Kim’s mom Carmina returned to visit us for a second time and we explored more of the island along with spending time around Dublin. She was whisked away soon after arriving however, to spend time with her friends Harry & Julie and their family. Harry & Kim’s dad Rick worked together at Intel many years ago. Hopefully they did more than drain a few Guinness! Another Carmina highlight later on the trip was taking a dip in the Irish Sea off of Bray.
We then took the coastal train for a trip to a cool little town named Howth, where we took a cliff walk and visited our favorite lunch spot, the Abbey Tavern.
After a few more days in Dublin we took a trip to the west side of the country to Doolin & the Cliffs of Moher, although I never made it to the cliffs. Kim & Carmina left me behind & visited the cliffs via a walk out of Doolin. Several hours (and 16,000 steps later for the ladies), I met up with them as my hike that day was playing the Castle course at Lahinch Golf Club.
We then went south to Dingle and then to the Kilkee Cliffs, which are my favorite cliffs in Ireland because unlike Moher, you can go right up to the edge. Kim always gets a little worried when I go to the edge but not to worry, my life insurance is paid up! We also stopped at the Loop Head Lighthouse and climbed the steps to enjoy the view of the Atlantic. There has been a lighthouse on site since 1670.
I neglected to mention our stop at Bunratty Castle on the way to the Wild Atlantic Way. Bunratty is a 15th century castle which sits amidst a recreated village that was a Viking trading post as early as 970 AD. A stop at Durty Nelly’s pub is a must while at the castle so who were we to disappoint the locals!
Carmina spent a few more days with us in Dublin & we ate at Kim’s new favorite restaurant (The Ivy Asia) where I met an interesting man on the way into the bathroom!
We all left Dublin the same day as Carmina headed back to Arizona while Kim & I started a trip to Scotland which I’ll catch you up on later. Hope everyone is well in the states!
Terry & Kim
P.S. I wanted to include a cool video of Carmina walking at the cliffs but I am too cheap to spend another $96 on this blog to allow videos. Check out Kim’s Facebook page for the video if you’re interested!
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