CLICK ON ALL THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE!!!! YOU CAN SEE THEM BETTER IF THEY ARE LARGER, FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND DETAILS.

PREPARATION AND ITENERARY

Back in Sept 2010 we surprised our Mother with a trip to Ireland. An all adult trip, no kids, with our Mother. She has never been out of the country "Canada" does not count. We have been planning for months and we have 1 week today before we head to the Land of GREEN.

Here are the planning stages . . . .

The First Email From Dave (my brother)

What up clan members? This is the DL on Ireland. Mom wants to go to the following "hot spots" of the Irish- Killarney, Cork, Waterford.

This is my proposal:

- Shannon to Cliffs of Moher- One hour in a car (CLiffs of Moher is what you typically think of when you think of Ireland-ocean big cliffs)

- Cliffs of Moher back to Shannon- One hour back in a car

-Shannon to Tralee- 2 hour drive

-Tralee to Dingle-not dingleberry- 1 hour drive (Dingle Peninsula is supposed to be a pretty amazing drive around the coast and through some small towns)

-Dingle to Killarny National Park- 1 hour drive (Killarney National Park is supposed to be amazing with lakes and gardens and the goods)

-Killarney National Park around Ring of Kerry-not to be confused with Ring of my butthole- 3 hour drive ( Ring of Kerry is supposed to be one of the most scenic drives in all of Ireland and lucky we are going in March as they say from about Mid-April to September the road is packed with tourists)- not us we will be cruising, chasing sheep as we go.

- Killarny to Bantry- One hour drive (Bantry is supposed to have some famous castle)

-Bantry to Cork- 1.5 hour drive (Cork really has nothing, but some of the surrounding areas are supposed to be cool-castles, gardens, old churches and the like)

-Cork to Wateford- 2 hour drive (nothing in Waterford either- but surrounding areas are cool)

-Waterford to Cahir- 1 hour drive (Cahir is going to have some cool castles and a "Swiss Cottage"- mom will love along with those that like Nomes)

-Cahir to Cashel- 30 minutes- ( more castles and gardens)

-Cashel to Tipperary- 30 minutes(same as above)

-Tipperary to Limerick- 40 minutes (city)

-Limerick to Shannon Airport- 30 minutes (city)

Total of 17 hours of driving- not too bad as long as we can all get along for that long in a car over a 10 day period and we dont pass too much gas.

My recommendation would be that we spend as little time in the places of no interest and more time in Killarney and Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, outside Waterford...

As far as I know this is everyone's basic itinerary :

- we all fly in on March 25th in the morning some time- I believe it is around 5:30 am- we get a hotel in Shannon and we try to stay awake as long as possible all day Friday just tooling around Shannon until we cant stand it any longer and we have to sleep then back to the hotel in Shannon and sleep it off.

Saturday- March 26th- up and at it early to Cliffs of Moher and back to Shannon and if we are really ambitious we could make it to Tralee that same day

Sunday March 27th- Dingle and Dingle Peninsula- stay in Killarney that night

Monday- March 28th- Killarney National Park- all day- stay in Killarney again that night

Tuesday- March 29th- Ring of Kerry- Stay in Killarney again that night

Wednesday- March 30th- Head out to Bantry and Cork and surrounding areas- stay somewhere around Cork that night

Thursday- March 31st- Head to Waterford and surrounding areas- stay in that area or somewhere around there that night

Friday- April 1st- Head out to some of the surrounding areas of Waterford and make it to Limerick that night- stay in Limerick

Saturday April 2nd - tool around Limerick and whatever and then head up to Shannon and stay close to the Airport in Shannon and return cars that night as flight leaves 9:00 am on Sunday.

Any objections to the above speak now or forever hold your peace. Let's try and not make this any more complicated then I already have. I will be trying to look online and see about getting hotels and costs and what not as soon as I hear back from you bit$%!'s- that is a term of endearment in Ireland- get used to it.

Wow the was long- have fun reading all of that and if you want more info visit this website: http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/eipts.htm

Below is our Confirmed Trip and Plans!

MARCH 25th DROMOLAND CASTLE SHANNON (AMAZING) WE ARE SURPRISING MOM SHE HAS NO IDEA ABOUT THE CASTLE STAY!

CHECK IN

Stacey/Dave (1 room)

Mom/Deirdre/Michelle (1 room – I double state Anne (Requested a King)

DIRECTIONS Newmarket-On-Fergus, Co Clare, Ireland.

Dromoland Castle is ideally located 8 miles from Shannon Airport in Clare just outside Newmarket on Fergus. The proximity of this beautiful castle hotel in Clare

CONTACT NUMBER Tel: +353 61 368144

GPS GPS Stats: 52' 46.52 N - 8' 54.1

Get there AM

Spa 2:00 30 minutes – Jacuzzi/Snack

Welcome to the Spa at Dromoland

The Spa at Dromoland is a luxurious haven of calm and tranquillity. Ideally located in the heart of the Castle walls, the intimate spa consists of six luxury treatment rooms, two dedicated manicure and pedicure suites and a hair salon. The spa also boasts a magnificent outdoor hydro spa hot tub covered with a gazebo for all year round use which has been specifically designed to enhance the peaceful relaxing ambience.

Time will stand still while you are immersed in our relaxation suites during your spa experience.

Dromoland Spa offers an environment of quiet and calm for its guests who are 16 years and over.

Robes and slippers are provided with robes, towels and slippers on arrival.

Day guests will be provided with robes, towels and slippers on arrival.

If you would like to avail of our complimentary Hydro Spa Pool before or after your treatment, please contact the Spa Reception desk.

Run/Exercise

Carriage Ride/Photos – Lunch Baskets Picnic on the grounds (Nice Weather)

Dinner/Fig Tree Restaurant

Tour THE CASTLE GROUNDS. RELAX

SATURDAY 26TH - CLIFFS OF MOHER (CHECK THESE PHOTOS OUT OF THE CLIFFS BEAUTIFUL), CLIFFS TO KILLARNEY ( 2.5 HOURS)

MARCH 26TH-29th STAY AT THE MOUNTAIN DEW KILLARNEY

CHECK IN 1PM

DIRECTIONS

ITSOO191

3 ROSS ROAD

KILLARNEY/COUNTY KERRY

From Killarney follow the Muckross Road for 300 yards and take a left at Amber Filling Station on the N71. The Mountain Dew is the third house along this road.

CONTACT NUMBER (353) 064-6633892/ MRS EILEEN O CARROLL

"Killarney is famous all over the world for its breathtaking scenery and natural beauty. As well as enchanting lakes and towering mountains the local area offers a whole host of activities including angling, horse riding, walking, cycling and there are also a number of top class golf courses to choose from. For an evening out, Killarney is second to none when it comes to entertainment, with an abundance of traditional Irish music and top class restaurants."

SUNDAY MARCH 27TH

PICK UP DREW AT 8:00AM SHANNON AIRPORT

CHURCH AT 11:00

KILLARNEY TO THE DINGLE PENINSULA 4 HOURS ROUNDTRIP

The Dingle Peninsula is in south-west Ireland just along the Atlantic Ocean. Along the peninsula is a ridge of mountains, which include Ireland’s second tallest peak, Brandon, which is 3,127 feet above sea level

READ MORE HERE

MONDAY MARCH 28TH

Killarney To the Ring of Kerry (2.5 hours roundtrip) READ MORE HERE

The Ring of Kerry (or Iveragh Peninsula to give it its correct name) is part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits. The Ring of Kerry has some of the finest beaches (See Rossbeigh in the Ross-Maine area) in Europe that provide all the facilities for a traditional seaside holiday. Above all the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland - see the Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. Visitors to Ireland should not miss a trip to the beautiful Ring of Kerry

This photo of County Cork is courtesy of TripAdvisor

TUESDAY MARCH 29th

Killarney to the National Forest - 5 minutes from where we are staying in Killarney

Chill Day

Killarney to Cork - 2 hour drive

WEDNESDAY MARCH 30th STAY AT THE CASTLE TOWNSEND IN Skibbereen CORK

CHECK IN 5-7 PM

1 SEA ROOM SLEEPS 4

1 NON SEA ROOM SLEEPS 4

DIRECTIONS

N71 To Skibbereen & Then R596 From Skibbereen To Castletownshend Village.

NUMBER (353) 433354013

Anne Cochrane-Townshend

tel: 003532836100

"Castle Townshend has been the seat of the Townshend family in Ireland for many generations. The centre part was built around 1650. The original Castles were destroyed in the 17/18th Centuries. The two towers were then added to the present Castle, using the stone from the ruined Castle. It stands in spacious grounds facing southeast, overlooking the peaceful waterfront of Castletownshend harbour.

The castle contains much of the original furniture, portraits and oak panelling. There are 7 guest bedrooms which are are all ensuite with bathroom or shower room, most of them have lovely sea views."

Cork to Waterford 3 hours and 30 minute drive

THURSDAY MARCH 31st STAY AT THE BEACH HAVEN IN TRAMORE WATERFORD - A SEASIDE RESORT

CHECK IN ???

FROM CORK 2.3O HOURS 134 KM

DIRECTIONS

From Cork, follow the N25 through Midleton, the Youghal bypass and Dungarvan. 2 miles after passing through the village of Kilmeaden, take a right turn onto the R682 at Butlerstown Cross.

CONTACT NUMBER (353) 0 51 390208

AVERY AND NIAMH CORYELL

"Beach Haven House is a unique and inviting family run house close to everything in Tramore and Waterford City. We can also arrange fun activity packages for you including surfing lessons or equipment hire, nordic walking blo-karting) or other activities during your stay with us. Just let us know if you would like more information about these activities or check out."

Waterford to Adare, Limerick 2 hour drive

FRIDAY APRIL 1ST STAY AT THE CARRIGAN HOUSE IN LIMERICK

CHECK IN ???

Reserved 2 Rms for 4 people

Directions from Limerick: 
Take N20 out of Limerick until joins with N21. At this point continue straight on the N21 towards Adare At the first roundabout take a left We are the 2 nd house on the right

CONTACT NUMBER +353 (0) 61 396778.

Maura Linnane

"The village of Adare is one of Limerick's special places. With thatched roof cottages and Tudor style houses, beautiful gardens and ivy clad medieval churches in beautiful surroundings on both sides of the street beside the river Maigue.

For those who want to linger and learn more visit the Heritage centre and step back in time.

People come from all over the world to visit and tour this amazing location and some even choose to get married in one of the fantastic churches in the area."

ADARE TO BUNRATTY CASTLE - 40 MINUTES

SATURDAY APRIL 2ND STAY AT THE BUNRATTY GROVE GUESTHOUSE

BUNRATTY GROVE GUESTHOUSE 252261

• You may check in from 14:00 hours onwards.

• You must check out by 12:00 hours.

Reserved 2 family rooms that sleep 4

DIRECTIONS BUNRATTY, LOW ROAD BUNRATTY

5-miles from Shannon Airport.

The scenic village of Bunratty and Bunratty Castle are just a 3-minute drive away. The guesthouse provides free transport to and from Bunratty

CONTACT NUMBER 35361369579

I am pleased to confirm this reservation as per your request below. The booking confirmation number is: 418067.

The cost per person is €59.95. However, if you wish to secure a special rate of €50, payment is required at your earliest convenience.

5:30 Bunratty Castle Midieval Banquet Online Reservations (FOR 8 people)

Check out Shannon Heritage explaining the evening.

Hi Siblings!!!!

Okay since Christmas was basically canceled this year, mainly because

of the Ireland Trip just right around the corner, March 22nd for 7-10

days, we need to start planning and preparing for the trip YES 8

MONTHS OUT, or basically it won't happen.

This trip is being planned for our dear mother, who has done so much

for each one of us . . . yes let's think back, and we all can because

even though we don't remember somethings we either have children or

have tended children and we all know what it is like to wipe dirty

bottoms, clean walls and cribs and kids full of poop, YUCK, clean

puck, console us and be there for each one of us with all our CRAZY

DRAMA. I don't even know if we will ever know how many tears and

prayers she has said for each one of us individually. What a great

opportunity to say THANK YOU. Her FIRST TRIP EVER WITH HER CHILDREN.

HER FIRST TRIP OVERSEAS, to the place where it all began for us, for

her, for FAMILY, OUR FAMILY.

Since this trip is a gift to our mother we would LOVE, APPRECIATE AND

SINCERELY HOPE that each sibling, YES ALL 7 OF US - WHETHER YOU ARE

GOING ON THE TRIP YOURSELF OR NOT, can you believe she gave birth to 7

children?. . . even twins YIKES, will pitch in for mom's travel

expenses so she will be taken care of and will not have to spend any

money on this trip. With all of us pitching in, it will pay for her

Ticket round trip, food and lodging for the 7-10 days.

LET'S ALL BE HER 7 LUCKY LEPERCHAUNS THAT BRING HER GOLD AT THE END OF HER RAINBOW . . . I know sounds cheesy, but I almost started to cry. She has given us so much

and has been so unselfish her entire life . . . since she was 19 yrs old . . .never thinking of herself only of raising US AND GIVING TO US WHEN WE NEEDED HER TIME, MONEY AND ATTENTION.

****ALSO THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT . . . THIS IS AN ONLY ADULT TRIP. WE

ALL NEED TO MAKE APPROPRIATE PLANS FOR OUR CHILDREN IF WE WANT TO

ATTEND THIS WONDERFUL EVENT. IT WILL BE REALLY HARD ON THE KIDS TO FLY

OVER TO EUROPE, GET USED TO THE TIME CHANGE, WE MAY BE TRAVELING AND

PULLING ALL NIGHTERS, THERE WILL BE NO SET TIGHT PLANS ON THIS TRIP,

IT WILL BE VERY FLEXIBLE AND WE MAY STAY IN HOSTELS AND HOTELS THAT

MAY NOT BE IDEAL FOR CHILDREN. ADULTS CAN HANDEL THESE KINDS OF TRIPS,

BUT NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN. BESIDES, ONCE AGAIN THIS TRIP IS FOR

MOM TO ENJOY, NOT TO WORRY ABOUT GRANDKIDS BEING SAFE AND BABYSITTING

. . . SHE WOULD OR MAY FEEL OBLIGATED TO CARE FOR ANY CHILDREN THAT

MIGHT BE THERE AND WE DON'T WANT THAT.

I do hope I communicated well enough and that we all still feel the

love after this email. We love you all! Please let me know what your

families would be able to do for mother, so we can start planning!!!

Top O' To The Mornin' is that even correct?

Love,

DRE (Deirdre - - my name is irish, I am so stoked to go on this trip!!!)

"Sound so fun! Thanks for all you do Dre. I appreciate your willingness to step up and get this organized. It is what you do best. I am super excited about all the accommodations. It looks super cheap too. LOL."

Michelle

"This seems SUPER cheap and if so, BRAVO TO YOU!!!!"

Shayna

Amor & Adeus por agora, (Galician for Love & Bye For Now)

Wish we could have seen this before we left!!!

Happy Travels,

Celtic Thunder & Celtic Women

Two fantastic songs depicting this beautiful LAND! Heartland by Celtic Thunder and O Danny Boy by Celtic Women

TURN OFF THE MUSIC ON THE RIGHT!!!

I DEDICATE THIS TO MY FAMILY. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! WHAT A BLESSING TO BE APART OF SUCH AN AMAZING FAMILY!

OUR IRISH FAMILY NAMES: Powers and O'Dwyer

IRELAND!!

IRELAND!!

Over a year and a half ago Dave came up with this wonderful idea.... He wanted to give back to his mother. His mom has done an amazing job raising 7 kids (a lot all by herself as his dad was gone traveling on business and away most their young years). She hasn't traveled much and has never been out of the country but has always wanted to go to Ireland where her ancestors are from. So last year for her birthday Dave gave her an Ireland book with a note saying that all the siblings were gonna treat her to a trip to Ireland as a thanks for the amazing mother she has always been. So after over a year of planning and all the sibblings contributing we got to embark on a 10 day journey through Ireland. This was an adult only trip that include Dave mom Sharry, his brother Stacey and wife Shayna, sister Michelle, sister Deirdre and husband Andrew. So 8 of us all together. We rented 2 cars and ventured all through the southern part of Ireland.

Map of Where We Traveled

The People Of Ireland

And before I begin with ALL the photos I just want to mention the people of Ireland. Besides their beautiful landscape and the countrysides and all their historic buildings and sites, you should go to Ireland just for the people. They were the nicest, friendliest most hospitable people ever!! We were in our car and a guy just pulled up next to us rolled down his window and asked if he could help us in anyway. We stayed in Bed and Breakfastes most of the time and the owners anything they could to make us feel at home. One even went to the store and bought chocolate hob nobs for Dave (which he knew from his mission in England but couldn't find them).

Thursday March 24th - Flying To Ireland

Mom, Stacey and Shayna left Grants Pass Oregon, connected in San Francisco and flew to Newark - got into Newark at 5:30 pm

Dave and Kimber left Arizona and flew to Newark - got into Newark at 6:30 pm

Michelle flew from Salt Lake City, connected in Houston and flew to Newark - got into Newark at 5:30 pm

Deirdre drove 4 hours to Indiana dropped off her kids, stayed the night, and the next morning drove 2 hours to Chicago O'Hare, her flight was delayed, made it to Newark at 7:00pm. The terminal was clear on the other side of the airport, grabbed a shuttle bus and than grabbed a white speed cart that took me to my gate. I arrived at the gate at 7:24. My flight left at 7:25pm. They would not let me board the flight. I missed it!!!! I caught the next flight to Dublin. I flew alone.

***My trip overseas started early Wednesday Morning! March 23rd. I drove about 4 hours to Indiana to drop the kids off with their cousins. They are such good travelers! They slept most of the way. We stopped for lunch at Wendy's. My new favorite is the Asagio Ranch Club with the Homestyle Chicken! YUM. I love seeing Ashton and Jaida with their cousins. They were having so much fun. I stayed the night, got them settled and had a good nights rest. Ashton and I had a sleep over. It was our first. He and I loved cuddling with each other in bed. He just talked to me, gave me kisses with his nose and lips, so tender and cute. He rubbed my arm and hair and put his head on my shoulder, we laughed and I tickeled him and asked him questions

Who is mommy's favorite person and who does she love more than anyone else? DADDY

What is your favorite animal? ANYTHING HE IS LOVING AT THAT TIME (MOOSE, DOLPHIN)

How old are you? TWO

Than he fell asleep! I put him in bed and in the middle of the night he crawled back into bed with me.

I woke at 7 am and fed and changed the kids. I played with them. Ashton knew I was leaving. He would randomly just come up from behind and infront and give me the biggest kisses and hugs. Jaida would crawl over to me and laugh and cuddle into me. I started already missing them. My first time away from them!!! Ashton gave me a few last hugs without me even asking him to. He laughed and played and smiled.

I left the kids. I cried in the car. I drove 2 hour to Chicago O'Hare. Traffic was bad. Made it to the Marriott hotel parked the car and got on the shuttle. I arrived at the airport at 11:00. Plenty of time just in case I had any issues with my passport. I did . . . it took about 45 minutes to get everything worked out. My last name on the ticket was different than the last name on my passport. I than stood in the LONG line for security. They only have two security ck points in Chicago. NIGHTMARE. So glad I went early. I picked up some snacks and a couple of books and waited at the gate. It came time for my flight 3:30 and GUESS WHAT? A delay!!! I wouldn't be leaving until almost 4:30pm which wouldn't put me into Newark until 7:00 pm. I was a little stressed. I texted everyone in the family. Letting them know the status.

I finally got on my flight and crossed my fingers and prayed I would make my flight. When I arrived in Newark the plane was in terminal A and I needed to be in C!!!! I had to take a shuttle. Everyone was late. I made it to the shuttle, because I ran but had to wait for about 60 more people. My brothers and I kept texting, they were trying to stall the plane. They called and told them to hold my flight. They said they would.

Kimber wrote this on her blog . . . "Deirdre missed her connecting flight at New Jersey cause her other flight was delayed. We almost missed our flight cause Dave did NOT want to get on the plane without his sister. She had to fly into Dublin and take a train to us. We were glad to have her join us."

I arrived in terminal A and needed to be in C (clear across the airport)! I took a small white airport bus (indoor) and zoomed through the airport. I never would have made it walking. They took me right to my gate. The lady seemed pretty stressed out. They rushed me down the gate and shook their heads. They just pulled away from the gate. I was to late. I got there at 7:24 and the plane leaves at 7:25pm . . . so ridiculous. Dave texted and said they tried everything! He felt awful. I was going to throw up. I was crying because I was so close! Dave told me just to get to Ireland. I went to Continental Desk. The guy was so nice made me smile and laugh, gave me a free dinner for $8.00 and booked me on the next flight to Dublin leaving at 9:00 pm. I went to eat a gourmet hamburger, fries and shakes at a diner in the airport. I than went to my gate and waited.

Drew's comments kept coming to my mind . . . "life is a journey, it's what you make of it" there is always unexpected things that happen that is why you shouldn't have expectations! The customer service guy reminded me that I get to take a train through the country side and that is more than anyone else gets to do!

I got on the flight. Long six hour flight. I slept. Sat next to two ladies from California also going to Ireland! We had a good time.

Flying all by myself to Ireland!!!

Day 1 Friday March 25th - Dromoland Castle

Everyone arrived into Shannon Airport at 5:45 am, picked up the rental cars and went to Dromoland Castle. Toured the grounds, took naps, Dave and Kimber went for a bike ride.

I got into Ireland Saturday morning about 8:30 am. My bag was right there!! So glad. I got some Euros and found the air shuttle bus to the train station in Dublin. I got on that and got to the Houston train station just in time. Didn't understand one of the customer service agents "go to flat 2 and through the arches" strong irish accent. I had to ask him again.

I bought my train ticket from Dublin to Cork, transfer to Limerick Station, leaving at 11:00! It was an expensive one way ticket 50 Euros!!! I wasn't that impressed with Dublin. The train ride was two hours through the country side. It was beautiful. I enjoyed sitting next to Irish people. Two irish men helped me in the train station and were super nice. An elderly couple and a young lady sat next to me on the train. The young lady had beautiful long red hair, the elderly couple spoke irish, couldn't understand them. The man was drinking and said you can never start to early!

I made a transfer in Limerick to Limerick Station. My mom, michelle, stacey and shayna were there to pick me up! That was fun. Everyone was hungry so we stopped at a little grocery store and than made our way to Dromoland Castle! They drive on the left side . . . white line always on your right! So weird. Stacey drove crazy, but I always feel comfortable with him driving.

The people at the castle felt so bad I missed my flight they upgraded our room from a KING to two doubles with no extra charge!!! So nice!!!

The Castle and Grounds were everything I imagined and it was a wonderful stay. It was an amazing 5 star resort! We toured the beautiful grounds and toured the inside. We took so many fun photos. We sat in the Hydro Spa jacuzzi, had yummy fruit smoothies, chocolate cookie and fruit, relaxed, got massages and pedicures, had TEA TIME (desserts, tea and sandwiches) and ate Fish N Chips and sparking apple cider drinks at the Fig Tree Room Restaurant. Made toasts, laughed and stayed up late talking. We returned to our rooms. Mom gave us some helpful hints while touring Ireland Do's and Don't's and she gave us each journals to write down our adventures with a map of ireland and where we would be traveling. The one thing we were told was to just sit and enjoy the Irish People. They are some of the nicest people in the world!!!

We forced ourselves to stay up late.

I had a difficult time sleeping. I felt anxious. I missed the kids and Drew. I phoned Drew early in the morning. Michelle told me to. I had a good talk with her that night. I am so glad I brought Ashton's pillow and Jaida's blanket with me.

History of Dromoland Castle CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE IMAGES

There was one king that resided in this castle, it's 1,012 yrs old. They did add one wing to it when Pres. Bush went to stay there.

I LOVE THIS ONE, MOM AND I ARE TRYING TO SKIP SHE MADE ME LAUGH.

TEA TIME EVERY DAY FROM 3-5PM THANKS MICHELLE FOR RECOMMENDING THIS. SO FUN!