Day 1 - Dublin

Hi friends and family!  After 9 hours of flying, we finally arrived DUB this morning at 10:10 AM.  We decided to stay just south of the city, given that we plan to leave early tomorrow to drive to Waterford and along the Copper Coast to Cork.  We are staying at The Beacon, a trendy hotel that reminds us of the Mondrian in Scottsdale, AZ....white leather lobby, funky light fixtures, and white, slinky drapes....definitely NOT a traditional Dublin B&B!  Unfortunately our rooms weren't ready when we arrived, so we sat in the bar for a few hours and enjoyed a few Guinness and split the fish n chips.

After a few hours (and some begging), our rooms were available.  We were in the mood for a much needed power nap!  After a short rest, our plan was to drive through the Dublin Mountains and eat dinner at Johnnie Fox's Pub!

After a few hours of sleep, we took a nice drive through Enniskerry and then towards Glencullen.  Enniskerry is one of Ireland’s loveliest and most loved villages, situated in the foothills of the Wicklow mountains just 24km South of Dublin. Enniskerry is famous for the Powerscourt Estate which features beautiful gardens, shops and Ireland’s highest waterfall.  Unfortunately, Powercourt Waterfalls and Gardens were closed by the time we arrived.  However, we decided we would try to visit during the second half of our visit.  .  

After a few missed turns (did I tell you it is HORRIBLE to drive here?!?!?!), we finally arrived at Johnnie Fox's Pub.  We were just in time for the live Irish Music!  Jeff and I just love this place and were so excited to show it off to Jean.  I had given away this little secret to my parents a few years back and they were also fortunate to visit this place.  It is very special!  We haven't been here since 2005, but it still holds its promise of good food, cold beer, great music, and good company!  We sat here for about 3 hours eating, drinking and enjoying the music.

  

Johnnie Fox's is the "highest bar in Ireland"....for whatever that means.  More importantly - it is a VERY old establishment - founded in 1823.  The pub has been the home to many Presidents, Royalties, and Local Glencullen's for hundreds of years.  The band tonight - two old men playing the guitar and a variety of woodwinds.  They kept us happy and entertained for several hours (and several Guinness and Jameson's).  We ended the night with their famous whiskey cake....you have to be 18 to even order this dessert!  It was worth every bite.  

http://www.jfp.ie/

We ended the night early, with hopes of catching up on some sleep .  We have a long day tomorrow - driving through Cahir to view the castle and grounds and then south to Waterford to view the factory.  We will end the day with a nice, scenic drive along the Copper Coast towards Cork.  We will be in Cork through Thursday, where we will enjoy the scenery, city life, and historic sites.

Signing off jet lagged and happy....

Jenn