Dublin & Wales

(9/6/15) After the awesomeness of the Blarney castle, we had an "Irish Night" at our hotel. It was really good fun - lots of Itish dancing, some traditional Itish music, and lots of laughs. We joined in with the singing and clapping, and a few people even got on stage to learn some "broom" dancing! It had the same kind of vibe as the scene from Titanic where Jack and Rose go down to the lower class area and have a great time dancing and singing. From there we went out to some of the local bars and had too much beer and cider... much attempted Irish dancing in the pub with the locals and the tourists, and many many laughs. Jess and I (one of the other members of the tour group) had a moment of pure happiness and joy where we wished the moment could last for eternity; A fiddle playing, a cider in hand, everyone jovial and giddy with spirit. It was awesome to visit the famous Temple Bar, but was even more fun going into some lesser known bars to see what the locals love. We were out until the wee hours, and then dragged ourselves back to the hotel, stopping at a place called Supermac's to try some "taco fries" which were recommended to us by our tour leader - great "drunk" food. 

(10/6/15) We were super grateful to have a "late breakfast" this day, as we hadn't slept until after 4 or 5am. At 10am we did a walking tour of the city and saw some memorials and highlights. From there we went to the Guinness Brewery: I have to say, it was a very impressive place. A bit like a beer theme park? It was cool to see the old machines and some of the vintage advertisements. 

At the very top of the building was the Gravity Bar, which saw us each with a free pint Guinness. Michael was disappointed that I only had three mouthfuls and gave up on ever liking it... but I wasn't the only one, and Michael had a row of about 5 unwanted pints waiting for him within about ten minutes! Archibald tried to help him out, but even Michael and Archie-Gnome couldn't get through that much Guiness. What was amazing was that the Gravity Bar has 360 degree views of Dublin, so I was happy to take photos and admire the city from the 8th floor whilst Michael chose "hair of the dog" for his lunch. 

After the brewery we had the afternoon to explore: we went to an arcade market and had a drink and something to eat in the same cafe that is seen in my FAVOURITE MOVIE "Once". We also went to the Christ Church Cathedral which had a crypt underneath - including the ACTUAL Strongbow Tomb. Yeah. He's a real guy! 

 We even went to visit the music shop where the scene on the piano is filmed - I was VERY happy with that little visit. We looked at a few shops and then moved back toward our hotel. 

On our way back to the hotel we went to visit the Leprchaun Museum - our guide told us some awesome stories and myths about all kinds of magical creatures - I can't wait to retell some of the stories to the children at work. The museum was less of a museum and more like a walking story tour through set up caves, woodlands, wishing wells, and giant's houses. A lot of fun for a "big kid" like myself ^.^ Because we were so exhausted from a late night the night before and also a long day exploring, we opted for some takeaway noodles for dinner, and a couple of individually chosen chocolates to have at the hotel for dessert. Early night - much needed. 

(11/6/15) this was an early morning - the cooked breakfast we had every other morning was not offered as it was so early, but we weren't too worried. Eggs and beans and bacon and muffins and sausage and croissants, etc, can get a bit much sometimes - I was happy just for some toast and a tea for a change hehe. The early start saw us into the bus and onto the StenaLine Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead. 

This ferry was more like a cruise ship compared to what I am used to; cafes, restaurants, shops, children's play areas, pokies, gaming arcades, free cinema, bar... pretty damn awesome! Michael and I played a couple of arcade games, had a bite to eat, and enjoyed the trip over to...

Wales! We stopped in a town called, wait for it (and take a deep breath) Llanfairpwllgyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Yep. Apparently the name means "the church of Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the church of tysilio by the red cave". Good name for a town, even just so that tourists like us stop to take a picture of the sign and buy something at the shop whilst we're there! 

After that, back onto the bus to our first Welsh destination, Llangollen (pronunciation is something like hocking a loogie - *gchlang *ghclocklan - * = hocking sound). The drive through to Llangollen was so gorgeous and picturesque. I didn't get too many good pictures, as we were still in the bus, but there were great big rocky maintains, green pastures, and lots and lots of sheep. There were also beautiful little creeks and rivers, and some beautiful little cottages and shacks dotted around between mini forests and woodlands. 

Now, it may be that I've had too many Irish Country Cream Whiskeys, and I know it's still very early in our trip, but I think this place is what heaven might be like if I actually believed heaven existed. Currently, as I write this, I'm sitting by the window in our room... overlooking the river, listening to Angus & Julia Stone, and blissing out peacefully as Michael naps on the bed. We took a walk past a few shops here, and then made our way down to the river to find our way along stepping stones and past branches. Truly, this place is magical. I think out of the corner of my eye I may have seen some kind of water nymph or Welsh Elf by the river. I picked up a pebble and said to Michael despondently "I've never been able to skip stones." and three the pebble into the river. Lo and behold - that stone skipped three full times. Magic, I tell you. After our river visit we sat in the glorious sunshine and basked in our happiness whilst drinking cider and lager, and then made our way back to our hotel, which is where we now sit, a few minutes before we head out for dinner. 

Apparently.... according to many .... This hotel is haunted. Our bus driver told us this before we arrived, and then when Michael and I spoke to a man who worked here, he not only told us a couple of stories, but then proceeded to give us a couple of pages of "paranormal investigation" pages which were given to the hotel after the investigators stayed here a few years back. The pages hold stories of a couple of different supposed spirits who haunt this establishment - they even included room numbers and names of the spirits and their past lives. Wish us good luck for the night to follow, but I honestly can't imagine a bad vibe ever being here. It's the stuff of magic and sunshine and flowers and crystal brooks and blossoming flowers..... Oh, and of course, Irish Cream Whiskeys.