Sail Away on the Irish Sea

As we sail across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales, I know for certain that we will return to this isle of green some day. We were told that the people of Ireland would be friendly but that can't begin describe how we were treated in Northern Ireland and Dublin. We have new friends that we will meet again!

Here is a little mish mash of our favourite things that didn't make it into a post of its own. Our days were spent walking and exploring the places we visited.

1. First stop Belfast. How do you tackle jet lag? Drop your bags at the B&B and start walking. We were able to visit St. George's Market for some Irish music while trying to stay awake shortly after we arrived.

Here sits the Lord Mayor of Belfast. On this stage, the Irish play that Dave just performed at the Citadel premiered.

2. The Food - from the Ulster fry for Dave in the morning to eating fresh fish, we had really delicious food. After walking all day, it really is all about the food. Even if it's a simple fish & chips wrapped in paper.

3. Walking in Northern Ireland - definitely some the best hikes we've ever done. The stunning coast on a sunny day rivals our hikes in the Swiss Alps and the Dolomites. We have a new friend, Mark Rodgers, who brought the Causeway Coastal area to life. We will meet again on his beautiful coast.

4. Visit to Rathlin Island - to see the puffins was so exciting. Did you know that puffins excavate a nesting burrow into the soil just like rabbits? Puffins lay only a single egg, in late April or early May. Both parents incubate it for 36-45 days, and they share the feeding duties until the chick is ready to fledge. Listening to thousands of sea birds was spectacular.

Baby birds and their mother nestled into cracks in the cliffs and others crowded together for safety at the top of the large rocks.

A ride on the 'Puffin Bus' takes you to the other end of the island. This is an experience all on its own considering the narrow, twisty road. Dave is standing on the road.

What do you hear on Rathlin? Stillness and quiet surround you as you sit by the sea. Relax and take in the tranquil atmosphere. This sweet couple takes the ferry to Rathlin Island everyday for a walk and some tea.

5. Derry - a wee visit to a very friendly city. The people we stayed with were so kind. Picked us up at the train and dropped us off at the bus station. We took a walk around the old city walls and finished up with the best dessert I've eaten in a long time. Another fantastic fish dinner.

6. Dublin - I agree with my niece Sara. "I guess I'm a country girl." It was that time in our trip to do laundry and we had the perfect Airbnb to do that. What I noticed most was the noise of a busy city. Hundreds of people on the streets of Dublin is quite different from hundreds walking the stones of the Causeway. The Guinness tour was really good and Dave learned to pour the perfect pint. Guinness in the morning you say! Look how happy Dave looks.

Dave found a play we could go to that was fantastic. Set in Dublin, Once is the smash-hit, award-winning musical that's a celebration of music, love, and the city that inspired it. It was a great way to end our stay in Ireland.

We will soon be arriving in Wales where we will meet AJ and Tone. Unfortunately I've fallen way behind in my blog. Too busy having fun to get them done. We are currently finishing up our holiday in London. I'm still going to add more stories about journey. Too many beautiful photos not to share.