We than went back downtown, I had to return a shirt to small. Also there was this very Large H&M, 3 stories. So we all had to stop in. I didn't want to but glad I did. I picked up some nice dress shirts and a black pencil skirt and a nice dress cardigan for spring and church. I also picked up the cutest zipped hooded sweatshirt just like Michelle's. There are only H&M in large cities. I cannot wait to return when I visit Arizona in Sept. Kimber and I are going shopping in Scotsdale!
Than we drove to the Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Another perfect beautiful sunny day. Another great day for photos. We loved reading about the History.
We grabbed some ice cream at this little stand. The best Gelato Ever. So GOOD and creamy.
Stace saw a girl he would like to represent. So I walked up to her and Stace came over and we had a nice conversation. She said she was Hungary. I told Drew to come over and he started talking Hungarian. It was fun to listen to him to Hungarian.
We than hiked the Castle and walked the beautiful grounds. The Castle steps were a little steep. very small and a crazy hike all the way up. We stopped in each room trying to imagine people living there.
Once at the top we all took a turn being lowered down to Kiss the famous Blarney Stone to make sure we were each blessed with more Eloquence. We were glad to see they actually sprayed the rock down and wipped it off after each kiss. We found out that Winston Churchhill and Ronald Regan kissed the Stone. Neat experience. Millions have kissed that rock. I was told to kiss like I have never kissed before!
We made our way down the Castle and enjoyed walking the beautiful grounds. The flowers were out it was super green. We walked through the poison garden admiring all the poisinous plants.
Afterwards we all went shopping in the Blarney Woollen Mills "one of Ireland's oldest Mills began producing the wools and cloths in 1823. To this day, we continue the original committment to innovation and enduring style. All garments and items are produced and designed by us with great care."
We each picked up some fun Irish Woollen products. I love my new HUGE leather knitted bag, magnetic close clasp. FUN.
We drove with Stace and Shayna the entire time. Had a great time. Talking about where we want to live someday, future plans and goals.
We than drove down to the coast to COBH. The place where our ancestors left on boats when they sailed for America. it was a bitter sweet moment to have returned and to think about them leaving for America. Because of their great sacrifices and hope for a better time and place we are able to enjoy the blessings of living where we do. It was quite emotional. Stood by the famous statue of Annie Moore. Statue on the waterfront of Annie Moore and her brothers. Annie Moore was the first person to be admitted to the United States of America through the new immigration centre at Ellis Island, New York on 1 January 1892.
One of the major transatlantic Irish ports, Cobh was the departure point for 2.5 million of the six million Irish people who emigrated to North America between 1848 and 1950. On 11 April 1912 Queenstown was the final port of call for the RMS Titanic as she set out across the Atlantic on her ill-fated maiden voyage. Local lore has it that a Titanic crew member John Coffey, a native of Queenstown, jumped ship although there is no record of him on the crew list. 123 passengers boarded in all; only 44 survived the sinking.
We enjoyed walking through the Cobh Museum, thinking and reflecting on all those traveling by boat, what a horrible way to travel for months at a time.
We than drove to Waterford : The county was named for Waterford City whose name comes from the Old Norse name of Vadrarfjord. It is also referred to as "The Deise. The Deise is the name of a major tribe that migrated wouthward from Meath and settled in Waterford County. Waterford City, however, was settled by the Danes in the ninth century and became one of their raiding settlements. The Normans invaded Waterford in the twelfth century and Waterford City became their stronghold, second only to Dublin in importance.
It was a long drive to Waterford. We got into Waterford in the evening and everything was closed down it looked abandoned. Typical for Europe everything closes very early. We ate at a really great restaurant. More fine dining experience. I had the Salmon and potatoes with Brocolii and carrots. The Carrots are served mashed, really good. Drew had the brazed lamb and veggies. Everyone liked the lamb. I didn't prefere it. I also got the Cajun Chicken Ceasar Salad and Bruchetta (the Bruchetta was filled with onions not that great) We finished with a three trio ice cream and warm apple pie.
We drove 20 minutes to Tramore to the Beach Haven B&B. Such a cute B&B. Our host and hostess were so cute, a young couple. He is from Nebraska and she is from Ireland. Avery, our host, was so nice and helpful. Great coastal home, very cute!!! We each had our own rooms. Great ocean view and we loved the ocean sounds as we slept. He made some of the bunch hot chocolate. We all got caught up on emails, wrote Dad our first letter. It really started raining. Another favorite part of Ireland being close to the ocean.
No comments:
Post a Comment