By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
We visited Ireland in 2010 for the first time and as you read this, we will have completed our second visit. We will see Dublin, Cork and Belfast, Northern Ireland. We loved it the first time and I’m sure we will be very glad to return—it’s been too long! So, I thought you might like to see our photos from the Pinterest page about out last week long trip to Ireland.
Ireland Facts
Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth. To its east is the island of Great Britain, from which it is separated by the Irish Sea. It was ruled by the English until 1949 when 26 counties formed the Republic of Ireland and 6 Northern counties became Northern Ireland. It became a member of the EU in 1973.
Dublin
Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. Here are our photos of Dublin:
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Ireland. The legend is that the cathedral is near where St. Patrick baptized pagans into Christians. It is the largest church in Ireland.
Detail on St. Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin Ireland
The Guinness statue grave site on the grounds of St. Patrick’s Church, Dublin Ireland. Sir Guinness founded the Guinness brewery in 1759. He became the wealthiest man in Ireland. A lot of Irish folks think that Guinness is the best thing every created in Ireland.
The Guinness Brewery
What a surprise—Anne and Hank found a great pub. It was even better—Ireland was playing Scotland in the 6 Nations Rugby Test Matches and most fans were getting ready for the game with a couple of Pints. Before the match, it was shoulder to shoulder, with all decked out in Scottish kilts, or rugby jerseys —what a blast! By the way, Ireland won decisively! So the above picture is Kehoe’s Pub in the temple bar area Dublin, Ireland.
Beautiful Door Dublin Ireland. This door is in Merton Square.
Sligo
One of the great festivals of all time is to get to see, or better yet, march in a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ireland. We got the chance in Silgo. Here are the photos:
Anne (dressed as Jessie—she made her costume) & Hank (dressed as Buz Lightyear) just prior to marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sligo Ireland 2010.
What smart Irish parade marchers do right after the finish of the St Patrick Day’s Parade–they have a pint or two! Sligo Ireland
Mount Falcon
Almost anyone would like to visit and stay in a true country manor. We got the chance at Mount Falcon.
Here is a good photo:
Mount Falcon County Mayo Ireland. The castle was commissioned by Ultred Knox who decided his new bride was so special she deserved to live in a “castle” so he built her one! The result is Mount Falcon.
Mount Falcon County Mayo Ireland. This former country estate of the Knox family is now a luxury 4 star resort.
Céide Fields
Céide Fields Ireland. It is an archaeological site on the north County Mayo coast in the west of the Republic of Ireland, about 8 kilometers northwest of Ballycastle. The site is said to be the most extensive Neolithic site in the world. It contains the oldest known farming field systems in the world. Using various dating methods, it was discovered that the creation and development of the Céide Fields goes back some five and a half thousand years.
The Cliffs of Mayo
Some of the most dramatic cliffs in the world are in County Mayo. Here are our photos:
The cliffs of County Mayo Ireland.
Picture of County Mayo cliffs in Céide Fields display Ireland
Our Final Thoughts
Hope you liked the pictures! For us, learning about Europe and its culture and history makes us want to go back again and again. You might be inspired to see sights you never knew existed. Why not let us plan a trip to Ireland or some other great Europe country for you? Please reach out to us by sending me an email at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com or better yet, call me at 713-397-0188. We want to be your trusted travel advisors. We want to help you: Savor life . . . make memories . . . Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 45 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
- AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
- Viking River Cruise Specialist
- Scenic River Cruise Specialist
- Emerald Waterways Specialist
- Avalon Waterways Specialist
- Brit Agent
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