Originally we had planned to head to Greece and Turkey as part of this trip, but with the weather starting to turn and the increasing instability in that area we decided to change the plans and head instead to the UK – where a little thing called the Rugby World Cup was taking place.
We started with a week in Ireland landing in Dublin on a cold grey day. It was a quick stay having both visited before, but there’s always time for a pint or two in Temple Bar.
Then it was onto the bus to Kilkenny. This little town is super cute. I’m pretty sure there is a pub for every 5 people here, and there are streets where every building is a pub! We gave it our best shot to visit them all.
Aside from the drinking, there’s a surprising amount to do in this little town.
Kilkenny Castle. Unfortunately you’re not allowed to take photos inside which is a real shame as it is one of the most beautifully restored castle I’ve seen. The outside is pretty impressive too. Across the road is a large shop featuring all Irish products which is great for a look through too.
Smithwick’s Brewery was up next and a really good tour. Starting from when monks used to brew beer here and travelling through the history of the smithwick family with humorous displays and video, as well as loads if info about how the beer is made. And of course at the end the chance to taste a pint. It’s good!!
Finally we jumped on a cycle tour of the city which included a nice ride along the river. As we waited for the remaining riders to join us, the owners entertained us by teaching Scott hurling – the national sport. Would have loved to see a game, but sadly the season had just finished.
By this time both of us had come down with a cold so we decided to take it easy in Waterford for a few days. Not a lot to do here except for the Waterford Crystal shop which has a tour showing the details of how they make the crystal. With 5 years of training the apprentice must then satisfactorily make a bowl that includes all the different skills within a set time or they fail and must do another 5 years! The shop included many beautiful objects as well as replicas of the many trophies they make, but was extremely expensive so nothing purchased.
Northern Ireland
After a bus ride and a train we arrived in Belfast, which felt like a little London. The highlight here was the Black Cabs tour where our driver took us around the Catholic and Protestant areas and told us about the troubles. Before arriving I had said to Scott ‘I’m pretty sure all the bombing stopped about 10 years or so…’ Then earlier in the week we heard of an attempted bombing in Londonderry. Then on our tour our guide told us that 2 days ago our hotel had been evacuated due to a bomb found across the road!!!
On our final day we headed up to the Giant’s Causeway taking a ride through the small villages along the way.
We stopped at the iconic Carrick a Rede rope bridge.
And at Bushmill’s distillery
The causeway
But first let's travel 