Flight to Dublin

Departing from Houston we had about a two hour flight to Charlotte, NC. A quick one hour layover and then boarded the next flight departing around 8:10 PM to Dublin.

We arrived at 8:20 Monday morning.

Renting car from Dooley.

FYI: insurance is a joke. We have a European car of sorts as our rental. Not the easiest to drive, but I'm not driving anyways.

There are a bunch of signs everywhere reminding you to drive on the left side of the road. We were advised to avoid driving through Dublin to get to hotel. Took the highway around the city to our side of town where the hotel was.

Hotel:
We are staying at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. You pull up and it's this old red castle that's been converted to a hotel. As we arrived early, we asked if we could check in early and they were able to get us a room quickly. We rested for a bit and dropped suitcases off then decided to head to Dublin.

Transportation:
To get to city center Dublin, we have to walk to the train station in Killiney. Took the train to Pearce station in Dublin. Took about 20-25 min. The train works easy enough. About 12 euros for round trip tickets for two.


Dublin sightseeing:
Once we arrived in Dublin we rushed to the hop on hop off bus to get to Guinness Storehouse as we were meeting someone for lunch nearby. Along the way, the guided tour bus passed: National Gallery, Leinster House, St. Stephens Green, College Green, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, St. Patricks Cathedral, Teeling Whiskey Distillery and then arrived at Guinness Storehouse.

For 20 euros each, we had the whole tour and our pint each. I learned to serve my own pint "correctly" as well. Just a hint of head. :) they have a nice souvenir shop of ground floor so we got some friends goodies.

When we left Guiness, I wanted to go to Trinity College to visit the Book of Kells. So back on the hop on hop off bus. We saw: Kilimanjaro Gaol, Heuaton rail station, Dublin zoo and Phoenix park (which is huge and amazing) the old Jameson distillery and Collins barracks (which was closed Monday). We got off around Bachelors Walk to walk across the O'Connell Beidge down to Trinity College. For 11 euros you can go into Book of Kells. I got myself a shirt because I'm a super nerd. After we had to do some shopping and went to the Claddagh Jewelry store , an Aran Sweater Market and Carrolls (souvenir store).

After, we were starving so stopped and ate some. By this time, we were a bit beat and headed to Taft station to board train and head back to our castle in Killiney. Did not expect having to walk uphill so much to get back to hotel.

Tomorrow, we have a tour planned to see Giants Causeway & North Atlantic Coast. Psyched. But that also means getting up at 530 local time. Which is 1130 PM CST. still getting use to this time change. :)