The Great Mound at Knowth

Home from our trip... home.

Feels so odd, to have two homes.

Always a bit torn between the two.

Our trip to Texas was absolutely wonderful, but so short.

So many emotions!  I cried way more than was necessary,

but all of the feelings were are just overwhelming.

And my gorgeous girl-child is now a wife!

I promise to tell you all about it, but I'm still processing all of it.

As I edit the photos, I'll need to edit my thoughts also.  That is going to take a bit of time.

So, today I'll share the next stop on our Epic Do Everything Road Trip.

After one night in Dublin, we headed North and along the way stopped at the

ancient burial mounds of Brú na Bóinne.  We took a guided tour of one of the largest

neolithic passage graves in Europe.  The mound at Knowth is made up of one large mound

with two passages and is surrounded by 18 smaller mounds.The tombs date back over 5,000 years and are the source of one of the largest neolithic art collections in Europe.

Over 200 decorated stones were found on the site and there are many theories

about what the symbolism means.  It was a fascinating place surrounded by stunning views.

 There are several other passage tombs in the present day county of Meath along the eastern coast.

.  Visit their website for visitor's information. 

I still can't get over how green and gorgeous Ireland is.

Can you?

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Family Road Trip

In just a few short days I’ll be on my way back to Texas!  This will be my first visit since we moved to London almost three years ago.  To say that I’m completely overwhelmed is an understatement.  I just don’t know how I’m going to feel.  I’m sure it will be an emotional week reuniting with family and friends, not to mention my only child is getting married!  It will be a whirlwind week of excitement and Tex-Mex. 

 
I’m really looking forward to see these two again. 

My brother and my dad were here earlier this year for our epic road trip.  I’m surprised they are still speaking to me.  It was their first trip to the UK and within hours I had loaded them up in the car and we hit the road. 
 

Looking back, it probably wasn’t the best plan.  I wanted to show them EVERYTHING.  This meant they spent nine days in the back seat of our car as we drove to Wales, ferried over to Ireland, drove up to Northern Ireland, ferried over to Scotland, drove through the highlands and then all the way back to London.   It was way too ambitious but we managed to squeeze it all in, making wonderful memories along the way. 
 

It was an absolute joy to share this place with them.  From the second I arrived on this side of the pond, there has been this constant thought in my head about my family.  “I wish they were here.  They would love this!”  Every time one of them comes to visit, I feel complete, a dream fulfilled.  

Having them here was just perfect.  I knew my brother would love this place as much as I do and I was right.  I just had to look at him as he gazed out over the Highlands to know exactly how he was feeling.  It was one of those moments I’ll tuck away forever.

My dad is the photographer in the family.  I can't wait to see the photos he took of our trip.  My brother is an emergency room nurse (so proud of him).  So, of course, we had to go see the Florence Nightingale statue.

 

These are just some photos from a few of the many places along the way.  Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing many more and some details about all of the places we visited on our intensive road trip.  

Where was your most memorable family road trip?

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Ten more things to do in Dublin

I've had so much fun writing about my week in Dublin.  It's been one of my very favorite trips so far.

"In Dublin's Fair City..." 

Coast and Castle

Tell me a story 

Wandering Wild Wicklow

I could very easily write ten more posts about all of the things that we did in Dublin.

And maybe I will in the future.  But today here is a quick list of things to add to your agenda when you visit.

1.  Stroll the campus of Trinity College founded in 1592.

2.  See the breathtaking Old Library and the Book of Kells, a 1,600 year old illuminated manuscript.

3.  Enjoy the city atop a double decker bus.

4.  Hang out at the Little Museum of Dublin to learn about 20th Century Dublin

(and to see Bram Stoker's top hat.)

5.  Contemplate life and death at the Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum where 1.5 million are buried.  (This one is definitely getting it's own post.)

6.  Enjoy a pint of Guinness at Kavanagh's Pub, also known as the Grave Diggers.

7.  Share a heavenly meal at The Church Cafe, Bar & Restaurant

where Handel used to practice on the organ.

8.  Have a dram o'whiskey at The Old Jameson Distillery.

9.  Toast to friends, old and new, at the Guinness Storehouse.

10.  Shop for warm fuzzies at Avoca.

Have you experienced Dublin?  What else shall we add to the list?

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