July 17-27

Day 1: Grin and Bear the Jet Lag in Dublin

Okay… I admit. It’s a big mistake. Yes, I left the Ambien and Lunesta sitting right there on the kitchen counter. Yes, Dear Reader, I pop sleeping pills when jet lag is a possibility. I am not ashamed or even, remotely, considering changing my two days of Ambien and two Lunesta anti jet lag treatment except, of course, now in light of my massive nocturnal omission. Luckily, I remembered the Calm (fizzy magnesium drink that aids in sleep) so hopefully this all natural elixir will do the trick and not leave me grumpy and haggard. I already know that Brown Bear and Squeak are looking at me a bit cross-eyed.

This first day in Dublin we are on our own. There are falcon caves to discover and a jail to tour. I am sure that we will hit it hard and right despite the inevitable whining.

Day 2- Dublin
We will be hitting the Book of Kells and some Museums today. The rest of our traveling group arrives today.

Day 3- Dublin

2:00 pm We have a guide taking us through the streets of Dublin and then have dinner at a Dublin restaurant where we will meet the rest of our group.

Day 4- Killarney

See the Rock of Cashel where Guinness was started
Visit Blarney Castle and Kiss the Blarney Stone

Day 5

Either Hike the Gap of Dunloe or Experience a Working Sheep Farm and Dog Herding Exhibition (I wonder which one Big G will choose? Let’s not forget Little Tim Time from the RV trip)
Picnic Lunch
Take a boat to Ross Castle
Traditional dinner at a local Killarney pub

Day 6

Horseback riding or Kayaking in the Morning
Spa Treatments for adults in the afternoon (now we’re talking)

Day 7

Drive to the Dingle Peninsula where we will have a traditional, pub style lunch
Explore the town of dingle before checking into the Dromoland Castle

Day 8

Board a boat to Inisheer Island, one of the three Aran Island, where we will have a hiking tour
See the Cliffs of Moher from the water
Return to Dromoland Castle for a traditional Irish dinner

Day 9

Return to Dublin to catch a 8 am flight back to the United States

Day 10
Leave Dublin
Squeak and Big G go to Washington State so that Big G can go straight to camp
Brown Bear and C go to NYC so that C can go to camp
And I, Dear Reader, go with Little G and P back home to California