April 24th, 2014 | Uncategorized
There was no better way to spend my week off from classes for Easter break than to spend it exploring Ireland with my parents and Grandma! The countdown for my family’s arrival started months ago, as I had not seen my parents since I left America in August, and I was brimming with excitement by the time they finally arrived. Of course my Mom started crying when she saw me for the first time in our hotel in Dublin, so of course I started crying too… I’m sure the hotel people were looking at us like we were mad, but neither of us were too worried about it.
I had a jam-packed week ahead planned for us, some highlights starting in Dublin with the Guinness Factory, Belfast with the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge (and scaring my Dad half to death as I sat on the edge of a cliff), visiting Dingle and driving around the winding Dingle Peninsula road with its breathtaking views of the Irish countryside, walking around Galway city and taking a ferry around the Cliffs of Moher.
It’s kind of shocking how much ground we covered in just over a week, having to stay in about 7 different hotels and B&Bs, and one night at the Butler’s house (my friend Nicola’s family) in Limerick. But we all had a great time, and the weather was unreal the entire trip (it didn’t rain ONCE in a 10-day span, unheard of for Ireland), which made the time exploring the Emerald Isle so much more enjoyable.
One of the best parts of the trip (other than all the daily breakfast fry and every dinner with dessert) was the chance for my parents to meet some of the people here that have helped Ireland become a home for me. From visiting with fellow Victory Scholar Jared and the Maguire family in Belfast, to lunch with a few of my MSc friends in Limerick, to scones and tea with the Brophys in Galway and spending the night with the Butlers in Limerick, I was glad my family was able to meet my extended family over here in Ireland. It was hard saying goodbye to my parents and Grandma, but I think it is safe to say they know I am in good hands over here. Until next time, readers!
