The Emerald Isle

It's my turn, Roy did quite a good blog from the Cotswolds. We had a wonderful time and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. We made many new friends and hopefully we will meet some of them again. The walking was fun too. I even enjoyed the mud!
Now we are in Ireland and yes, it is 40 shades of green. We landed, rented a car, and on the way to our lodging Andromeda let us down for the first time. We were shocked - found our way to the Travel Lodge (read Crap Lodge). It wasn't very nice - however, we did find the High Street where we had a decent dinner and then a walk - realized we weren't in the best part of town when we noticed many steel shutters on the shops - back to our room. Had an $8.00 bowl of cereal for breakfast and struck out to discover Ireland. We drove through Sally Gap and Wicklow gap in the Wicklow mountains. Saw the Guiness Estate and lake - very dramatic. The scenery was dramatic too - not much vegetation but windswept. Came out of the mountains at Glenadough and then on to points west. At this point we thought the Fraser Valley just as beautiful. We toured the Rock of Cashel, 12th century and earlier - St Patrick baptized King Anguen in 450 ad here. Impressive place so glad it has been preserved. On to Killarney where we stayed the night. A busy place, very alive and 10:30 on a Sunday night. Our B&B was up a lane so narrow we didn't believe it could be a street. We were in Kilkenney too. Old and confusing but neat to see - no cats.
Next day we had a short drive to Dingle Penninsula - we saw the most breathtaking scenery. It was worth the long drive the day before. LIFE will never be the same after seeing the most westerly place in Europe. There were very interesting historical sights to see and we had the best weather they have had all summer. The sun shone brightly! Can't wait to show everyone the pictures. They won't do it justice but it is straight out of National Geographic.
We are back in Dublin and Roy is happy to be vehicle free. He had done a great job but it sure is different here. We lucked out on our room. We got a great rate on the interenet - when we got there it turned out to be a Boutique Hotel right in the trendy area. A lady was at the dest asking the rate for the night 169. euros. Too much for our blood - thank God for internet. We get a continental breaky, free evening drink and a trouser press.
This may be it til we get home - only 4 more sleeps.