Postscript

That lovely unpasteurized cheese almost got mom busted in Customs at Dublin airport. She had to undergo an agricultural inspection behind closed doors while I nervously chewed my fingernails outside for 30 minutes. The inspector finally let her go, saying that the cheese was "borderline." Whatever. We managed to make our flight home anyway.

Dublin Shelbourne

Our last night in Dublin was spent at The Shelbourne, a real luxury (doorman and everything). Staff was very attentive and even showed us the room in this historic hotel where the Irish constitution was signed (see pics).

All Good Things Must End

We are heading home after a delightful trip through Ireland. Can't emphasize enough how very friendly the people are here or how beautiful the country is. I feel lucky to be able to have spent this time with mom and help her complete one of her bucket list items.

Hope you have enjoyed the blog as much as we have enjoyed creating it. Let us know when you plan your Irish adventure!

Trinity College & the Book of Kells

Turned in our rental car this morning. I feel like a great weight has been lifted. No more driving in Ireland for me! Spent today walking around Dublin. Saw the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Picture of me in front of Provost Salmon at Trinity, who didn't believe women should be admitted as students. Now they make up over 60% of the student population. Humph!

The young guy pictured was our tour guide at Trinity. While he looks like a character out of Star Wars, he's actually wearing academic regalia.

Potentially the last food pictures we'll post, from a gourmet cheese shop. Bringing some lovely cheeses home at the request of my brother, Jon.

Dublin Bound

Mom and I have both decided that we're tired of eating...but that doesn't keep us from posting food pics on the blog. We left Kilkenny this morning for Dublin and made good time, but the city driving and trying to find our hotel nearly did me in. Once again a very kind native helped us out by leading us from a parking garage FAR from where we should have been, right to the hotel. He was today's hero.

We toured part of the Ireland National Museum and did some shopping in the city center.

These Southern belles are starting to droop. Must be time to come home...

An Evening in Kilkenny

We were so full from lunch yesterday that we didn't even bother with dinner. Upon recommendation from our b&b hostess at the Mena House, we walked to Matt the Miller's bar for some traditional Irish music. Mom was tickled that the name of the group was "Wallop the Cat." They'll be in New Orleans this summer if anyone's interested.

Did some shopping at Donne's, which appears to be the Irish version of a Super Target. I was tickled to find personalized Cokes.

My sense of direction failed me on the way back to the b&b. Fortunately we were assisted by a very nice lady named Margaret who knew our b&b owner and gave us a ride back. Only in Ireland!

Kilkenny

Medieval city of Kilkenny. The blue house in the second photo sits right on the road. Stepping out the front door must be taking ones life in ones hands! Other photos on the river Nore.