We're on the ferry eating breakfast, about an hour out from our port in France. As we chug back towards the continent, emotions mingle. I feel deep gratitude for this time away as a family and for memories that we all will cherish for the rest of our lives. And while I love my life in France, while I am eager to see friends and get back to work, I am not quite ready for this vacation to be over. Not yet.
Our week in County Sligo was a perfect balance between rest and adventure. The warmth and hospitality of Karen and Eddie (owners of Ballaghboy Lodge) made our time there extra special.
I sipped a Guinness in a thatch roof pub, while locals played traditional Irish music on communal instruments.
We drove through charming villages...
...and frequented cute local cafés.
This is a "drive by shooting" of the oldest pub in Dublin (Est.1193).
After leaving Sligo, we spent three nights with some friends who live just outside of Dublin. It was great to get to know this fun family better! From their house, we visited Newgrange, a 5000 year-old tomb. Just for a point of reference--that's older than the pyramids.
This rock is found at the entrance to the tomb, and its Neolithic carvings make it the most photographed rock in all of Ireland.
Ireland is as beautiful as I'd always imagined it would be, but the highlight of the trip was time together as a family.
This is a medieval Norman castle located in the town of Trim, which is also close to Dublin. Scenes from Braveheart were filmed here. Since we live in a medieval village with a Keep, it was interesting to compare the two structures.
Trim Castle is being preserved in its ruinous state rather than attempts at restoration. Its an approach to history that I greatly appreciate.
This is the countryside surrounding Trim Castle:
This is how Trim Castle looks from the inside:
We had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Dublin.
And we toured the famous Guinness Brewery.
In the evenings we listened to a teaching on Spiritual Warfare that David wanted to share with us. We ate great food. We watched some movies. We laughed and played together. We blessed each other and we drove each other crazy--what family vacation would be complete without some backseat bickering? It was pure delight, and I'm not quite ready for it to end.
Not yet.
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