Another magnificent day in Ireland!

Today it was off to Malahide Castle and gardens after a full Irish breakfast. The castle was the home to the Talbot Family for almost 800 years. A tour of the castle and the botanical gardens was a great way to spend a beautiful Irish morning.

Further along the coast sits the town of Howth. This picturesque fishing village nestled on a peninsula on the northern edge of Dublin Bay offers wonderful views of the bay from its inner mountain summits.

Later in the day, I met the Journalism students arriving from Dubrovnik, Croatia. After getting them settled in their hostel, we all went out for a good burger and of course a Guinness and then a final round of shopping. Early day tomorrow as we prepare for our journey back to the states.

A very enjoyable adventure comes to an end. Check out the latest pics below.

Dublin – A city of contrasts – Medieval/Modern; Rainy/Sunny; Cathedrals/Pubs.

Dubliners have a saying: “It only rained twice last week. The first rain lasted 4 days, the second three.” Fortunately, I was able to make it through the past three days in Dublin with only one rainy morning/afternoon with a absolutely wonderful evening and bright sunny Tuesday. Over the past three days, I have had the pleasure of a full Irish breakfast every morning consisting of fruit, fried egg, sausage, bacon, white and black pudding (don’t ask… not quite sure and definitely not the kind of pudding we have in the states. More like a baked something with an indescribable taste – not bad , just different.) Of course the breakfast includes tea (with milk) and toast. A great way to start the day.

Jumping on the train every morning, I head into Dublin and tour the city. The Guinness Factory, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, The National Botanical Gardens, and much more. During it all, I roamed dozens of streets and road the Hop on, Hop off bus through two different routes and took hundreds of pictures , some of which are posted below. I am roaming Dublin waiting for the journalism students to arrive form Croatia tomorrow. In the meantime, I am heading up the coast to see a castle and a bit of coastal scenery. More to come…