Unregistered User
(5/27/03 8:13 am)

Our adventures: Part I- Dublin & the North

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Will try to condense a long journal into a managable one! Cast in order of descending age-Emmons, 89, George, 80, Pat R, 70's, Carol, 60's (almost 70's!). Arrived at Dublin Airport early (about 5:30 A.M.-lovely sunrise!) Met by our driver, Pat H. Had coffee at airport as it was way too early to go to our B&B! Nontheless our hosts, Pat and Mary McManus at Cashel Lodge, north of the city, managed to be almost ready for us at about 9:00 A.M. Mary scurried around changing beds while Pat M. cooked us a fine Irish breakfast.During the course of unpacking Emmons discovered he left his important medication at home! Mary, who is a nurse, called a doctor for an appointment, Pat R. (now called Patricia for clarity among the "Pats") G, and I went off to Dublin with Pat H.(now to be called Patrick!). Pat M. took E. under his wing, calling his doctor at a suitable American time and taking him to the chemists to get his prescription. Despite the rocky start we loved our stay in Dublin-- from Kilmainham jail to the harbor at Howth, sightseeing,long walks,and a joining up with E's grandson and wife who flew over from England to join us at Cashel Lodge. By the time we left for the North 2 days later, the McManuses were family, along with their two wonderful kids. Note: Patrick won't tell me what's in the black pudding that I'm enjoying every morning until the end of the trip! Saturday we head off North. Patrick has never been there and admits to being "a bit un-aisy". But everyone is lovely. We make a stop at Carlingford, where the Mountains of Mourne come down to the town as well as the sea. Our B&B,in the Ards Pennisula, The Old Schoolhouse, was an amazing contrast from our family home in Dublin. Twelve large modern bedrooms and baths and an award winning restaurant, where our hostess was the chef. Recommended for those who prefer the "mod cons". We run into Easter closings in the North as we did in Dublin on Good Friday. We head further North to Portrush. Note: Loved Mount Royal House and Gardens, The weather deteriorates, but we still "climb" the awesome Giant's Causeway. Patricia bravely crosses the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge while Patrick and I watch from the sidelines in fear and trembling! She claims the hike to get there was worse than crossing the bridge, but we don't believe her even though our two men aren't able to manage the ascent and descent. She deserves the jacuzzi that is present in their room at Brookhaven B&B! We are quickly discovering the fun of seeing who gets the big bedroom and bath and who gets the small one. Patricia and I decide we each will try to be first to get to the sleeping quarters for the rest of the trip! Another lovely couple run this B&B and we enjoy sitting up late in their living room, chatting. Unfortunately our planned golf is out as the weather is rainy and cool, but we go to Bushmills and a very good "ploughman's lunch" here after a few of us become "Official Irish Whiskey Tasters. Not Patrick! He won't touch a drop until he safely sees us off at the airport and gets home to Kilkenny! He has his tea while we have our "medicinal hour!" We're all in love with him by now! He has a charming way of softly humming "deedle-di-deedle-di-dum" when we're lost! And you thought only tourists driving their rented cars got lost! Our trip South takes us to Londonderry, Omagh, and the Ulster-American Folk Park. Well worth a long visit. Next episode to come.

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 18
(5/27/03 11:28 am)

Re: Our adventures: Part I- Dublin & the North

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Carol
Nice to hear that even the 'natives' get lost once in a while