Ireland

There have been a lot of places I have traveled that I felt at home or contemplated moving there (Costa Rica comes to mind most) but none of these places compare to what you will experience in Ireland.

As I landed and made my way through customs, I could feel the excitement about being in a place I loved.  Seeing shades of green you can't imagine.  Having a pint in a pub.  Hearing words like Craic and Lad.  When I approached the customs desk, the officer asked me if I was traveling alone and then noticed I had been to Ireland before.  We must have talked for 20 minutes about what I did last year and what I would see different this year.  I am sure the people behind me were anxious to keep moving but for me, it was the welcome back I knew I would get.

I was lucky to have a friend outside of Dublin that gave me a home for the trip which made it easy for me to stay close to Dublin but also experience a few things I hadn't previously done.  I had an amazing hike in Glendalough, walked the cliff walk from Bray to Greystones and did an awesome tour in the rain of Glasnevin cemetery, which was really a highlight of the trip to hear the history of those that fought for Ireland's independence.

Of course though, the best craic is always the pub.  When I first arrived, I went in the first pub I saw.  A great little place with a bunch of older men watching football and horse racing and a lovely pint of Guinness. Hearing stories from men happy to have someone new to tell the same old stories to or listening to trad just makes you smile.

As usual, I really didn't want to leave but I know I will be back soon.













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