Ireland

We arrived in Shannon (Ireland) late and everyone who asked us where we were staying responded with, "Oh Mary's...she will look after you!" She did and boy can she talk..............yes even more than me. Our first day in Ireland we went through Cork (not a sign anywhere with the name "Shea" and just as well as Cork was a 'dump' and we were glad we weren't staying there!) and stayed at Youghal on the coast. We went to mass at a 12th Century church before heading on towards Dublin. On the way we visited Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney stone....................well Murray did, I just attempted to, screamed and threw a paddy and refused to...............honest me. We met the Walkers from Oamaru who are over here visiting Maree who teaches in London.

After that we travelled around the coast towards Dublin stopping at several spots including this one overlooking a magnificent golf course. There is no doubt that Ireland is very green.

We arrived in Dublin early but at our hotel late after our GPS let us down for the first time. Dublin is a maze of new roads not yet recognised.

Next day we visited with Sister Anne. What a treat!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is wonderful. Living in a prime spot, massive private grounds belonging to the Camelite nuns. She took us to meet them for a chat. What an amazing experience as they were behind the bars and have only just started talking on certain days and in certain places. Sister Anne joined us, busing into the centre of Dublin and showing us to our hotel. It ended up an amazing place. In the heart of the night life, Irish pubs, entertainment and shopping. We had a ball.

When she left us after setting us up to visit all the top spots, we went to enjoy a pint in the famous Temple Bar. That night Arlington's pub was the place for a theatre restaurant night. A night of Irish dancers and a band, amazing!!!

Next day we went on the Tour bus around the city. Hop on hop off for 24 hours. We walked through Trinity and even lay in the park by the famous cricket field.

We met up with Stephen Neill and he took us to an amazing seafood restaurant along the coastal road out of Dublin. It was newly opened and a culinary experience. Stephen is just what we expected, a fine young man. He then drove us to our hotel near the airport as we had an early morning flight.

PARIS HERE WE COME!