It’s been almost 6 six years since I ventured with the family to an overseas vacation – we have been mainly visiting Canadian and American destinations during that time.  We finally made the decision to venture back “overseas” and made Ireland and London our stops this summer combining a chilled laid back road trip along, the natural beauty that is, the entire coast of the emerald Isle, with a more people focused stop in London City.

We packed as lightly as we could and planned as much as possible leaving some room for random exploration throughout the trip and off we went, the taxi drive and airport check in was all automated, quick and smooth.  The plane itself was for the first time and impressive entry for Air Canada with great food, state of the art entertainment and window shades, and great service (international vs. domestic makes a crazy big difference!). Caught up on a fascination docuseries in Disney + about the “Imagineering team” (i.e. theme park designers) – very fascinating. We reached the airport and got our rental car and despite early hesitation about driving on the left side, it quickly became intuitive, and the roads were easy to navigate.  I got hit with extra insurance costs, which I did my best to resist and prepare to push back on, but later on realizing the comfort and peace of mind in knowing everything was covered was priceless.

We headed to Belfast and had some navigation difficulties in the city due to construction and finding parking but finally made our way to Castlecourt Shopping Centre.  At this point I was in desperate need of a bathroom break, having a 2-hour sleep in 2 days takes its toll on a brother’s digestive system.  Had a resting break which included through the area that saw us get caught up into Belfast’s annual Pride Parade, but we walked through to the beautiful Victoria Square Mall, which is an open-air shopping centre where we had lunch at Wagamama and I had the much anticipated Katsu Curry dish.  Satisfied another long-lost craving and had coffee at my favourite coffee shop Jamaica Blue, and then headed up back to continue the Journey through Northern Ireland.

After a scenic route through the Antrium Coast and its narrow winding roads we say some beautiful coast scenery, and little perched up towns.  Made our stop at the Garron View B&B which was equally beautiful amid stereotypical Irish countryside, sheep farms, and hillside. Had a quick walk and early dinner at the Cushendall Golf club, amazing fresh sea bass, and then headed back for an early sleep and a much-needed rest for the next day.  All devices charged, itinerary check and ready for another day.  Can’t wait to see the Giant’s Causeway – it was on my bucket list and one of the few regrets of my earlier bachelor visit to island years ago – so happy to have the chance to see it this time.  Luckily, I read ahead and got the online tickets early to avoid disappointment.

(Garron View B&B, Northern Ireland, Day 1- 11:55p.m.)

Today was an unexpectedly longer than anticipated day, which all started early in the morning as we are about to have breakfast, our little way apparently got ill over night, and with the risk of too much information, she vomited a few times at breakfast (at the B&B where everyone can hear…yay good parenting award) and this was going to be a pattern we live with for the rest of the day at least.  The breakfast itself was fresh and delicious-nothing fancy but the company we had was great.  The B&B owners places random people together so we chatted with a lady from Amsterdam who was visiting and driving around Ireland – with her mom partially, and a mother daughter duo from England.  We talked about wildlife and got some tips on our visit to the Giant’s Causeway.

After packing and getting ready to set out in what was a great day weather wise, we were also preparing a plastic bag for the back seat inevitable puking (again sorry for the TMI).  Our first stop was the Causeway area where we hiked up the mountain ridge then walked back and took a bus to the causeway itself to save time.  It was incredible and very interactive being allowed to walk through and on top of it.  A natural wonder indeed.   Took the car and proceeded to Dunluce Castle – a much smoother and very much improved driving experience today for sure, definitely getting the hang of it.  Our little one stayed back with the wifey near the car and I took my son to snap a few pictures of the castle ruins.  We didn’t bother to get tickets to go inside, you can pretty much see most of it from outside in, and definitely get a sense of the drama more so from the outside.

Next stop – Massendun Temple.  Again, the little one and my wife stayed back since she was still ill, didn’t get how to pay for the parking and reception was not the best so downloading the parking app wasn’t working.  We went in anyway and took pictures.  A huge expanse of space makes the temple location all the more dramatic.  I’m pretty sure I was supposed to pay a parking ticket and may even a park ticket – but a free one (unintentionally) this time.  After cleaning up the little princess for the fifth time we headed out to Londonderry.  A very nice, relaxed town we ate at the Embankment Grill which was located next to the Peace pedestrian bridge – a beauty indeed.  The whole development around the restaurant was modern and great to walk through.  We then went to the Fraser House shopping centre on the other side of the river through the bridge and it was a nice walk.  We got some water and electrolytes before heading out to the Derryveagh Mountains back in the Republic of Ireland.  The views were great, but the drive was a long winding path and by the end of it I was exhausted, so was the rest of the crew.

We finally made our way to our hotel this time and man there were what must have been tons of stairs to get to our rooms.  Which ordinarily isn’t much but being the sole person carrying two large luggage bags and a full laptop bag and another handbag it was definitely great exercise (to be fair the others were all carrying other things). We finally made it and went it into “clean up, rest, and charge all devices” mode.  The kids had snacks and we caught up for the next day.

Given our experience today I looked into shaving off a few items for tomorrow to reduce car ride time, but there wasn’t much benefit n doing that, especially since we are committed to the Cliffs of Moher timing (we can go different times, but we still had to go), the Shannon Ferry, and our hotel tomorrow.  So, in the end kept the same itinerary – let’s hope we can survive it.

(Kee’s Hotel, Ireland, Day 2 – 10:48p.m.)

Today started off late, with everyone feeling the fatigue from yesterday and we almost missed our breakfast, but once we got going the mood was better and overall things felt lighter.  It was a rainy day for most of the drive but as I got even more comfortable driving things seemed a lot more straight forward.  We started the longest leg of the drive to Galway after a filling hotel breakfast.  I found out the hotel was 200 years old, ad with that knowledge focus more on some of the historic memorabilia and photos they had throughout the hallways which was fascinating.  Our drive to Galway was picturesque as expected and we eventually mustered up some hunger and were ready for an early lunch.  Driving in the City is never easy or ideal, but we finally managed to find some parking near the Spanish Arch and man was that one of the most stressful part of the trip so far.  The car aisles were so tight and tiny going up the ramp all I could do was squint my eyes as I cringe expecting to thit the concrete walls. The entry itself seemed impossible!  Seeing rubber car markings in most walls didn’t bode well either.  I know I have a fairly tiny car (that can barely hold my luggage in the trunk, and I can see much larger cars barely making it – but intuitively I just couldn’t see us finding a spot that’s free.  Thankfully that was the case, and after a great ab work out from all the stress we walked out to a great restaurant on the bay called Aidbirda.  Had some amazing and large portioned dishes to share.  A courgette cake with feta and a Barata tomato salad.  My little ones both had the tomato soup but my youngest barely touched it so my wife ended up finishing it.  All were served with some amazing soda bread that was baked fresh.  Capped it off with cardamom Lebanese coffee and a peanut butter hot chocolate for my son.

We made our way to the very lively and colourful Latin Quarter, saw some buskers and souvenir shops – didn’t end up getting anything.  Then we passed by a charcoal doner place and got a burger for our youngest since she hasn’t eaten properly for almost a couple of days now, we couldn’t resist and each got a doner sandwich of our own (so I guess we weren’t filled up from the lunch) but kept ours for later.  We then went back to the parking, and although it was still a stressful drive down through the tight ramps, it was comparably easier, probably because I was more mentally prepared this time around.

Drove out and headed to the famous Cliffs of Moher.  It was a more scenic albeit more steep and sharply curved ride. We drove through the Burren natural area and finally made it to a windy and rainy spot at the cliffs.  IT was very foggy but there were moments where it was clear enough to take some pictures.  It was very impressive despite the fog, and still worth the drive.  The information centre had a 4D visual presentation that was nice and overall not the ideal viewing conditions, still it was a must see for me.

We started to get tired and headed to the ferry terminal at Tarbert Ferry terminal where we would go with the car, ad the ferry itself was quick, smooth, and very easy.  However, going there my GPS took us on some petty sketchy, out of the way roads that seemed wrong.  We stuck through it and eventually we were redeemed.  It’s interesting how we would seem so far removed from everything and it says we are 2 minutes away, and sure enough – voila – civilization right there within 2 minutes! Never second guess the GPS I guess.

We reached our B&B, and the older gentlemen – upon seeing or massive 2-day laundry bag suggested I go to the local town and use the public laundry.  The room itself was very spacious and clean, and the bathroom was huge.  Great views onto the gold course across the road and a very cozy spot indeed.  Not much to be seen on the TV but that was just as well so that we were forced to rest up.  I did have to make 6 trips to the local laundry matt.  Once to go and comeback after putting the load in the washer, then to move to the drier, and then another 2 trips to get the finished laundry.  The laundry itself was very sleek, automated, efficient and very impressive.  It wasn’t your usual coin operated 1 dollar vibrating sketchy laundry service.  It was all outside and not in a room or unit which was different.  A bit pricey but still worth doing to give use an extra two days of clean clothes.  Especially since my gas consumption seems much lower than I expected – thanks to a very efficient car rental.

We finally got our devices charged, laundry clean, and now waiting for everyone to wake up to head out for another relatively significant drive through the Dongle Peninsula, but shorter than yesterday, and to head to our last stay in Ireland before we head out to see friends in London. Let’s hope it’s equally positive and smooth as yesterday was – except no more tight parking please!

(Cashen Course B&B, Ireland, Day 3 – 7:07a.m. the next morning)

Today was a long day, partly because the fatigue is starting to catch up with me – focus on driving and waking up early is starting to affect my body.  Nonetheless the day was primarily made up of a driving circuit to Cork and through the beautiful Dingle Peninsula.  The highlight was sheep running away from our car for a long period of time until finally figuring out to walk around the car.  Another highlight was fish and chips in Dingle town and the drive through the Burren area and the highlands within the Dingle Peninsula. Having the Sticky Toffee Pudding in Dingle was also a great experience that we all enjoyed together. Another bit of a highlight is we ended up after a long car ride going to a place with the same name as our hotel but was 30min away from the actual hotel – apparently the “Belvedere Lodge” is also the name of someone’s private estate.

We are all charged up and ready for our last day tomorrow, made a change of plans and instead of Waterford we’ll be passing by Kilkenny to see the Castle and Church.  It’s also a shorter route which we may need after all the driving this holiday and just before our trip to London.  I’ll report back on tomorrow and then will restart the journal where I left off once I am back from London and back in Dublin.

(The Belvedere Lodge B&B, Ireland, Day 4 – 11:02p.m.)

The last day in this leg of my Irish trip was timed to the minute to make sure that we see as much as we can jam packed into our last day before Dublin, while not missing our flight to London to see our friends.  So everything had to be precise and not much time was given to buffer in case we stray a little for some unscheduled adventures.

We had a nice sized breakfast at the inn, which was run by lovely Georgian ladies, before packing up and heading out right away. We made our way, at ridiculously blazing speeds through the M8 motorway, to Kilkenny.  Everything went well and the kids were distracted enough for one not to ask how much longer before we reach.  Parking was an issue in Kilkenny so I found a couple of inches of curb space close enough to the Castle and parked the car.

We headed to the Castle, and after a small line up for tickets – where we saved on my now 11-year-old son to get a free ticket (he was 12 so it wasn’t that obvious), and got into the impressive structure.  Our first true “castle” this trip – finally.  My wife enjoys seeing how people once lived, so the retained furniture, décor and artwork was right up her alley of interest.  We walked around the Castle grounds and the rose garden was equally beautiful.  My son recently rediscovered Harry Potter – and when I mean recently, I mean on the airplane trip to Ireland he rewatched the movies and really got into it – so he too was getting into this visit.

We then walked our way on a warm and sunny day to the nearby St. Canice Cathedral which was equally impressive.  The walk through the main street was actually very interesting and the added ot the appreciation of Kilkenny.  The cathedral was very elegant and from the Organ to the impressive stained-glass windows on both aisles and nave were awesome.  My little one got us all into a treasure hunt, which we got stuck at the “James the lame” reason for death clue.  But she got her sticker for trying anyway. 

We headed for a quick bite, and found the only restaurant with some space, unfortunately it was an American style, but the food was good and it was easy for the kids to choose a dish.  The restaurant itself – called “Paris Texas” had a very interesting décor that was full of greenery and bright skylights deep inside it’s deceivingly narrow and dark entryway.  That alone was worth the venture in.

On time we headed through to the mountains and the Old Military Road, which was amazing for more scenery, and despite a small amount of panic as our gas tank was coming close to running empty, we made our way to the Car rental place near the airport.  Traffic was not our friend, but we managed to follow the schedule and make it on time.  Had we known our plane would be delayed for a good hour and a half we wouldn’t have panicked, especially when my digital boarding passes didn’t load up and I had to quickly get paper copies.

In the end all went well and we made it to London – stay tuned for our last leg in Dublin which should be slightly more relaxed given that there wouldn’t be much car driving and plenty of walking!  Ireland was a true relaxing break – a much needed one after years of North America only trips – and so glad we made it to this very warm and joyful country.

(London, UK Day5/6 – 8:15 a.m.)

So, coming from London after an amazing family focused trip, and in the context of some rioting against immigrants which was a little sad, we headed back to Dublin yesterday for a day stop just before we head back home tomorrow.  The trip this way was a lot smoother and had no 1.5 hour delays like we did on the way to London so that was a nice thing.  Although my son forgot his bag at our friend’s house, and we had to get an empty cab just for the bag to be delivered to Terminal 5 of Heathrow airport which was an unexpected surprise – if it wasn’t for the iPAD and Nintendo switch inside I would have left it.  But he felt sufficiently bad enough for the forgetfulness for me to move on quick enough.  We did have a full plane, with a large contingent of Irish scouts which was interesting as well.

So today we headed to the city after a relaxed sleep and a late breakfast, which was not included and for the price wasn’t amazing, but good enough to get our day going.  Not much on the itinerary, an all-around relaxed list of things to do and all within short walks of each other.  Took our cab to Chester Beatty House which was a very interesting collection of artifacts from different religions and surprisingly all free.  The garden was beautiful, and the raising sun was a great backdrop for some pictures.  After going through an interesting set of artifacts we walked to the nearby Dublin Castle for an equally impressive collection of art and furniture. 

We then headed to the Temple Bar area, but not before stopping by the Rocco Café on the way, a small but mighty café with ana amazing coffee, where I finally had my sought after Cortado and we were impressed with the fully recyclable carton boxes for water (instead of plastic water bottles).  Our next stop was walking through the George Street mall/arcade, which was interesting, basically a historically covered market with some funky and unique small kiosk like shops, I got a magnet and a small necklace for mom.  We headed through Trinity College and on our way stopped by a large gift shop to get the rest of our souvenirs for our last day including the shortbread cookies, an addition to my sock collection, my little one got a lavender hand made soap of all things, stickers for my older one, a pendant for my cousin and other magnets and key chains for family and colleagues. 

Towards the University we went and through the campus for a leisurely walk on a beautiful sunny but slightly breezy day and then back through Temple Bar.  We headed along the river and to the Persian restaurant called Zaytoon.  It was a bit more fast food than I thought but still delicious.  Not the best Iranian food but the family loved it. We then walked through to the Winding Stairs bookstore across the bridge and the Liffy River to the ILAC shopping centre where, disclaimer for too much information, we all had to go to the toilets after that filling Iranian feast we had earlier on.

After a small stroll we decided to take a cab back to our hotel for an early relaxing cap to the day and got ready for our trip back.  We rested, recharged, and charged our devices for an early rise tomorrow to the airport – 6:30 to 7:00 a.m….ouch!

What an amazing trip this was, the London family and friends one was in and of itself a very eventful and great trip.  But Ireland was a pleasant treat, it was familiar but yet still managed to surpass expectations.  Dublin was more diverse and cosmopolitan than expected, the people were stereotypically friendly to a fault, and the countryside was breathtaking despite the fact that it looked familiar.  The coziness and relaxed feel was throughout, and everything was easy and enjoyable.  The driving experience was just that…an experience particularly in the smaller roads.  The weather was cooperative, except from the cliffs of Moher which were still impressive in spite of or maybe because of the dense fog.

Going back, I have a lot of work to catch up on and routine, I have a feeling that my next trip will be for a long time from now, so I made extra effort to enjoy this one and be in the moment.  I hope it’s not another 6 years to go overseas, but if that is the case I have a lot of memories to hang on to based on this trip which was much needed.

(Dublin Skylon Hotel, Ireland, Day 11 – 7:46p.m.)