Ireland: Day 2 - Road Trip to Galway

 The next day, we grabbed some coffee and breakfast and then headed towards Galway. We had a few planned stops, one of them being Kilbeggan Distillery. 

We heard the history of the distillery and made traditional Irish coffees, but my favorite part was getting to speak candidly about Irish culture with our tour guide, who was actually a French immigrant who married an Irish gal and never left! I think we all enjoyed learning about someone who has been in Ireland for over half their life and never planned to leave - and why! He remarked that people were so much happier and friendlier in Ireland. It was a lovely cultural exchange, and it was a great surprise to be the only four on the tour so that we could have this type of conversation!

Next, we needed some lunch, so we were frantically looking for something nearby, but there were only small towns with very few proper restaurants. We stopped at what looked to be a promising pub, but it wasn't open mid-afternoon. Matthew and I charged into what appeared to be a cafeteria-style restaurant, full of locals. We enjoyed a quaint little lunch and giggled amongst ourselves at what an odd establishment we were in, yet thoroughly enjoyed our time there!

We then headed to Athlone Castle, which is perched above the Shannon River. It was a nice break from the car and we wandered through the exhibits and read about the history of the castle, which dated back to the 12th century. 

Max's kin hail from Roscommon, which was hardly out of the way for us to make a stop at Roscommon Castle. Now in ruins, it dates back to the 13th century and was open-air and free to walk around. We had a lot of fun speculating about different rooms and scenarios that happened around "Max's Castle." 

Of course, we had to stop at Aldi for the essentials! We agreed that with our home exchange, we'd take advantage of the full kitchen and Matthew's egg-making skills in the mornings. We surreptitiously shopped, looking at and then buying a lot of Irish treats and drinks. Why are grocery stores so quiet in European countries?

It was getting close to dinner, so we parked and walked around Galway at last and were recommended a really nice place for dinner 😆 It turned out to just a kind of average pub, but we still partook in all the traditional foods like clam chowder, fish and chips, and soda bread. From another recommendation, we found a spot for some live music and listened for a while, drinking in both the spirit and atmosphere of this bustling town of Galway at night. 

    

The thorn of the day was certainly when we sat in traffic for over an hour trying to get to our Home Exchange for the evening. It was a two-lane road and some kind of accident had us trying to take a backroad that turned into a lot of people trying to do the same. It was definitely an adventure and Matthew fearlessly drove us over bridges, roads, peat and narrow gravel pathways only for us to turn around for our own safety. 

We were greeted by our hosts' brother, who lives right next door to our Home Exchange. He gave us a wealth of information and was so kind and welcoming. Had he not been heading out of town the following day, I think Matthew would have found a new best friend for the entirety of our stay!

Ireland: Day 1 - Dublin

 Dia duit! Our trip to Ireland was somewhat spontaneous but full of SO many memories and good times. Matthew and Katie invited us in December on their trip to Ireland. They had arranged a lovely Home Exchange in Galway for 3 nights and want to know if we'd like to join. Max and I hadn't really finalized our travel plans for 2025 and decided that a trip across the pond (again!) was just the trip we needed for the Spring!

We arrived in Dublin in the morning and went to Naked Bakes for coffee and pastries. I've been a long time follower of @eatnakedbakes (formerly @ohhappytreats) and really wanted to go to the shop and get some treats. I met the owner, Aisling, and told her I was an OG fan and was giddy to be there.

After my brush with stardom, we walked over to Saint Patrick's Cathedral and read about the history of the church and the park outside of it. 

Next was our Guinness Tour, which is a self-guided journey through the process of making and the history of Guinness beer. It was really well done, and we had several tastings and then had the premier experience (thank you, Matthew!) of the laser-etched Guinness foam and then an extra rooftop pint! It was a Guinness-filled afternoon!

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We checked in our lodging and took the tram system to Brazen Head, which claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland, with an operating date back to 1198. The food was spectacular and we squeezed into a small room off the side of the restaurant section to listen to some traditional Irish music!  It was a great way to end the evening on our first night in Ireland!

England: Day 3 & 4 - London

 Only slightly hungover, we arose from bed to go to the charming Primrose Hill. It is literally so cute and we stopped at a bagel shop to get food and coffees before sitting in the grass at Regent's Park. I should mention now, that we had unseasonably amazing weather ALL weekend long in London. It was sunny and warm and dry for all four days we were here. Abby and Nate assured us that this wasn't the norm. 

We rented bikes and started our biking tour to and through Saint James' Park. Max and I walked through Kensington Palace grounds to see the Sunken Garden that memorialized the Princess of Wales. It was really beautiful yet also sad to be there. I love the way they created this space to honor her life.

We biked over to Covent Garden and split from Abby and Nate there. We had a 4pm tea-time at The Wolseley-at the Ritz Carlton. I was delighted by all the tea sandwiches, scones, my Primm's cup, place settings and the atmosphere. This checked this off my bucket list and I was glad Max joined me for this occasion. I would say, it wasn't his favorite food we ate in England, but he survived.

Intentionally we walked through Piccadilly Circus and then on our way to Chinatown, we (Max) stumbled upon a familiar street. Out of all the streets in London, how Max realized that we were a mere 100 ft away from the ironic tailor and suit shop from The Kingsman is still beyond me. He posed for a picture and then we were on our way! We met up with Abby and Nate for another drink on the street outside of a pub in SoHo. Trekking over to Chinatown (my first one ever!) we ate a few bao buns before our goodbyes with Abby and Nate. It was an amazing three-day tour of London from them! I am forever grateful of the time we spent together and the thoughtful itinerary they put together for us.

The night was still young so we wearily decided to find one last roof-top spot to soak in the last of the London Skyline.

The following morning we made arrangements to go to Westminster Abbey. First stop though, was a proper English Breakfast (Max's checklist! in Camdentown). I didn't partake but I watched as Max devoured black pudding, blood sausage, beans on toast, fried potatoes, pan-roasted tomato, and eggs. I didn't know one could smile so much while eating beans. 

I am glad we made the time to go inside this amazing cathedral. They had a fantastic audio/video tour to go along with all the sculptures, entombed bodies, oil paintings, gothic architecture, and stained glass. We stayed over an hour and also climbed to the top of a tower that held the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Gallery. I was disappointed when I only saw replicas of the precious jewels and crowns. Max was impressed with the poet's corner that held the burial site or commemoration of several large and also lesser-known poets that shaped history. 

Max had second thoughts about a Cuban cigar in Covent Garden so we hurriedly biked over to grab a few before our departing train to the airport. Things got a little delayed but we made it on our flights by the skin of our teeth and only a near-stroke from Max. 

I love a city adventure and London was certainly one for the books. With all the traveling I've done and now with my partner in crime, I do have to say that traveling with friends has its own special place in my heart. A big, big thank you to Abby and Nate for an unforgettable weekend!