Making the Most of Milwaukee

Our last day in Ireland September 25 We woke up early this morning, got our car by 8, and then started driving back to Dublin. The rental car was due at 2, and it would be at least a 3 hour drive. Plus we wanted to stop to eat on the way, of course. I don't remember the name of the cafe (or town for that matter) we stopped at, but here's a pic of my yummy brunch! Scrambled eggs and bacon on avocado sour dough toast, crisps, and salad We got to Dublin about 12:30, and pretty much went straight to our hotel - The Merrion Hotel. Right off the bat, I was very impressed with how courteous and professional everyone was. They helped us unload our bags onto a cart (we'd accumulated a few more things that needed to be packed and some of my travel cubes were not inside my backpack, so it took more hands to carry everything inside), and then I made myself comfortable out on the terrace while Justin took the car back to Budget. And he had to take a couple buses back to the ho...

Cork September 24 We packed up, checked out of the guesthouse, and started driving toward Cork. To my dismay, we did not immediately find a place to eat breakfast. I had wanted to stop at a place in Killarney that had been recommended to us, but Justin wanted to find something on the way to Cork. Let's just say I started to get pretty hangry. But at least the scenery was lovely, as usual! We finally found a diner to eat at. It seemed like it was popular with the locals, which was great. I got the mini Irish breakfast, and Justin got the full. For the first time I had an opportunity to try (Justin's) black pudding. I wasn't excited about trying it, since I know what it is, but I made myself sample a little bite. I was definitely underwhelmed.  After breakfast - or was it brunch? - we continued on to Cork. We found our bed and breakfast, which is located right on Oliver Plunkett Street. This is an award-winning street known for its "local character, comm...

Slea Head Loop and Killarney September 23 We met Pat's wife, Ann this morning. She's the kind of older woman who you just know was a knockout when she was younger. She was really sweet too. We had breakfast in the conservatory with some of the other guests. Everyone seemed relaxed, and there was some bits of conversation shared among us. The atmosphere was light and peaceful, even though the weather was not. For breakfast, I opted for smoked salmon and poached eggs. I wanted to get something that I wouldn't normally get back home. And I wasn't disappointed. We packed up our things, paid our bill, and headed toward Dingle town, so we could drive the Dingle peninsula, also known as Slea Head Loop. I had read some reviews to make sure it was still worth doing in the rain. It seemed that it would be. We followed the signs that took us west of Dingle. Since Slea Head Drive is barely more than a single lane, it is recommended that you drive the loop clockwise. That way...

Conor Pass and Dingle September 22 Justin and I had a delicious breakfast this morning. He had poached eggs, and I had pancakes. We didn't stay long, because we were anxious to drive Conor Pass, and get to Dingle. For those not familiar with it, Conor Pass, it is basically a beautiful, and potentially hazardous mountain road. The roads are twisty, and part of it is only one lane, so you need to be extra careful. Here's a pic that I found that gives a pretty good idea of what the road looks like. The weather was fantastic, the roads were good, and the traffic was relatively light. I admit that I wasn't 100% comfortable, so I preferred looking straight ahead more than looking out and down. Haha. It was a little easier when we pulled off into the two different lookout spots to take pics. Here are the shots I got. From Conor Pass, we drove past our our next bed and breakfast, which is located at the end of Conor Pass, and then into Dingle to...

Bunratty Castle and Adare September 21 After we left the Cliffs of Moher, we headed southeast toward Adare, where our next lodging was. Directly on the way was Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. I know I know, touristy. But we wanted to see one castle while in Ireland. One the way there, we stopped at a small creperie in a little town whose name I can't recall right now. We both had a type of savory crepe made with buckwheat instead of flour. Mine had goat cheese, so it was quite rich. Tasty though! And of course, we got tea too. Bunratty Castle was as I expected. Big, old, and somewhat interesting. There were so many steep, winding stair cases. I like that the castle was furnished to give visitors an idea of what a 16th (or was it 15th?) century castle might really look like. Also on the grounds were small buildings to represent life in that time: a farmhouse, a laborer's house, a blacksmith shop, and others. It reminded me a bit of Old World Wisconsin. One ...