Week 11 Day 8: Tramore to Dublin, IE

March 19, 2010

The Beatles had 8 days a week, so why can’t I! I usually start my week on Saturday for my adventure. But, Ireland being the greatest adventure ever, I started it a day early on Friday last week. So here I am, Day 8!

I headed into Waterford to see the crystal museum. It appeared as though it had been closed. They haven’t made Waterford Crystal in Waterford in quite some time; now the museum is gone. Oh well…moving on. I continued north and headed for Glendalough. When I arrived at the visitor’s center, the lady recommended a hike that would offer grand views. First I visited the ruins at Glendalough. There are 2 churches, a tower, and a cemetery. To enter these, there is a beautiful stone gated archway. I strolled around and took lots of pictures. Then I followed the orange arrows for my hike.

I had been driving way too much in the past couple of days. This hike was just what I need to relax and stretch my legs. The hike took about 2 hours. It followed a stream and went past some more ruins. The trail went about half way up the mountain. When I got to the highest point of the trail, it offered some gorgeous scenic views. I could see all of the ruins. Then as I walked a little farther, the lake came into view. A lake lay just beneath two mountains. I continued along the trail and saw some goats. At the bottom of the mountain there was a waterfall, St. Kevin’s Cell ruins, and the trail continued to the lake. It was a spectacular hike and I only saw 2 people the whole time.

Next I was on to Dublin. Traffic in Dublin was busy. I made it to my hotel, checked in, and showered. I was off to find some traditional Irish music if it killed me. The first place was a dead end for music so I walked a little farther down through Temple Bar. The next place I went into was hopping. There was an old guy with a guitar singing away with a little Whiskey in the Jar, Galway Girl, and even some Neil Diamond. He was half traditional. I went in a got a pint a Guinness. I started talking to some Scottish guys. They were in town for the rugby match in full Scottish attire. Yes that’s right – kilts, sporrans, and rugby jerseys. These guys were hilarious! I hung out with them for the night. We wandered down to THE Temper Bar and sang and danced the night away. They even walked me to my taxi at the end of the night. Nice way to end my adventure to Ireland, singing and dancing.