OK, let's try this post again, shall we...

Here is a short video of the Atlantic coast of Ireland. The water was very rough, and you can see the Cliffs of Moher in the background!

PS- Thanks to whoever pointed out I had written the Pacific coast earlier today. Guess that's what happens when you blog before you're entirely awake!

Well, I made it back in once piece! The vacation was AMAZING and exactly what I was hoping for. Ireland is a beautiful, peaceful country and the people couldn't be any friendlier. I've been looking over  the nearly one thousand photo's I took, and remembering all the little details, and wishing I was still there.

I'm so proud of myself for taking this adventure, being brave, and following through on my dreams of travel. I learned a lot about myself, and tapped into skills I wasn't sure I really had. It's funny how one week in a foreign place all alone can change so many things, so subtly. But they have, and I am happy.

 I spent my last day in Ireland cruising along the east coast just south of Dublin, around Wicklow. As you can see the morning was quite foggy and misty, which I expected to see while here, but hoped not to on a tour day. Unfortunately I've forgotten the name of the lake, but this was our first stop. It was eery to see the edge of this beautiful, serene lake and have it disappear into a blanket of fog 20 feet from where I was standing. I have no idea how big the lake actually was.
 This bridge was included in a scene from the movie PS I Love You (one of my all time favs!), which first got me interested in visiting Ireland.

 Sheep are EVERYWHERE in Ireland!
 After touring the Wicklow mountains we toured Glendalough, an old monastic temple. I got to see more graveyards and stunning lake views.




 So long Ireland, you've been good for me an my soul. I hope to see you again someday!

Keeping it short and sweet tonight since Im in the AMAZING Westin Hotel in Dublin, and in seriously need of some peace and relaxation. I've just finished up my room-service delivered dinner and taken a shower in the granite tiled shower. Oh la la, I could get used to this!

Tomorrow I'm going on a tour of  Wicklow and Glendalough Ireland. I've been looking forward to this tour since the beginning of the trip since it's the setting of some of my favorite movies; P.S. I love you, and Leap year.

More tomorrow!

Today has been calm and relaxing, and exactly what I needed! After sleeping in I strolled around Galway and stopped in a few cute shops.

The most exciting shop was Thomas Dillon's. Where the original claddagh ring was made.  Aside from picking out my own ring, I checked out their make-shift museum featuring old rings, as well as information on how they were made. Very interesting for a jeweler!

After taking in the city I attended a Etsy meet-up, which just so happened to be occuring in Galway tonight. FATE!

Tomorrow it's back to Dublin!

Woah guys, its been a big day. 252 photos big. But not to worry, I'll give you the cliffs notes version :)
 I spent today with the Galway Tour Company vising the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Sarting at 10, we headed south went  towards the Burren. The drive alone was spectacular.

We saw thatched roofs, crumbling buildings, castles, fields of sheep, lush green grass, and quaint little towns. Be sure to notice the rainbow in the photo above. First one I've seen all year, and it made me so happy!!! It was one of about five that made an appearance today since it was raining off and on.
The burren translates to "rocky mountain" or cliff...I think? The terrain started to change, and rocks slowly became more dominate than the green grass I love so much.
Once at the top of the mountains we stopped at the Poulnabrone Dolmen. This small monument is a type of grave marker that predates the egyptian pyramids. Crazy isn't it!

Leaving the Burren we stoped to view some high crosses in Kilenora. I love gravestones as it is, so these celtic crosses were to die for. I was so bummed I didn't have a crayon and sheet of paper. They were beautiful. Did you know that the celtic crosses combine a circle to represent the pagans belief in the sun and the traditional christian cross?
This is me totally in love with Ireland. After stopping in Doolin for lunch we got our first peek the Cliffs of Moher, and the Atlantic Ocean.
As you can see, the water was very rough today. The tour guide said he hasn't seen the water like this in three months, and we were very lucky to view the cliffs today. No boats are sailing the waters in this weather.
We finally arrived at the Cliffs of Moher, and I was absolutely amazed. They are honestly the most breathtaking thing I've seen in my entire life.
Just to give you an idea of size, a lookout tower is on the edge of the cliff in the photo above. It's
not huge, but at least a few stories tall.
And those are people at the top of the cliffs in this photo.  Majestic is the best word I can think of to describe it, and I feel truly lucky to have seen such an amazing part of the world.

I've decided to forgo the day trip I had planed for tomorrow so that I can have a more relaxing day exploring the city of Galway.