them expecting them to see me along the way. However they didn't until I was right next to them! Probably due to the fact they were tired from traveling. Gave them both a hug before heading to the garage. We found the car no problem and got the bags loaded. Took a little shoving to get moms back in but otherwise everything fit no problem. Mom took the back seat and dad got in the front. We then attempted to set the Sat Nav as they call it, which is just the Garman. Unfortunately the hostel that we'd be staying at wasn't listed as an option from the Sat Nav, so we attempted to just use the google maps on one of our phones and ended up putting a close enough address into the Sat Nav. We were interrupted at one point by a man waiting for the parking spot, he wasn't in any hurry since he was busy eating a sandwich. After been told we'd only be another few minutes he then returned to his car that was parked in the middle of the isle and finished his lunch.

We made our way to Dublin city center and found it with little problems, luckily I had been to the Hostel once before and was just looking for something familiar. I was mainly in search for the river, if I could drive along the river I knew when to turn. At one point I stopped at a three way intersection but was pulled to far forward, because there was an ally way that was a little off center that you weren't supposed to block. I back the car up a little way out of the way and got a lovely greeting of “welcome back” from the motorcyclist that was in the right lane next to me. I laughed and said thanks! We made it all the way to the river and over the river which I didn't intend to do, since I needed to stay on the other side. So we took a very round about way going past Trinity College in order to go “around the block” to get back to the river. Even after getting back to the other side of the river it still took another four around the block trips to get the turns and the roads right before arriving at the hostel. The roads in city center are very confusing. Then are not in a grid form by any means with random curves, turns and “Ys” to send you in all the wrong ways. Anyway, we made it to the hostel, got checked in. I then left the bags with my parents while I took the car to the nearest parking garage and walked back. By the time I got back Dad was nearly passed out on one of the bunk beds! Haha We all decided it would be best since it was still a little early for dinner and to take a little nap before finding food. Probably less than two minutes later both parents were snoring away!

After waking from out nap we set out in search of food. I'd been to Dublin once before and new of only one restaurant. I remember the fish and chips that I'd had there really hit the spot, whatever batter they put on the fish was amazing! So we headed off for the River Bar! Got there no problem and quickly found our seats. Dad got the fish, Mom had a steak and I had a chicken sandwich. Dinner was lovely and fairly uneventful, except that Dad thought our two servers where twins so we all kept staring at them very obviously I'm sure. Mom got lost finding the bathroom and tried to marry me off to a bar tender. Just kidding, she merely made it known that I was single. After dinner we went back to the hostel for a quite night of rest in preparation for exploring the town the next day. One thing that was quickly noticed is that people in Dublin do not wait for the cross walk sign to say they can cross, we it became a game of judgment to tell if it was safe to follow the people into the street or to wait for the sign. Several times Dad and myself eagerly tried to follow but it never worked out well, barely getting a foot off the sidewalk before realizing it was a bad idea.

The next morning we all woke early, giving the parents time to shower before checking out the free breakfast from the hostel. This breakfast consisted of toast, cereal, coffee and juice. Which was no where close to enough to be me going very long. So lucky me planning ahead and had looked up a restaurant for breakfast days before. We went to Elephant and Castle, which I loved! Cute little cafe style place with random pictures or items on the walls. The servers were very nice and had good humor! I ordered myself a coffee with my breakfast and unfortunately our server was having issues with the coffee machine. He informed me that he'd be having someone else come by with my coffee soon since all he was able to make was dirty water! Ha While enjoying our breakfasts we decided on what we'd like to do for the day. 

Elephant and Castle Cafe

We set out through the temple bar district of Dublin which was filled with pubs, random little shops and cafes. Then we came to Chirst's Church Cathedral an extremely large and beautiful old church that was founded in 1030. We walked around the grounds and poked our heads inside the main sanctuary of the church. We could have taken a tour but decided against it. Saying hello to the church cat on the way out we continued on to the destination I'd suggested the Mid Evil/ Dark Age of Ireland. On the map it had said something about extremely old stone walls that used to surround the area having ruins there, but instead we ended up in a museum about Dublin through the ages. Starting from the age of the vikings and moving forward through the ages. All the rooms were set of for there time period, with manikins(which actually freak me out a bit), examples of buildings or villages, little sign posts that talked and plenty more that were just there for the read. As interesting as some of the facts were museums like these loose my attention very quickly. By the last level of the place which talked about modern day research into the past of Dublin I think we all were over the experience and ready to leave which was easier said than done. The exhibit ended in the gift shop and cafe, we looked at a few things then tried to find the way out, which was very poorly marked. We ended up down stairs in a different section of the exhibit and had to climb the stairs back up and be directed to the doors out!! 

Christ's Church Dublin

Stain Glass in Christ's Church

Church cat!

The way out led us back across the street to the Church, we then headed off in search of the Leprechaun Museum, which was one of the main things I'd wanted to see while in Dublin. We found it easy enough after a ten to fifteen minute walk. We were told by the jolly and funny owner of the museum that then next tour through the museum would be starting in bout fifteen minutes. This passed quickly enough and we were brought into the main waiting area, which was filled with images and displays all about the leprechaun. The room was small enough and had a massive mirror at the far end. At first no signs of a door were to be seen. This reminded me of Willy Wonka! Didn't take long for Dad to spot the hidden door while Mom tried to sneak a picture of me with out being caught. We were joined by a family from Texas, a couple people from Germany and at least one other group from the states. Last but not least our guide that would lead the way through the land of the leprechaun arrived and started our journey. I don't want to give away all the secrets, because the museum really was allot of fun and I recommend anyone that goes to Dublin should give it a go! To start things off we had to be shrunk to the size of a leprechaun and find our way safely through a giants causeway and the giants house, over the rainbow to our pot of gold, through the forest and back out into the world of humans. Where you could get a picture in a leprechaun cut out or a story book! We made stops along the way in our journey and were told stories about the mystical history of Ireland, leprechauns and fairies as well. I remember most of what was told but at the same time I don't want to get it wrong or ruin the fun for you all when you go to the museum your self! At the very end of it wall was a gift shop, where both Mom and I got a little something. 

The giants house(Above-above) Leprechaun's pot of gold 

My leprechaun self!

Then we decided it would be best to first find food and get back to the car to start the drive back to Tullamore. We found a little cafe which had a deli style sandwich bar but also hot meals cafeteria style! Dad went for the Irish stew with mash potatoes and veg, while mom and I both go sandwiches with chips and a drink. Many of the restaurants in Dublin have servers that are either Polish or maybe Russian, so at times it was heard to hear or understand them. An issue that we experiences at the deli, while asking for the toppings I wanted on my sandwich Mom was doing the same with another server, who apparently she couldn't understand. Mom then turns to me to ask “What did she say?” I immediately responded with “I don't know I'm trying to talk to my person!!” Apparently the servers found that humorous and had a good chuckle.

After our meal we got back to the car and made out way to the motorway. The drive to Tullamore was smooth and fairly uneventful. We did have to go through one tole, I'm sure most people understand the concept of a tole. Its basically a row of at least six if not more gates across the motorway, go through any of them and pay a couple euro to continue through. Coming out the far side the six or so lanes have to merge into just two lanes. In Ireland there are no dashed lines or any system to guide the cars, its basically a free for all to get ahead of anyone that's going to slow and be in the lane you want. We made a mad dash to get ahead of a motor home on the left and another car on the right that also didn't want to be stuck behind the motor home. This would've been more entertaining if I'd been driving a car with a little more horse power! But its still entertaining and as dad said “This is insane!” haha

We had a nice evening in Tullamore, walked to parents into town for dinner. Met the housemates and a good nights rest before getting back on the road the next morning. Went to the one athletic store in town and got Mom some better walking shoes. We then got on the motorway and headed west to our next destination which was a quick stop in Lisdoonvarna for a Matchmaking Festival that was supposed to be for the whole month of September. Along the way we were passing through a small town called Clarinbridge was having a Market Day Festival, which we decided to check out. The had allot of animals, horses, donkeys, pigs, chickens and ducks. Plus farm fresh veg and many other booths that antiques, hand crafted items and lots of food booths. Cant forget the highlight of the day was the crowning of the Oyster Queen! Mom got a little mini cottage figure and I got some all nature home made soaps. We found a nice little cafe to have lunch at before getting back on the road. Up until this point the roads were a “normal” size and not a bother to drive on, but shortly after leaving Clarinbridge we turned onto a different road which seemed to shrink substantially! We were now on the winding, narrow narrow back roads of Ireland. It was at least an hour later before we came to Lisdoonvarna. Small town on a hill and plenty of cars parked along one side of the barely “two lane” road into a one lane road. We managed to find a large gravel parking lot that was for free. After parking we took a little walk around the town. I was under the impression that there would be allot going on and allot to see. However all the music and entertainment wouldn't be starting until late in the night since in Ireland you don't even go out until 10pm and we were there only at 4pm. We did see the matchmakers pub, which was pretty much empty and the few people there were there were old men. We ended up at a cafe where we had some coffee and a little snack. The only other thing I'd planned for the day was to go to the Atlantic View B&B that was near the Cliffs of Moher, however I wasn't sure how close the B&B was to any kind of restaurant for dinner. So we went to a small store and got food supplies for snacks and making sandwiches. We got to the B&B and checked in, the place was run by a husband and wife. The husband was the only one there at the time, he checked the books and found my listing but was very hesitant to go much farther with out checking with his wife. Shortly she arrived back and actually offered us the small apartment out behind the house rather than a room in the house but for the same price. The apartment was very nice, small kitchen, living room with a tv, bathroom and a room up stairs with two double beds. It was very nice to be able to sit and relax, make our own food and have our own space. 

Lisdoonvarna

The next morning we woke in time to enjoy the breakfast that was provided by the B&B. I got scrambled eggs and fruit with yogurt. It was perfect! After eating we got ourselves ready for the going to the Cliffs of Moher. Lucky for us we had perfect weather, sunny with a few clouds and a light breeze. The cliffs were only bout five minutes up the road, parked and paid for our passes, crossed the street and headed for the cliffs. The had souvenir shops built into the side of a hill on the way in, as well as their visitors center was built under the hillside. We first went into the visitors center and looked at all the displays about the cliffs, which included a 3D digital video that showed all the animals around the cliffs. The video was interesting but also kinda made you feel sick like you were on a roller coaster.

We then went out to the cliffs, the view was amazing! Quite spectacular! The first section of the path was paved and had steps leading up to a look out tower. You could pay to go up into the tower but we decided against that. The path continued to the edge of a farmers property where a dirt path continued, along the paved path there was a barrier but on the dirt there wasn't any barrier between you and a 400 foot drop. The bath as about five foot from the edge but you could go right up to the edge if you wanted. We even came to an area where there was a stone out cropping that many people including myself would sit on the edge and have their feet over the edge. I only got one foot over and that was plenty! Major adrenalin rush! My Dad however would only get about a foot from the edge and then lean over to look over the edge. Haha We also met another American there who was nice enough to take a family photo for us. Even though you could follow the path all along the farmers property we decided to stop there and head back to the visitors center. Dad and myself got some food to take back to the B&B for lunch. 

Later that afternoon we went and explored a little town that was near the B&B, town called Lahinch. There was a big golf club and a lovely walk way along the ocean that was paved but eventually went to sand. Apparently a good place for surfing, they had several places offering surfing lessons or board rentals. The town had allot of ice cream shops and seafood restaurants, a few pubs and not much else! After walking along the ocean, all the main roads and had a treat of ice cream before heading back to the B&B. Once it was actually dinner time Dad wanted to go back to Lahinch for some seafood. However he was at my mercy since I was the only one brave enough to take on driving and since I'd already driven plenty, poor Dad had to for go the yummy seafood for a sandwich. 

Lahinch

The next morning we had breakfast again at the at the B&B, checked out and made our way to find the Burn. A rock formation I guess you could say that covered some 150,000 acres if I remember correctly. We found the visitors center were we got a map and directions from the worker there. After a short visit to a very old church and grave yard that was right next door it was back to the car. We ended up on roads that literally only had room for one car, hoped and prayed that we didn't meet a car going the other direction. It wasn't far down the road that we came to a visitors/historical center for a what was called a “ring fort” the Caherconnell ring fort. Basically a medieval shelter normally made around the 13^th -15^th century. We talked around the fort and also watched a presentation showing what life at the time would've been like. It was crazy to think that our distant distant relatives could have lived in something similar. After having lunch at the ring fort we went a little farther down the road we stopped at another landmark called the Poulnabrone Dolmen, which is a big tomb made out of huge slabs of stone. 

After checking out the big landmarks we tried to find one of the trail heads to actually walk on the burn, the trails really aren't marked well and even with a map we drove around for at least thirty minutes to fail at finding what we were looking for. Instead we stopped at Blackhead which is a look out point on the coast road. Gave us a little taste of what the rest of the burn looks like but also gave a beautiful view of the ocean. Nearly fell on my face at one point, I was walking towards my Dad to see what he was looking at and didn't see the rock or crack in the rocks that was right in front of me. Just a little stumble, kinda silly to think I couldn't see one rock in the field of nothing but rock we were standing on. 

We got back in the car and headed along the coast road to get to Galway. Not far along the way we go stuck behind a massive group of bicyclers that were in a charity race. Only fun part about that is the support cars and people were passing out bracelets. Other wise we were stuck in bumper to bumper 5 kph traffic for over an hour. I'm all for charities, but in a country that doesn't have proper roads they should find somewhere else to bike! Anyway we finally got around the bikes when they were forced to pull over and let everyone pass. However by that point my leg was dead from the fact that the car was a manual transmission.

The rest of the drive to Galway was uneventful, thankfully! And we made it to our hotel The Galway Bay Hotel with out any issues. Got checked in, Dad totally scared and confused the poor girl at the front desk by saying that we had booked the presidential sweet. Even though I highly doubt they even have that kind of sweet. But we still got a good laugh out of it, plus after filling out the paper work the gal noticed that my email was Lord of the Rings related and said if they'd had a sweet available they would've upgraded us just because she liked my email! Haha That night we met up with two of my friends from Tullamore for dinner in the hotel bar, had a yummy steak and definitely over ate having desert. The evening couldn't have been better, good company and good conversation! However none of us lasted past 10pm. My friends had to drive home and we were exhausted from travel, never know how tiring that can be until you've spent the majority of several days in a car.

The next day we took advantage of the fact our hotel was on the ocean, it was a lovely warm sunny morning. Only a few clouds in the sky! I explained many times to my parents that this isn't the norm for Ireland and that they are very lucky. After our stroll along the beach we went into town and checked out shop street. I mentioned shop street in my last post about Galway. The area is blocked off from cars and is lined with shops, restaurants and pubs. We went into a few of them to have a look and Mom was able to find somethings for people back home. The main place I wanted to go was the claddagh ring store, they actually make the rings and all the other jewelry in the store themselves. Very good quality stuff!

The last few days of my parents visit were spent relaxing in Tullamore. We met up with a couple of my other friends and had lunch, took them to see the local castle and otherwise just spent time together doing a whole lot of nothing. Which tends to be the best time, including when Mom made me a early birthday birthday cake. My housemates turned on some celtic music and gave me the best attempt at Irish dancing I've ever seen. Then they sang a more normal happy birthday for me and blew out my candles.

I think my parents enjoyed their time here in Ireland, I know I enjoyed having them and getting a chance to explore the area a little bit. Yay!!