Foynes and Cliffs of Moher Ireland

Posted on August 10, 2013 by David Cross

We made an interesting stop in Foynes at the Flying Boat Museum. This was a surprising history lesson as this location was the first international airport across the Atlantic to North America. We toured a historic Boeing 314 flying boat which was huge!

You get a sleeping cabin, robes and a 7 course meal for only $4500 each way! What a deal!

The other things were learned here was this was the location where the Irish coffee was invented. It was created after a fight that was returned due to harsh weather. The last thing I actually learned about Ireland today was the fact that Ireland was neutral in WW II.  I never knew that. Always learning…

We then traveled through Limerick today and had some good fish and chips in a pub in Bunratty Village.

 

We then continued on to the coastal area to see the Cliffs of Moher.

   

They are HUGE!  Amazing views and breathtaking experience when outside the boundaries of the official park.

 They bring great memories of the Princess Bride movie when you look across the miles of cliffs with no way up 🙂

 

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Killarney Ireland

Posted on August 9, 2013 by David Cross

We spent two nights here next to the national park and lakes.  We toured around the countryside.

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In a neighboring city, they were preparing for Puck Fair 400 everywhere this weekend. (http://www.puckfair.ie/).  We only got to see the statue of the King Goat unfortunately.  The festival actually started a day after we left the town.  😦

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We then drove around Dingle Bay and to Valencia Island where you get to learn about the Skellig Islands and the Skellig Experience. It would have been amazing to go the islands and try to climb up the steep steps to the ancient monastery, but it was too risky with the weather, etc.  Maybe some day…

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It was nice to drive around the southwestern coastal area and see the classic scenery and (small mountains). Great time to read a book while enjoying the ride. 🙂

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We finally ran into the classic Irish rain as we stopped in the small village of Sneem and got some local homemade ice cream for an afternoon snack. It felt like home (Seattle).

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Before dinner, snuck in a nice run through the national park (10K) to the local Ross castle. 

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Cobh and Blarney Ireland

Posted on August 8, 2013 by David Cross

We had a short stop in Cobh for tea and scones and enjoy the pretty ocean scenery.

We took a short walk to see the famous port area where both the Lusitania and Titanic left about a century, but never returned.

We then ventured off to Blarney for lunch on our way Killarney.  Of course, we had to go visit the Blarney castle and grounds (park). Gorgeous area with many birds and flowers everywhere.

The Blarney castle and (stone) are the main attraction.  It is the first long line we have yet encountered in Ireland.  It took over an hour to climb up the tiny and STEEP spiral staircase up to the top.  Yes, we hung upside down to kiss the stone.  It almost feels like a miracle that you don’t fall to your death…you have to hang upside down VERY far in order to actually reach the stone.  The legend states that if you kiss the stone, you will become more articulate and eloquent as a speaker.  I did it with the hopes to help me with my recovery of my brain aneurysm 2.5 years ago that affected my speech… 🙂

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Definitely wish we could have spent more time here to explore more of the old dungeons and caves.  It was the nicest day yet this week in Ireland.

 

 

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New Ross and Waterford Ireland

Posted on August 7, 2013 by David Cross

We stopped by one of the renovated immigration ships in New Ross that was used for people to escape Ireland in the days of the famine to immigrate to North America. 

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It was re-created, but the museum (ship) told a great story of understanding the plight and challenges of many in that time.

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What has been one of the best foods in Ireland so far? Definitely the seafood chowder.  Very unique flavors and broth.  Goes down great with the hearty brown bread.  We also toured around the city of Waterford a little bit. Great weather and a great town to walk around.

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This town has a lot of Viking history behind it because of its natural port and rivers flows. Reginald tower still survives to this day.

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We took a tour around the Waterford crystal (factory?) which only has special pieces made like trophies and awards for celebrities.  Apparently, most regular pieces are made now in Eastern Europe after the Irish factory was shut down which decimated the local economy.

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Some amazing craftsmanship to see and excellent tour to meet some of the experts.  This one was for an upcoming Charles Schwabb golf tournament that they just finished.

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Leaving Dublin Ireland

Posted on August 6, 2013 by David Cross

We did get to visit the Trinity college in Dublin and check out the book of Kells and the library.

The library was simply impressive.  I felt like I was actually in a movie – like the historical Jedi library where only the elite can visit.

We had a nice evening in Dublin after the half Marathon and checked out some the local pubs along the river. The pub atmosphere is definitely different in Ireland and it is fun going into one before dinner for a quick pint. Lots of walking bridges capturing the attention of people with cameras.

We had a fantastic dinner at a restaurant called “the Winding Stair”.  It has only about 10 tables, and the food and wine selection is fantastic. Highly recommended and reservations are critical if you want to try it out. Hint: it actually used to be a bookstore and you get a discount after dining 😉

The next morning, we headed south I think to Glendalough to see the countryside and old monasteries and churches from St. Kevin’s timeframe.

Very scenic. 

Apparently, Daniel Day Lewis lives here…but we did not run into him when we went to the local coffee shop.  Maybe another day…

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Guinness Beer is Actually Good

Posted on August 4, 2013 by David Cross

We spent the day going to the pre-race expo and acclimating to the city more.

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I think it is really true – the Guinness beer actually tastes different and better here in Ireland than anywhere else in the world.  It is fun going into a pub and having a beer at the end of the day.

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Here is the “snack” included in the race bags…I guess it is meant to go with the Guinness after the race 😉

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National Concert Hall in Dublin Ireland

Posted on August 3, 2013 by David Cross

We went a nice evening of traditional Irish music and dancing in the national concert hall right across the street from our hotel. The Conrad is definitely a great location to see many sights in central Dublin.

One nice hospitality technique for intermissions is the labeled boxes for your drinks.

The concert hall had at least 4 bars for the Irish 🙂

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Visiting Ireland

Posted on August 2, 2013 by David Cross

Here is a great kickoff for a tour of Ireland which we started in Dublin around St Stephen’s Green.

What a friendly atmosphere and neighborhood.  Close to shopping, stores and pubs.  I forgot, you are always close to a pub in Ireland…

We are staying at the Conrad Dublin hotel and what a great location.  We took a walk around the park to check out the area and find some lunch.

We had to get for our upcoming half marathon race in Dublin which I posted about here.

Could not recommend a better location in the city centre.

Would you like to see some of the other great sites and adventures possible in Ireland?  Check out these posts:

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Running in Dublin Ireland

Posted on August 1, 2013 by David Cross

2019 Running and Visit Update

It was great to visit Dublin this week on business and sneak in an early morning run.

It was quite chilly 0 degrees Celsius, but the morning sun was bright and warm.

Since I was staying downtown Dublin near the Trinity College, I was able to explore some different parts of the city that I had never seen before.

I found lots of runners like to run around and near the big rugby stadium.

But you must be careful to avoid to dog poo zombies that roam near the Liffey River.

It is a great place to go running, but make sure to go early to check out the great sites when there is no traffic and lights holding up your pace.  You can also find great spots for dinner like these famous places near by hotel 😉

Previously, my first time in Dublin was for the first Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Dublin in 2013.

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We are headed east to run the first Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Dublin. http://ie.competitor.com/dublin

Yes, it was a fantastic run with slightly cool weather through the rolling hills of the city.  Phoenix park is a wonderful place to run even if you are not in a race!

Running around the world is always fun.  Some of my other favorite spots:

 

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Running is an Adventure

Posted on May 28, 2013 by David Cross

I compiled a story about our running adventures and (tips) for exploring the world by running.  You can find it in our local running club newsletter or the specific Word document I composed to share with others: Running is an Adventure.

Kirkland

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