Leaving Belfast, and headed to our final destination of Dublin for two days, we decided to take the seaside route and go through the Morin mountains. It was a beautiful drive. It only added an hour to our trip.

Clontarf Castle in Dublin was our final lodging. This is where the battle of Clontarf in April 1014 occurred, taking 10,000 lives and allowing the King of Ireland to defeat the Vikings. Unfortunately the King was killed. This castle is filled with artifacts and emblems dedicated to this King, Brian Boru in this epic battle. The castle was built in 1172 to serve as the first line of defense and protection for Dublin. It remained that way until 1388 when it was declared a monastery for the Knights Templar. A few years later, King Henry VIII evicted the knights and reclaimed it for the Royal Family. In the mid 1600s, the castle was sold to the quartermaster of Cromwell’s army, John Vernon, and it remained in the Vernon family for more than 300 years. The family banner still hangs in the castle lobby. Talk about history…this castle is full of it. Sometimes it boggles my mind to think that far back in time and how different our world is today. 10,000 men killed in ONE battle 1,300 years ago….unconceivable!

We luckily arrived as a wedding was in progress and were able to see the beautiful couple and their friends dressed to the hilt.

Exploring Dublin was fun and interesting. Luckily, It was a day of sunshine. In the cultural heart of Dublin, on the South River bank, there are hundreds of restaurants, pubs, shopping areas, etc. The Temple Bar is one of the most famous pubs in Ireland….and the primary hangout for original Irish live music. Crowded, smoky, and loud…but definitely a place you need to say “I’ve been there!”. We enjoyed our farewell margaritas and some great Irish music..then went to the Shake restaurant next door for a farewell dinner.

In Summary….Ireland, 2023

Rain most days…4-5 beautiful sunny days,only couple days of hard rain.

Drove 1276 miles…only hitting 3 car mirrors and 4 curbs.

Nobody sick despite the heavy consumption of spirits, until the last night when Cissy was sick all night and into the final day of travel. We tried a new whiskey, Roe & Co. to see if that would cure her, but didn’t seem to do the trick.😜

Lots of laughter and camaraderie among good friends…priceless memories. As I always say…

I don’t need it all, I just wanta see it all.