Kennedy Family Travels

Today is our last day in Dublin; tomorrow we fly back to Toronto via Reykjavik! Luckily Caroline was able to take the day off and hang with us as we headed to Blackrock to show the boys UCD and Joe’s Michael Smurfit School of Business. We grabbed a DART train after breakfast and headed over to campus to check it all out!

Joe and Caroline led us on a tour of the buildings and we saw where Joe lived during his time here. The boys saw classrooms and we walked around the small campus before heading back into Blackrock for lunch at Eddie Rockets. This place is another Joe favorite. It’s like an old diner!

Now we were heading back into Dublin to check out St. Patrick’s Cathedral and then head over to St. James Gate and our tour of Guinness. The walk over was nice as the sun was out and we were able to see lots of Dublin on the way. The Cathedral was busy but we were able to get right in and see the inside for ourselves.

Next we headed down to St. James’ Gate and the Guinness tour. Joe loves this place and the boys were able to see Dublin from the tallest building in the city in the Gravity Bar on the 8th floor. It’s so busy now; the first time Joe and I visited many years ago, we were literally the only ones up there!!

It was time to head back to the hotel and drop the boys off for some down time. They were exhausted so we brought them some dinner and let them relax while we headed out with Caroline to meet up with Joe’s classmates for a reunion of UCD alumni. We met up in Dublin and there was a great turnout of people who came out to see Joe and Caroline before we headed back to the States.

The next morning it was time to head back home!

Overall it was an amazing trip! Now it’s laundry time!!! We arrived home about 4 am after a 7 hour drive back from Toronto. The dogs were happy to see us and we were happy to see our beds!!! Thanks for following!!!

Starting the morning in Kilkenny was wonderful. We walked up into town to grab some breakfast and shopping before catching the train into Dublin. This time we got smart though and bought seats on the train, which gets very crowded!! So we booked our seats for the 1:05 train to Dublin and headed out!

The train ride was about 90 minutes into Dublin and the train was packed. So much easier than driving!

Arriving into Dublin we went in search of a cab to get to our last hotel of the trip. We were booked at the Leonardo Hotel just outside of Temple Bar area. This is in a good location to get places but a bit shady on some side streets. We were right next to the giant spire too!

Next we went out to explore the shopping area. Max found his Warhammer store and Seamus was hunting down Funko Pops. Joe and I hit up the Butler’s Chocolate store while the boys did their shopping. Very busy area!

We continued on our way to Temple Bar to find a place to eat. As usual it was packed and they were completing a lot of work on the roads so peoply is my best description!! We landed at a pub and the boys enjoyed pizza, me a salad and Joe some fish and chips. There was live entertainment and it was a great way to slow down and relax a bit before a day of sightseeing tomorrow!

Joe and I put the boys to relax at the hotel and we ran back over to do some shopping and enjoy some music. Way too many people so we were back in a hurry! Back at it again tomorrow!!

Waterford was definitely cool overnight but not terribly cold. Here we leave the window open at night to keep the room cool as there is no air conditioning!! This hotel is super comfy but we wanted to make sure we saw all our things, so up we jumped up to head out to see the sites and catch out 11:43 train to Kilkenny.

Next it was a quick cab ride up to the train station to catch our train to Kilkenny. This was only about a 30 minute ride, and we’re starting to get the hang of these trains!

After our short train ride we arrived in Kilkenny. It was a quick 10 minute walk from the train station to the Langton Hotel. This is a great place to stay and the city is wonderful. We loved it and will definitely be back!! Smaller city like Waterford but much to do and way more music being played. Great experience!

Next up Joe and I headed over to Smithwicks’ Brewery for a guided tour. This is owned by Guinness now, but was started in 1710. The owner was Catholic, and because of the Reformation Act, could not own property or a business unless they renounced the Pope. His friend fronted the business for him until he was allowed to rightfully own and name his business. Molly was our guide and we really enjoyed learning about their brewing process and their beers too!

Next we grabbed the boys for dinner and a quiet walk back to the hotel. I would say we highly recommend a stop in this beautiful town. On our walk back we stopped into a pub for a pint at a haunted pub and met some Canadians traveling through the country and chatted for a bit! Tomorrow we head back into Dublin for our final destination!

Today it’s time to leave London and head back to Ireland. Luckily all we had to do was grab a cab outside of the hotel and head to Victoria Station and catch the Gatwick Express train to Gatwick Airport and catch our RyanAir flight to Dublin. It was raining as we headed out and at 6:30 am the streets were pretty quiet.

We have learned several tips on the trains. It’s best to book online and reserve your seats! That gives you a specific place to sit and is designated by your name over the spot. You have to hustle getting on the train to make sure you get a spot for your luggage. After that, just sit back and relax and let the conductor do the driving! The Express only took about 30 minutes to get to the airport and then straight up to RyanAir to load your bags. Everything is electronic and you do the work. Scan your boarding pass, weigh your bag and print your bag tag. Put in on the luggage and then load your bag on the conveyor that reads the tag and takes your bag off to Bagland. Easy peasy!

After breakfast at Starbucks we loaded up and were off to Dublin!

Once in Dublin we headed into Heuston Station to catch a train to Waterford for the night.

It’s about a 2 1/2 hour train ride from Dublin to Waterford so we all relaxed and enjoyed the ride. Joe was more than happy to not be driving!!

We ran through Waterford Crystal before they closed for the evening. No purchases this year but they updated the showroom. It’s beautiful for sure!

Exploring the Viking aspects of Waterford was next up as we wandered around the city, hitting up Reginald’s Tower and several other spots. We learned that Waterford is where St. Patrick’s Day was originated too!

We did some shopping where Seamus bought his Funko pops and the rest of us wandered around. Dinner was definitely on our minds now, and we tried The Three Shippes but they had closed early, so we headed to Reg’s Pub for some fish and chips, or baby sharks as the bartender called them. They were HUGE pieces of fish and we probably should have split some meals here!

Back to the hotel we went because we were all beat and ready for sleep. I did grab some lovely sunset photos!!

Today is London in a day. Literally we are trying to fit it all in before we leave London tomorrow. Hold on to your hats!

First up, the HMS Belfast which was Max’s request to see. On the walk over, which was only about a ten minute walk, we stopped at a food market to grab some breakfast. It was beautiful!

Seamus tried raw milk. It didn’t go well. He said he much preferred the watered down version we drink in the US. Not shocked as it was pretty thick to drink. At least we got him the pasteurized version🤣. I do love all the fun glass bottles we are served in for most places.

Back on our way, we headed to the Riverwalk and headed to the ship. It was sunny but still pretty breezy as we made our way down the walk.

Time for us to tour the HMS Belfast. Nine decks make up this ship that was in service over 25 years of service. I realized pretty quickly that I would have never survived the Navy. My purse barely made it through the holes to the steps. And every ladder has 9 million steps too. I can’t even imagine living like this with 1000 other people. This ship was at D-Day and in the Pacific. Pretty impressive!!

Next we headed up to the Tower Bridge to cross over to the Tower of London for our tour there. It was pretty crowded but a fun walk over the Thames.

Before our tour we stopped into Starbucks and took a moment to reset. Busy busy Starbucks for sure, but I added another ornament to my collection! Then we were off to the Tower tour!

I’ve done this tour multiple times and learn something every time. It focuses heavily on the people put to death here, including Henry’s wives like Ann Boleyn and Katherine of Aargon. Poor Lady Jane Grey’s story is horrible too. Guy Fawkes was tortured in the basement on the White Tower in the Gunpowder plot here as well. It’s a very dark history. Traitor’s Gate and Bloody Tower where the two young princes were murdered also highlighted this tour. After the tour we hit the Torture in the Tower display and then the Crown Jewels where someone was reprimanded for taking pictures 😬. The boys liked the White Tower display of all the knights and their armor from days of battle. Lots of steps and a loads of history.

Next came my fall from grace. Racing to the Tower underground station I may have hit a stone wrong and went flying. It was a slow motion fall. Right on my face. Somehow though I saved my camera and phone. Miracle. Unfortunately, my pants did not survive the fall. Oh well Seamus and I headed to Westminster and Big Ben while Joe and Max hit up the British Museum.

Evening Song was getting ready

Next we headed back to get ready for our Globe Experience of Much Ado About Nothing. It was an amazing experience and so well done. The acting was superb; we were plebeians and stood the performance for 10 euro but it was so good. I do love London and can’t wait to get back. It’s a great place!! The acting was amazing. We loved our performance!!

We started our day in Stirling bright and early heading for the trains back to Waverly Station in Edinburgh. This leg of the trip was relatively easy and quick. The morning was chilly and we grabbed breakfast at the station from WH Smiths. Then on to the train!

Once into Waverly Seamus and I hoofed it up 900 million steps to quickly get to the Royal Mile to do some last minute shopping. Remember this, it will be important later😳

Grabbing some breakfast at the station, we loaded up our luggage on the train to Kings Cross Station in London. The train was roomy and so much easier than flying. Just sit down and relax and watch all the sheep as you drive by or nap. Unfortunately we did not get a table seat, so the boys sat across the aisle from us. It was about a 4 1/2 hour trip down from Edinburgh to London. Not bad!

Finally we arrived at Kings Cross London and started to disembark from the train. It was chaotic and Joe had to go on a hunt to find our bags that had been moved. It’s amazing how many people use the trains. But it’s brilliant. Joe made a new friend getting off the train who led us straight to the taxi queue and to the front of the line. The boys and I had no idea what was going on 🤣

Now, about 6 hours later, I realize that the bag of our Edinburgh purchases was left behind on the train. Yep. Panic. Of course lost items doesn’t open until Monday at 9:00 am when we are set to be at the airport in Gatwick for our flight to Dublin. Fingers crossed they’ll find it and ship it to us🤞🤞

So we hopped in our cab, the original black cab of course, and headed to Bankside London and Hotel Mercure. Little did we know what was waiting around the bend. Literally 🤷‍♀️

As we sat at a light our cabbie says “Aye, well you’re in for a treat guys”. He wasn’t kidding. Next came a 7 minute naked bike ride through the streets of London. You just can’t make this up. The cabbie just kept repeating “Bloody hell!”, I giggled and took pictures and the boys. Well. The boys just laughed. Welcome to London!

The hotel is beautiful and in a perfect location for us. Highly recommend this place!

Next we headed out to grab some food. It was early evening and everyone was winding down. We walked down the Bankside Thames riverwalk and checked out all the shoppes and restaurants along the river. This is a beautiful place!

Tomorrow we will be up early to get it all in!!

Today was a massive travel day for the Kennedy Clan. Joe and I rushed down at 6:30 AM to Waverly Station to purchase our train tickets to Inverness and then on to London for tomorrow. Marvin tried to help us the night before, but today Davie was our very helpful agent that worked out all the details for us. Next we headed back up the hill, we’ve come to realize Scotland is a series of massive hills, to check out and head into the Highlands.

We found our way to Platform 16 and jumped on the train to Stirling. I have to say, the Brits did it right with their trains. This system would so benefit the US, but we’re clearly not willing to invest in this.

Off we went to Stirling, to leave our bags at the Stirling Highland Hotel for the day. When we got off the train, Joe and I had the feels of Derry in Stirling, just a bit rough. Now to get up to the hotel, it was much like climbing Mt. Everest, straight up. Which is really fun pulling your suitcase and other bags. But we finally made it up to drop the bags and continue up the hill, of course, to Stirling Castle.

Next we were off to Inverness on the train. This was about a 2 1/2 hour train ride and then we had to grab a bus out to Urquardt Castle on Loch Ness. To be clear, the last time Joe and I did this, about 25 years ago, we almost had to walk the 8 miles back into town. We were hoping to be a bit more prepared this time out😉. But then o, it is us! The trains are amazing: plenty of room, bring what you need, and relax. The scenery was beautiful as we headed higher into the Highlands. It rained on and off but no stress riding is the way to go!

Once into Inverness we found the bus station and booked our tickets. We were only going to have about 20 minutes out at the castle but it’s better than nothing! Our bus driver was clearly a former Formula 1 driver, and Seamus was queasy after this seat-gripping ride that included a ten year old with the foulest mouth ever. It took a lot of restraint to keep my teacher voice in check. He was simply awful. Now I know the Brits are much more liberal with the f word but this kid was off the charts!!! Finally we made it to Loch Ness! It’s very different today. First time here it was very wild and open. Now there’s lots of paths and buildings that do take a bit away from the experience, but it’s still amazing.

Now it was back on the bus to the train to the hotel. We were beat but saw quite a bit!