Amsterdam Netherlands
Arriving in Amsterdam is now like visiting an old friend. I can't wait to see what is new, but I am equally as excited to catch up on all the old things I love about it. This year was extra fun because I had a friend in town also, and we decided to do the museums since she has never been. And it has been a few years since I was in them so I was very excited to get a refresher course and see what new exhibits they had. We went to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum...and again, I was not disappointed.
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
Wondering around this city is like being in a work of art itself. Every building, every street, is alive with a charm that alone belongs to Amsterdam. I can wonder around for days and never tire of its beauty.
Amsterdam is as beautiful at night as it is during the daytime. The cool, quite evenings are one of my favorite times to stroll around the city. The shops close early, so it gives you a new view of the city with few window shopping distractions. ;)
Our hotel was a beautiful and unique historic building.
The crazy pretty library in the Rijksmuseum.
Chilling in our room after the long flight. I was beyond exhausted...
but super excited about our lovely room!
Ireland A Breath of Fresh Air
Here is a video of our trip, don't forget to change the settings to HD ;)
It is quite a coincidence that the new visit Dublin slogan
is Dublin Breath of Fresh Air…when that was what we were most excited about
while visiting Ireland…breathing in the fresh, clean Autumn air. As you probably know we have been choking in
the smoke here in Sing for the past months and months. One (of the many) things Ireland has an abundance of fresh, clean, clear, amazing air. Big skies and
lush greens all around help to filter all nasties out of the air and you are
left with the best of the best for your lungs and spirits.
The Baily Lighthouse, Howth Co. Dublin
Opened March 17, 1814
Ireland is one of my favorite places on earth, it is so
beautiful, fresh, historic, and is home to some of my favorite people on the
planet. ;)
Bective Abbey
Bective Abby is a beautiful ruins in the rolling countryside of Co. Meath. This Cistercian Abbey on the River Boyne was built in 1147. We again had perfect sunny weather to take our time and soak in this beautiful scene. (Thanks to the sunshine kid!) ;)
Every time Fint takes me to these ruins, I turn into a kid and run and climb all over it...I am amazed at the freedom they give you to explore these historic locations. It is brilliant.
Interesting fact:
Some of the scenes from the movie Braveheart was filmed here at this abbey.
In my happy place.
Just beautiful.
Hill of Tara
Breath deep.
The cute tea shop at the bottom of the hill....we went in for a pot of tea to warm up.
Road tripping!
Casa Dolphin
There is always a warm and loving welcome home for us!
Thank you for the many cups of tea, warm meals and good laughs!
Rugby and black and white pudding for our Full Irish breakfast!
The scientist and the sailor. ;)
One of our many yummy home cooked meals...thanks again! :)
Love.
Sun and Sunflowers!
They like him a little! ;)
The back garden...beautiful!
Kiddos
We were super lucky to get to spend a few of our days with these special kids! We had a blast...and even made it to the Dublin Culture Night!
Lunch at Roly's....'cause we are fancy like that! ;)
Keeping warm with a hot cocoa while waiting for our scampi and lobster mac and cheese at Fish Shack Cafe, Sandycove in Dún Laoghaire.
Dún Laoghaire is a beautiful seaside town in Co. Dublin.
Culture Night
Eva at her hockey match! Great fun to watch.
Pizza with the fambam!
Lou painted the car behind us for her school even.
Just us girls.
He's a bit happy to be home!! ;)
Merrion Square (park), Dublin
(I'm a bit happy to be here!) ;)
The crew
A day in Dublin always involves a Starbucks coffee stop...
so Sean picked out this monster cookie for his treat!
He got to meet his favorite (and Eva's) author...no big deal! ;)
AROUND DUBLIN
Carm and I....messing about in Da Dub.
Pub scene...the night was lovely!
Album cover.
Bros.Pints.Crab Claws. Perfection.
John gets the prize for finding me more crab claws than my heart could desire! (Or my tummy could handle) They were beyond delicious! Thanks again!
One of our many seafood chowders of the trip...this one was at Johnny Fox's in the Dublin mountains.
Photographer in action.
Safe to say I was a little happy on this trip.
Irish coffee in Ballsbridge, Co. Dublin at The Schoolhouse Pub
First pint and seafood chowder of the trip in Howth.
Lazy bones enjoying the sunshine.
Howth Head, Dublin Bay
One of the many Dublin Pubs
"The Long Hall"
Dublin Bay
Bellinter House
We stayed a few nights in this beautiful country house. This Palladian style house is located on 12 lush acres of parkland on the River Boyne in Co. Meath. The house was built in 1750 for Dublin brewer John Preston on an estate of around 600 acres.
Our room was just gorgeous, it was located over the spa and had a vaulted, exposed beams ceiling and was a modern rustic design theme. Perfection.
The Bellinter House was built by Richard Cassels, who also designed, Leinster House, Carton House, Trinity College (Printing House), Powerscourt House, the Rotunda Hospital, Tyrone House and Summerhill House.
My tub and a glass of Baily's with milk...the perfect way to relax after a day of Ploughing Competitions!
The Rock of Dunamase, Dunamase Castle
From 842 AD
We just happened upon this ruins when we were heading back from the Ploughing Championships...and we were delighted to get out of the car and stretch our legs in such a beautiful location. It is such a cool ruins situated high on a hill...the bones are still there so it is easy to imagine how it looked when it was in its prime.
But vain I wait and listen for Rory Og is dead,
And in the halls of Dunamase a Saxon rules instead,
And o'er his fruitful acres the stranger now is lord
Where since the days of Cuchorb a proud O'Moore kept ward.
And in the halls of Dunamase a Saxon rules instead,
And o'er his fruitful acres the stranger now is lord
Where since the days of Cuchorb a proud O'Moore kept ward.
-Transplanted, by William O'Neill
The view from the hill and the castle is so pretty, I can imagine how grande the view from the castle must have been.
ROYAL CANAL
On the way to the Ploughing Competition Fint spotted the canal
and we strolled up to it for a closer look.
Fin gives a really good history about the Royal Canal in the video...so watch that!! ;)
Still not sure what was stuck to his lip???
Ploughing Competition
Good Irish Bog ;)
I love the way this smells when being burnt in a fire place...so cozy and comforting.
Car parking at the ploughing.
Shaun the Sheep!! ;)
Shearing competitions
SEA SIDE @ Clougher Head
Trim Castle
The Trim Castle grounds is one of my favorite spots to take a walk while visiting Fint's parents. It is an area of 30,000 m2 (or around 8 acres) it is the largest Norman castle in Ireland.
Trim Castle was built by Hugh de Lacy in 1172.
It's big
This was so uncomfortable...what a horrible way to have to take your punishment.
The sweetest and cutest donkey and pony at Trim Castle...
we bought carrots to give them a little treat!
I was a little happy...can't you tell? ;)
Fun Fact:
Scenes from the Braveheart movie were filmed at Trim Castle.
St Patrick's Church
Fint gives a great introduction to St Patrick's Church in Slane (near his old house) in the video...so watch that for some interesting and entertaining info! ;)
As we left Ireland...I was already marking down the days until our next visit as always.
