Back to Ireland!

Yes, we are headed back to Ireland!  We've learned a thing or two on how to travel this beautiful country.  Last time we visited (in 2005), we stayed in Dublin the entire time and drove back and forth for all of  excursions.....too much driving!  This time we plan on driving the coast and stopping along the way.  Mileage wise Southern Ireland is very small, but the roads are quite windy.  What looks like a nice 30 minute stroll can easily turn into a 3-4 hour journey!  The way we have planned this trip will give us more time to enjoy each spot and really immerse ourselves in the culture.  

We are very excited to be spending this trip with Jean, Jeff's mom.  This is her 60th birthday present.  She has always dreamed of going to Ireland, so we are happy to be able to make that dream come true! 

Here's our itinerary:

8/29:  ORD - LON overnight flight - United

8/30:  Arrive Dublin, sleep 1 night @ The Beacon

8/31:  Arrive Cork, sleep 2 nights @ Hayfield Manor Hotel

9/2:  Arrive Galway, sleep 2 nights @ The G Hotel Galway

9/4:  Arrive Dublin, sleep 2 nights @ The Westin Dublin
9/6:  DUB - FRANKFURT - Lufthansa
9/6:  FRANKFURT - ORD (landing 7:30 PM) - Lufthansa

Our trip will start in Dublin (actually 14 miles south - we are staying in the Dublin mountains) and then driving south, along the coast towards Cork.  We will then drive northwest towards Galway and then straight east back to Dublin.  We will be making a lot of stops along the way, including Waterford, The Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, etc.  Looking forward to sharing this with all of you.

XOXO

J&J